As a lawyer, you will be working within the legal system. You might specialize in criminal law or you might choose to pursue personal injury or bankruptcy law. For something more glamorous, entertainment law is a good choice. In all situations, your job is to uphold the rights of your client.
To become a lawyer, you must complete at least four years of undergraduate study and three years of law school. Additionally, you are required to pass the bar exam in the state in which you wish to practice. The constant need for lawyers mean this occupation will continue to grow but a steady stream of graduates from law school means competition for the positions will be intense.
The median salary for lawyers ranges between $70,000 and $145,000 per year.
2. Podiatrists
Podiatrists are physicians trained in dealing with foot problems, such as arch problems and ingrown toenails. Although that may not seem pleasant, the need for podiatrists is expected to grow because of the rise in the number of people with diabetes. Diabetic patients need to see podiatrists to prevent foot problems associated with their illness.
Becoming a podiatrist will require completing four years of undergraduate training and a 4-year podiatry course (only about seven are available in the United States). That is usually followed by one to two years as a resident, as well as the completion of the exams before being licensed in your state.
The median salary for podiatrists is around $111,000 per year.
3. Engineering Managers
Engineering managers are the people responsible for overseeing the design and development of new equipment and machinery for a variety of uses throughout the world. To do this job, you will probably want to begin your training as an engineer and work in the field for a while so that you understand its demands. The next step is to continue your education with an MBA or similar degree.
The job opportunities will be great in certain areas of this field, such as biomedical engineering, but less in electronics.
The median salary for engineering managers is between $84,000 and $131,000 per year.
4. Natural Science Managers
Like engineering managers, the need for natural science managers will be high in certain areas where development is strong, such as environmental sciences. Most natural science managers oversee the work of other scientists in the development of new scientific advancements and technologies.
Generally, you will begin your career as a natural scientist then work your way up the ladder both by obtaining more advanced degrees and by gaining more research experience.
The median salary for natural science managers is between $77,000 and $130,000 per year.
5. Computer and Information Systems Managers
These managerial positions focus on ensuring the computer technology for a business is up and running, as well as planning the design of the technological infrastructure for a company. Because of increasing demand, the job outlook is excellent in this field.
To get one of these positions, you will need a bachelor's degree in a related, technology field (computer science is one of the most desirable) and possibly an MBA with a tech focus.
The median salary was between $80,000 and $130,000.
6. Air Traffic Controllers
An air traffic controller, is responsible for the safe landing and take off of flights at airports. The job is considered to be one of the most stressful. But jobs are available in decent numbers because many are retiring.
To obtain this job, you must complete training through a FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) approved program and a pre-employment exam that lasts for about 8 hours. Controllers who work for bigger airports earn more money.
The median salary is between $87,000 and $142,000 per year.
Marketing managers are responsible for the development and overseeing of a company's marketing campaigns. They work with the rest of the marketing team to ensure that the message is on target and that the campaign is generating desirable results. Although growth is good in this field, competition for available jobs is intense.
Most employers are looking for marketing managers with an advanced degree in business with emphasis on a minor in marketing. Previous work experience in marketing is also highly desired.
The median salary for marketing managers is around $98,000 per year.
8. Sales managers
Like marketing managers, sales managers are responsible for making sure a company's sales strategies are effective. They help develop the sales message and train the sales team. Often they work closely with other parts of the marketing and advertising teams to make sure the message is consistent.
Companies are more likely to hire sales managers who have a master's degree in business with emphasis on sales or with experience in sales.
The median salary for sales managers is around $91,000 per year.
9. Optometrists
Optometrists are physicians who focus on eye problems, such as glaucoma or nearsightedness. They prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses and treat vision abnormalities. Because of the increase in retirees and because of the increasing number of diabetic patients who need routine eye care, the growth in this field is expected to be good.
To become an optometrist, you will need to complete a bachelor's degree and a 4-year course in optometry through one of 16 approved programs in the United States. You may also choose to complete a residency. Before practicing, you must complete the testing requirements to earn your license.
The median salary for optometrists is between $84,000 and $150,000 per year.
10. Postsecondary Law Professors
Law professors work primarily in law schools to prepare the next generation of attorneys through education. They teach courses that are generally related to their own field of legal expertise. Most law professors have been successful practicing attorneys for many years. That means you must first complete all of the requirements of becoming a lawyer before embarking on this profession.
As with all types of postsecondary professor positions, the demand is expected to increase through 2016 as more students continue their education and more tenured professors retire.
The median salary for law professors exceeds the average of $70,000 to $85,000 for other types of postsecondary professors.
