What Are Niche Jobs or Niche Careers?

There was a time when the highest salaries were earned by following a typical, white collar career path, such as becoming an attorney or doctor. While those professions still offer high salaries, the real money is now in niche jobs or niche careers. These are jobs that focus on a tiny aspect of an industry, science, art, etc. For example, many doctors are now becoming specialists to seek higher pay. There is a niche job out there for almost anyone with any skill.  For example, my brother in law now specializes in recreating prehistoric fossils using molds, detailed etching and synthetic materials. His work is featured in some of the top museums in the world and his skills are in high demand. This is a good example of a niche job. Article writing, for sites like TheInfoMine.com is another good example of a niche job.

Niche Jobs In Green and Alternative Energy

Niche jobs are growing in the alternative energy sector. Technicians are needed to install and repair equipment such as wind turbines, solar panels or even drill geothermal wells for power generation.  See this article at SaveGreenly about niche jobs in solar, wind and geothermal. Jobs in the alternative energy sector are expected to grow two to three times faster than any other sector in the coming decade.

How To Find A Niche Career That Suits You

To find a niche job that suits your educational background and salary requirements you should take a good inventory of your skills and then look for industries or niche industries that may need your expertise. If you are already working in a traditional job you may think of starting your own company to fulfill the niche job needs of your employer and their competitors. I have another friend who did just that by quitting his job as a home builder to specialize in solar hot water heaters. He is now making twice as much money, despite the real estate slowdown. If you are considering changing careers, think of niche jobs first. A good resource with articles on niche jobs is the site HowToGetAJobAs.com

If you are still in school check with your career counselor and ask them about niche job ideas.