Whether you are a recent college graduate or someone who’s been in the workforce for several years, it’s always a good practice to stay abreast of the top industries. Although there is no definitive way to know what industries and jobs will be most available and most lucrative in a few years, projections are available everywhere, notably the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Using this and other tools to determine the best line of work will help ensure the most profitable and secure position available to you now – and in the future.

If you use Fortune Magazine’s Top 100 companies for 2011, then it’s no surprise that out of the top 10, technology–related companies like SAS and Google made the list. According to the BLS, the tech sector is expected to grow by 4 percent through 2018. Jobs in areas of data–processing, web hosting and related services, internet publishing and broadcasting, and software companies are all expected to see demand in new jobs. These industries, which also include telecommunications, will rely on full–time employment, but also look to freelance workers who have experience in tech–related areas.

Another high growth industry – and no surprise that it tops job growth projection is the healthcare sector. According to the BLS, they project that nearly 26 percent of all new jobs created in the U.S. through 2018 will be a result of the healthcare and social assistance industry alone.

With an almost never–ending potential for new research and an insatiable need for more and more workers, the healthcare field is about as secure as it gets. Specific jobs in the industry that are estimated to become most popular in the next few years include home–health aides, medical assistants, and physical therapists.

Another industry with significant growth is the employment services industry. Most of the jobs in this industry usually only require a high school diploma, although some may require a college degree. The benefits include entry–level jobs to the workforce, which have the potential to lead to full time employment. Due to a high turnover rate, jobs are always available.

Educational services are also expected to grow by 12 percent as a result of rising student enrollments in all levels of education – adding 1.7 million new jobs by 2018.

When it comes to which industry you choose to pursue a career in, taking a look at which industry is expected to see growth will help. Plan ahead for the future and your career success has greater potential.