What America's Top 15 Jobs Pay

Posted Jan 26th 2009 4:37PM

By Mary Lorenz, CareerBuilder.com writer

We can't all be doctors and lawyers, but hey, that's OK (perhaps more than OK for some), because securing a top job doesn't always necessarily require you to have a graduate degree or work a 60-hour week.

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What makes a job great, of course, is different for everyone, but in terms of offering a stellar combination of growth potential, pay and education requirements, there are some jobs that outshine most others.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the following jobs to be among the fastest-growing occupations. By 2014, demand for these positions will have grown between 30 and 50 percent since 2004. What's more, most of these jobs require only a bachelor's or associate's degree, and yet the pay won't have you clipping coupons anytime soon.

1. Physician assistants -- Unlike medical assistants, who perform routine clinical and clerical tasks, physician assistants practice medicine under the supervision of physicians and surgeons.

Average salary: $63,792 according to salaryexpert.com
Job Growth (through 2014): 49.6 percent
Education level: Bachelor's degree

2. Computer applications software engineers, applications -- These professionals analyze users' needs and design, construct and maintain general computer applications software or specialized utility programs.

Average salary: $56,184
Job Growth: 49.4 percent
Education: Bachelor's degree

3. Dental hygienists -- Dental hygienists examine patients' teeth and gums to detect diseases and abnormalities, teach patients how to practice good oral hygiene and provide other preventive dental care.

Average salary: $49,309
Job Growth: 43.3 percent
Education: Associate's degree

4. Computer systems software engineers -- They coordinate the construction and maintenance of a company's computer systems and plan their future growth.

Average salary: $59,297
Job Growth: 43 percent
Education: Bachelor's degree

5. Network and computer systems administrators -- They design, install and support an organization's local-area network (LAN), wide-area network (WAN), network segment, Internet or intranet system.

Average salary: $62,534
Job Growth: 38.4 percent
Education: Bachelor's degree

6. Database administrators -- Database administrators work with database management systems software and determine ways to organize and store data. They identify user requirements, set up computer databases, and test and coordinate modifications to the computer database systems.

Average salary: $70,016
Job Growth: 38.2 percent
Education: Bachelor's degree

7. Physical therapists -- Physical therapists provide services that help restore function, improve mobility, relieve pain and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities of patients suffering from injuries or disease. They restore, maintain and promote overall fitness and health.

Average salary: $53,508
Job Growth: 36.7 percent
Education: Master's degree

8. Diagnostic medical sonographers -- Sonographers operate the sonograph equipment, which collects reflected echoes and forms an image that may be videotaped, transmitted or photographed for interpretation and diagnosis by a physician.

Average salary: $51,648
Job Growth: 34.8 percent
Education: Associate's degree

9. Medical scientists (except epidemiologists) -- These scientists study biological systems in efforts to understand the causes of disease and other health problems and to develop treatments.

Average salary: $88,374
Job Growth: 34.1 percent
Education: Doctoral degree

10. Occupational therapists - Occupational therapists help individuals who have conditions that are mentally, physically, developmentally or emotionally disabling perform a range of activities, from using a computer to dressing, cooking and eating.

Average salary: $50,526
Job Growth: 33.6 percent
Education: Master's degree

11. College professors -- Not only do they teach and advise college students, they often perform research and must keep up with new developments in their fields.Average salary: $80,240Growth: 32.2 percentEducation: Doctoral degree

12. Hydrologists -- Hydrologists study the quantity, distribution, circulation and physical properties of either underground or surface waters, depending on their specialty.

Average salary: $59,809
Job Growth: 31.6 percent
Education: Master's degree

13. Computer systems analysts -- These analysts solve computer problems and apply computer technology to meet the individual needs of an organization, such as helping it realize the maximum benefit from its investment in equipment, personnel and business processes.

Average salary: $55,811
Job Growth: 31.4 percent
Education: Bachelor's degree

14. Biomedical engineers -- Biomedical engineers apply their knowledge of biology, medicine and engineering to develop devices and procedures that solve medical and health-related problems.

Average salary: $62,533
Job Growth: 30.7 percent
Education: Bachelor's degree

15. Environmental engineers -- These engineers apply the principles of biology and chemistry to develop solutions to environmental problems, assisting with pollution control, recycling, waste disposal and public health issues.

Average salary: $53,362
Job Growth: 30 percent
Education: Bachelor's degree

Next: 20 Big Salary Jobs -- No Degree Required >>

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