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It's been a rough past year for employees, with massive layoffs across industries. So the question becomes: Who's hiring in '09?

We talked to education and economic officials to see where they think the jobs might be in the Triad. And we used the federal Occupational Outlook Handbook to see what types of wages such jobs pay.

Here are the Triad's top jobs for 2009:

Medicine

Like the nation, there's a growing need here for medical professionals as the population grows older. Also, the Triad is home to major hospitals such as Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center and Moses Cone Health System, with other major medical centers nearby.

• Types of jobs: A mixed bag. Certified nursing assistants, nurses, medical technicians, therapists and more.
• Pay range: Median annual wage-and-salary earnings of medical and clinical laboratory technicians were $32,840 in May 2006.
• Education: Varies widely. Certified nursing assistant certification, for example, can be completed in 10 weeks. Becoming a therapist requires a minimum four-year degree.

Education

There's always a need for not only educators, but support staff, according to Guilford County Schools officials. The district typically hires 400 to 500 new teachers each year, plus more than 200 members of support staff. The downturn in the economy has led to job freezes at Guilford County Schools, but with staff turnover every year there likely will be jobs to fill for the 2009-10 school year. In addition, the Triad is home to more than a dozen colleges and universities with similar needs.

• Types of jobs: Service-oriented positions, such as mechanics and cafeteria workers, along with social workers and teachers.
• Pay range: Median annual earnings of kindergarten, elementary, middle, and secondary school teachers ranged from $43,580 to $48,690 in May 2006.
• Education: Bachelor's degree to become a teacher; two-year degree for a teacher assistant; high school diploma and sometimes training or certification for positions such as mechanics and bus drivers.

Entrepreneurs

As the economy deteriorates, necessity often breeds innovation for displaced workers, according to Robert Clapper, executive director of the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce.

• Types of jobs: You name it. But the rise in biotechnology in the Triad lends itself to innovative research and development businesses in that area, Clapper says.
• Pay range: Varies.
• Education: Varies.

Logistics

The FedEx hub scheduled to open later this year at Piedmont Triad International Airport is driving expansion of both air and land transportation needs. And five major thoroughfares - Interstates 85 and 40 and U.S. 29, 220 and 421 - run through the Triad. Two more major routes - I-73 and I-74, both under construction - will pass through here, too.

• Types of jobs: Drivers, mechanics, warehouse management, package handlers, information technology specialists.
• Pay range: Median hourly earnings of heavy truck and tractor-trailer drivers were $16.85 in May 2006. Median annual earnings of wage-and-salary computer support specialists were $41,470 in May 2006.
• Education: Drivers need a high school diploma, a commercial driver's license and likely a training class. Information technicians may need certification or a degree.

 Contact Jennifer Fernandez at 373-7064 or jennifer.fernandez@news-record.com