Not surprisingly, a recession has a big impact on employment. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, at the most recent recession's bottom in June of 2009, the unemployment rate spiked at 4.5% higher than at the start of the recession, peaking at 9.5%. But not every industry suffered; in fact, many careers have taken off during this same time period. According to PayScale.com, these careers have actually seen a spike in average salary since 2006.

1. Physician Assistant - $87,900
It isn't too surprising to learn that the fastest growing annual salary careers are in the healthcare sector. Physician assistants provide an extension of the services a doctor provides. They are supervised by a physician, but work independently. The degree of independency depends on the agreement. This field has experienced an 8.9% increase in the median annual salary.

2. Physical Therapist - $71,000
Physical therapists, or PTs, work with a wide variety of patients who are experiencing pain or a loss of mobility. They also help prevent injury and work to strengthen particular areas of muscular weakness. This kind of rehabilitation is very common after an injury such as a broken limb or after a car accident, and those who practice it have also seen an increase in their median annual salary of 8.9%.

3. Registered Nurse - $58,000
According to the BLS, registered nurses (RNs) make up the largest healthcare profession with over 2.6 million jobs in the United States. The majority of RN jobs are in hospitals treating patients. RNs generally hold a four-year degree and specialize in a particular area of medicine, such as surgery. This profession has also seen an 8.9% increase in median salary since 2006.

4. Marriage and Family Therapist - $48,900
Maybe it's an increase in financial stress, or the fact that the divorce rate is at 50% in the U.S., but this profession is doing quite well, experiencing an 8.1% salary increase since 2006. Marriage and family therapists assess clients and help them set and achieve goals for their lives.

5. Medical Case Manager - $45,700
Medical case managers, sometimes called case managers or nurse case managers, are healthcare professionals who oversee the treatment and care of patients. These professionals often come from a nursing background, and help to advocate for the patient as well as educate them. This career has seen an 8.1% increase in annual salary in the past six years.
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