10 Careers That are in Demand and Have Big Paychecks

The hottest careers in the United States today draw on a broad spectrum of skills and interests. Whether you're into numbers, people, nature, sports, or computers, there's a way to parlay your natural abilities into a lucrative career.

Do what you love, and the money will follow. This may be true, but it helps if what you love coincides with a high-demand career path.

The hottest careers in the United States today draw on a broad spectrum of skills and interests. Whether you're into numbers, people, nature, sports, or computers, there's a way to parlay your natural abilities into a lucrative career.

10 Pathways to a Better Salary

The following ten careers are in demand--and they have big paychecks to prove it. They are among the highest-paying jobs on the Bureau of Labor Statistics' list of the fastest-growing careers through 2014. With the right training, you could upgrade into these jobs and start earning what you're worth.

If you're interested in HEALTH:

Physician Assistant--$69,250

Assistants carry many of the same functions as a doctor: they examine patients, diagnose illnesses and prescribe medications. Although doctors are treating supervised, physician assistants enjoy a good degree of autonomy and more time with patients face.

Your career as a physician assistant begins with a bachelor's degree and a 2-year physician assistant training program.

? Ranks fourth in the BLS Top 30 Fastest-Growing jobs, with 49.6% job growth expected through 2014.

Physical Therapist--$61,560

Physical therapists guide patients on the road to recovery from illness or injury. They have a profound effect on the people they work with, helping them improve mobility, relieve pain, and even overcome disabilities.

Physical therapists must complete a master's-level Physical Therapy program and pass a licensure exam.

? Helps injured and ill patients improve their independence and quality of life.

? An active and interactive job.

Registered Nurse--$63,170

The shortage of registered nurses means unprecedented opportunities and rising salaries. Registered nurses are on the frontlines of medical care, examining and treating patients.

Prospective nurses have several options: a two-year associate's degree, a three-year applied nursing diploma, or the four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). All culminate in a national licensing exam.

? People skills and compassion are crucial for this rewarding career.

? This job ranks second for projected job growth through 2014.

If you're interested in TECHNOLOGY:

Computer Software Engineer--$76,310

Computer software engineers design and test applications software and operating systems for computers. They write programs using coding languages such as C++ and Java.

You can become a computer software engineer with a four-year bachelor's degree in computer science.

? Ranks fifth in the BLS Top 30 Fastest-Growing jobs, with 48% job growth expected through 2014.

? An exciting, fast-paced industry that rewards innovation and creativity.

Network Systems Analyst--$61,250

Network systems analyst, responsible for maintaining the company's network - it's file sharing, voice mail and e-mail system - in the best condition. They evaluate new technologies to achieve changes in the system to maintain the company's local area network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WLAN) and the internal network.

Nettowakushisutemuanarisuto as you can get, almost two years: the minimum requirement associate degree. Bachelor's degree in computer science may need a few positions. This is a liberal arts graduates in this position often depends on the system analysis is run - the box thinking.

? Systems analysts rank second in the BLS Top 30 Fastest-Growing jobs, with 54.6% job growth expected through 2014.

? A technical career for creative types.

Database Administrator--$61,950

Database administrator can be an important function of the information age - They set up a computer database, and to ensure effective and reliable data access. Them to maintain and improve the company's computer systems, identifying user requirements and to add new users.

Educational requirements vary, but most entry-level jobs require at least a bachelor's degree in a technical field.

? Database Administration jobs are expected to increase 40% through 2014.

? A rewarding career for detail-oriented and computer savvy people.

If you're interested in SCIENCE & NATURE:

Hydrologist--$60,880

Hydrology Wed. They are under circulation on the ground, providing important data for public works and environmental protection, order, record distribution. Erosion control work that is involved in flood control hydrology, other projects.

Hydrologists need at least a bachelor's degree in Hydrology or a related field. Many employers prefer to hire master's degree holders, even for entry-level positions.

? More than half of work hours are spent outdoors, in the field.

Biomedical Engineer--$70,520

Engineers for Biomedical Engineering and techniques of biological research to medical care. They make deep contributions to the scientific community and for the welfare of patients, the development of medical devices, diagnostic devices, artificial organs, prostheses, and more.

Biomedical engineering is a challenging and rewarding career. Even entry-level jobs require a master's degree in biomedical engineering, biotechnology, or a related field, and many biomedical engineers go on to Ph.D.s.

? Challenging and meaningful work that helps people.

Environmental Engineer--$67,620

Environmental engineers research and develop solutions to some of our most pressing environmental problems: pollution control, ozone depletion, and wildlife protection.

Environmental engineers hold at least a bachelor's degree in the field--many go on to a master's in Environmental Engineering.

? Help prevent environmental damage.
? Plenty of time outdoors, collecting field data.

If you're interested in ART:

Video Game Design--$65,000

Video game designers are responsible for creating the animation, storyboarding, and programming that go into producing video games. Video game design combines artistic vision and technical skill. It is a software development career that requires imagination.

Video game designers can start out with a certificate or associate's degree, but they can progress more quickly with a bachelor's degree in game design and development. Top designers enjoy more creative control and command higher salaries.

? Software publishing will be the third-fastest growing industry through 2014.

? Video game industry jobs expected to double between 2004 and 2009.

? Video games produce more revenue than movie theater box office receipts--worldwide revenue is expected to hit $66 billion by 2011.

No matter what your innate talents and interests are, chances are there's a need for them somewhere in the marketplace. With the right training, you can develop your natural abilities into valuable job skills. If you identify hot industries and high demand careers that draw on those skills, you'll be well on your way to earning what you're worth. Remember, it's just as easy to fall in love with a high-paying job as an underpaid one.