POPULAR JOBS IN THE U.S.

1. Retail Salespeople

• Perhaps a testament to consumerism, retail salespeople rank No. 1 in job popularity. Besides great communication and customer service skills, retails salespeople also have to know how to close a deal -- many of these jobs are commission-based.

Total employment: 4,209,500

Salary: $24,630*

2. Cashiers

• Cashiers are responsible for working registers, monitoring cash drawers and taking payments at establishments that range from supermarkets and gas stations to retail stores and theme parks. Like retail salespeople, cashiers must have good customer-service and people skills, since they spend their day dealing with the public.

Total employment: 3,439,380

Salary: $19,030

Requirements: On-the-job training

3. Office clerks

• Workers spend their days filling a variety of roles in an office environment, from entering data to preparing mailings. An office clerk's duties may vary daily, according to the needs of the company.

Total employment: 2,815,240

Salary: $27,700

Requirements: A high school diploma and a combination of word processing, computer and proofreading skills

4. Combined Food Preparation And Service Workers

• This category primarily encompasses those who work in fast food establishments as counter attendants and food prep workers. Duties often include taking orders and accepting payment, filling beverage cups, assembling food items and providing customer service.

Total employment: 2,695,740

Salary: $18,120

Requirements: On-the-job training. Employers look for workers with excellent customer-service skills, a neat appearance and the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.

5. Registered Nurses

• Nursing is the most common profession in the healthcare field. RNs provide treatment to patients in hospitals, outpatient facilities and doctors' offices. Some provide home care to patients.

Total employment: 2,583,770

Salary: $66,530

Requirements: RNs are required to have a bachelor's degree in nursing. Many hold master's degrees or an advanced practice nursing license (APRN).

6. Waiters And Waitresses

• Waiters and waitresses take food orders, accept payment and provide menu information to restaurant customers.

Total employment: 2,302,070

Salary: $20,380

Requirements: There are no minimal education requirements, though many establishments prefer staff to have high school diplomas.

7. Customer Service Representatives

• Customer service workers answer questions, provide information, fulfill customer requests and handle customer complaints. While many work in call centers, others are employed in retail stores or at banks.

Total employment: 2,195,860

Salary: $32,410

Requirements: High school diploma, on the job training.

8. Material Movers

• This broad job category encompasses laborers that literally move materials. Think truck loaders, loading dock workers and baggage handlers.

Total employment: 2,135,790

Salary: $25,290

Requirements: On-the-job training

9. Janitor

• Janitors are responsible for maintaining cleanliness in places like office buildings, museums, schools and hospitals.

Total employment: 2,090,400

Salary: $24,120

Requirements: On-the-job training, ability to perform physical work for extended periods.

11. Secretaries

• Secretaries (not including medical, legal and executive secretaries) provide administrative assistance to an office in the form of answering phones, greeting visitors, ordering catering services, proofreading, entering data, scanning and faxing documents, and more.

Total employment: 1,797,670

Salary: $31,060

Requirements: High school diploma, though an increasing number hold an associate or bachelor's degree. Secretaries must also have good computer and communication skills.