5 best job sectors for the months ahead

Hoping to “spring forward’’ into a new job in the coming months?Employment firm ManpowerGroup says 19 percent of US employers plan to add workers in the second quarter. That’s of the more than 18,000 surveyed.Only 4 percent of those surveyed plan to cut staffing levels, among the lowest ever seen for the survey. The majority, 73 percent, plan to keep staff levels where they are. Among the rest, just 4 percent were undecided.Which job sectors have the best potential for hiring this quarter?All text by Mark Hamrick, Bankrate.com contributor

1. Leisure and hospitality

It’s like the Go-Go’s song lyric, “Vacation, all I ever wanted.’’ This active slice of the workforce continues to dominate the hiring outlook. ManpowerGroup finds 20 percent of employers in the fun-and-sun sector have a positive view of hiring in the quarter. It held the top spot in the previous quarter as well.Jobs in this sector includeBarber, hairdresser and cosmetologist Median salary: $22,700Chefs and head cooks Median salary: $42,480

2. Wholesale and retail trade

If it’s a new job you want, we can get it for you wholesale or retail. The goods-related sector continues to have a strong showing in the hiring outlook. The survey finds that 19 percent of wholesale and retail trade firms expect to be adding to payrolls in the coming months.Jobs in this sector includeCashiers Median salary: $18,970Demonstrators and product promoters Median salary: $23,860

3. Mining

Feel like journeying to the center of the earth? Put on your hard hat. There’s better pay here, but with it comes potentially difficult and dangerous work. The survey dug up that 18 percent of employers in the mining world are planning to boost their workers in the spring.Jobs in this sector includeMining and geological engineers Median salary: $84,320Geoscientists Median salary: $90,890

4. Professional and business services

In this world, you don’t have to wear a white collar, but it probably wouldn’t hurt. Services overall represent the largest slice of the US economy. So, it is no laughing matter when it comes to finding a job. Overall, 14 percent of employers in the sector are looking to hire in the second quarter.Jobs in this sector includeMarket research analyst Median salary: $60,300Real estate appraiser Median salary: $49,540

5. Transportation and utilities

If you want a career that will take you places – we mean really take you places – this sector could be for you. Or if you want a real “buzz,’’ you can try utilities, like electric plants. The latest survey indicates that 12 percent of employers in transportation and utilities think they’ll need to expand in the near-term.Jobs in this sector includeDelivery truck driver: Median salary: $27,530Flight attendants: Median salary: $37,240