Although the unemployment rate is still considered high—8.7 percent of the labor force was unemployed as of May 2011, and many occupations have become unpopular or died. Many occupations and industries are still thriving. Research and development, homeland security, aerospace, and defense are still going strong, while the advertising industry has been the hardest hit by the recession. Not everyone has what it takes to land a job in homeland security or aerospace, and that’s ok. Fortunately, there are a number of other occupations and industries that seem to be recession proof as well. They are:

1. Registered Nurse
2. Retail (manager, assistant manager, sales associate)
3. UPS Driver
4. Financial Advisor
5. Occupational Therapist

Registered Nurse

This is the number one recession-proof career on the list of top recession-proof careers and among the fastest growing. Registered nurses work in hospitals where they assess patient problems ad needs, and provide support to patients’ family members. Registered nurses can earn anywhere from $40,250 a year (entry level) up to $83,440 a year. Job Growth: 30%.

Retail (manager, assistant manager, sales associate)

Retail managers manage sales staff, coordinate promotions and schedules, manage inventory, and perform some accounting duties. Sales associates sell merchandise, and ring sales. Retail workers earn anywhere from $14,120-$38,430 a year. Depending on the size of the store and responsibilities, some store managers can earn as much as $75,000-$80,000 a year. Job Growth: 20%. 

UPS Driver

UPS drivers hold the number three spot on the list for several reasons. For starters there will always be a need for UPS delivery personnel because a computer cannot deliver a package to someone’s home or to a business. This occupation offers some of the most flexible schedules, so there’s room for thousands of full or part-time workers, which allows the business to continue to grow. UPS drivers, whether full-time or part-time, receive excellent benefits. This attracts workers as well. UPS drivers may earn anywhere from $55,000 a year up to $70,000 a year, depending on location and overtime. Job Growth: 27%

Financial Advisor

Financial advisors are in high demand, thanks to a lagging economy and companies (and individuals) that need to re-evaluate their business and personal budgets. They also help individuals and businesses make sound investments. Financial advisors may earn anywhere from $32,340 a year (entry level) up to $145,600+ per year. Private financial advisors that work for banks can easily earn seven figures. Job Growth: 26%

Occupational Therapist

Occupational therapists assess, plan, organize, and participate in rehabilitative programs that help to restore daily living skills and general independence. Occupational therapists may earn anywhere from $40,840 a year (entry level) up to $90,000 a year. Job Growth: 35%

Other top recession-proof jobs include:

Accountant
Job Growth: 23%
Salary: $34,470-$94,050

Customer Service Representative
Job Growth: 23%
Salary: $18,110-$45,990

Sales Representative, Sales and Marketing Representative
Job Growth: 20%
Salary: $24,340-$98,960

Financial Analyst
Job Growth: 17.3%
Salary: $40,340-$130,130

Controller
Job Growth: 15%
Salary: $50,290-$145,600+

For more information about top recession proof jobs for 2010-2011, visit Forbes.com.