Changing careers? Visit bls.gov/ooh

Although the job market has been looking a bit brighter lately, many Americans are still out of work, and some people will need to shift careers to find employment. The Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook website can assist with information on setting a new course.

The site bills itself as "the nation's premier source for career information," and its profiles cover hundreds of occupations. You can explore occupations based on median pay, projected number of new jobs and growth rate, educational requirements and on-the-job training provided.

Jobs in the medical field dominate the Highest Paying Occupations list, while registered nurses top the Most New Jobs category.

Checking the pay level $35,000 to $54,999, we found jobs for special education teachers, respiratory therapists, tile and marble setters and substance abuse counselors; dietitians and nutritionists were among those expected to increase.

Conversely, in the same pay scale, jobs for flight attendants, cooks, postal service clerks, carriers and sorters were among the occupations where growth rates were all in decline.

You can click on an occupation by name to get a brief job description, general job requirements, work environment, pay rate, job outlook and similar occupations.

SITE bls.gov/ooh

DESCRIPTION A-Z career information from auditors to zoologists.

TARGET AUDIENCE Job seekers of any age

BOTTOM LINE A good place to start if a career change is in your future.