40. Purchasing agents, except wholesale, retail, and farm products
Median annual wage (2012): $58,760
Degree required: High school diploma or equivalent
Projected job openings (through 2022): 61,600
Work experience: None
Description: Purchase machinery, equipment, tools, parts, supplies, or services necessary for the operation of an establishment.
On-the-job training: Long-term on-the-job training
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
39. Computer network support specialists
Median annual wage (2012): $59,090
Degree required: Associate's degree
Projected job openings (through 2022): 39,600
Work experience: None
Description: Analyze, test, troubleshoot, and evaluate existing network systems, such as local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), and Internet systems or a segment of a network system.
On-the-job training: None
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
38. Engineering technicians, except drafters
Median annual wage (2012): $59,440
Degree required: Associate's degree
Projected job openings (through 2022): 14,600
Work experience: None
Description: Solve technical problems. Some help engineers and scientists do research and development.
On-the-job training: None
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
37. First-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers
Median annual wage (2012): $59,700
Degree required: High school diploma or equivalent
Projected job openings (through 2022): 187,100
Work experience: Five years or more
Description: Directly supervise and coordinate activities of construction or extraction workers.
On-the-job training: None
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
36. Artists and related workers
Median annual wage (2012): $59,840
Degree required: High school diploma or equivalent
Projected job openings (through 2022): 2,700
Work experience: None
Description: Represents creative occupations with a wide range of characteristics.
On-the-job training: Long-term on-the-job training
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
35. Claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators
Median annual wage (2012): $59,960
Degree required: High school diploma or equivalent
Projected job openings (through 2022): 80,300
Work experience: None
Description: Claims adjusters, appraisers, examiners, and investigators evaluate insurance claims.
On-the-job training: Long-term on-the-job training
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
34. First-line supervisors of mechanics, installers, and repairers
Median annual wage (2012): $60,250
Degree required: High school diploma or equivalent
Projected job openings (through 2022): 152,000
Work experience: Less than five years
Description: Coordinate mechanic's activities.
On-the-job training: None
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
33. Gas plant operators
Median annual wage (2012): $61,140
Degree required: High school diploma or equivalent
Projected job openings (through 2022): 4,700
Work experience: None
Description: Control systems and do round checks to make sure everything is working properly.
On-the-job training: Long-term on-the-job training
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
32. Aerospace engineering and operations technicians
Median annual wage (2012): $61,530
Degree required: Associate's degree
Projected job openings (through 2022): 2,100
Work experience: None
Description: Aerospace engineering and operations technicians operate and maintain equipment used in developing, testing, and producing new aircraft and spacecraft
On-the-job training: None
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
31. Petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers
Median annual wage (2012): $61,850
Degree required: High school diploma or equivalent
Projected job openings (through 2022): 15,500
Work experience: None
Description: Control the operation of petroleum refining or processing units.
On-the-job training: Long-term on-the-job training
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
30. Web developers
Median annual wage (2012): $62,500
Degree required: Associate's degree
Projected job openings (through 2022): 50,700
Work experience: None
Description: Design, create, and modify websites.
On-the-job training: None
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
29. Subway and streetcar operators
Median annual wage (2012): $62,730
Degree required: High school diploma or equivalent
Projected job openings (through 2022): 3,300
Work experience: None
Description: Transport passengers.
On-the-job training: Moderate-term on-the-job training
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
28. Postmasters and mail superintendents
Median annual wage (2012): $63,050
Degree required: High school diploma or equivalent
Projected job openings (through 2022): 5,000
Work experience: Less than five years
Description: Plan, direct, or coordinate operational, administrative, management, and supportive services of a U.S. post office.
On-the-job training: Moderate-term on-the-job training
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
27. Electrical power-line installers and repairers
Median annual wage (2012): $63,250
Degree required: High school diploma or equivalent
Projected job openings (through 2022): 49,900
Work experience: None
Description: Install or repair electrical power systems and telecommunications cables, including fiber optics.
On-the-job training: Long-term on-the-job training
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
26. Transportation Inspectors
Median annual wage (2012): $63,680
Degree required: High school diploma or equivalent
Projected job openings (through 2022): 11,700
Work experience: None
Description: Inspect equipment or goods in connection with the safe transport of cargo or people.
On-the-job training: Moderate-term on-the-job training
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
25. Makeup artists, theatrical and performance
Median annual wage (2012): $64,450
Degree required: Postsecondary non-degree award
Projected job openings (through 2022): 300
Work experience: None
Description: Apply makeup to performers to reflect period, setting, and situation of their role.
On-the-job training: None
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
24. Business operations specialists
Median annual wage (2012): $65,120
Degree required: High school diploma or equivalent
Projected job openings (through 2022): 209,400
Work experience: None
Description: Coordinate the operations of companies, such as training and planning.
On-the-job training: None
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
23. Gaming managers
Median annual wage (2012): $65,220
Degree required: High school diploma or equivalent
Projected job openings (through 2022): 1,400
Work experience: Less than five years
Description: Plan, direct, or coordinate gaming operations in a casino.
On-the-job training: None
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
22. Magnetic resonance imaging technologists
Median annual wage (2012): $65,360
Degree required: Associate's degree
Projected job openings (through 2022): 11,300
Work experience: Less than five years
Description: Monitor patient safety and comfort, and view images of area being scanned to ensure quality of pictures.
On-the-job training: None
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
21. Registered nurses
Median annual wage (2012): $65,470
Degree required: Associate's degree
Projected job openings (through 2022): 1,052,600
Work experience: None
Description: Provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients and the public about various health conditions.
On-the-job training: None
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
20. Diagnostic medical sonographers
Median annual wage (2012): $65,860
Degree required: Associate's degree
Projected job openings (through 2022): 35,300
Work experience: None
Description: Use special imaging equipment that directs sound waves into a patient’s body to assess and diagnose various medical conditions.
On-the-job training: None
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
19. Power plant operators
Median annual wage (2012): $66,130
Degree required: High school diploma or equivalent
Projected job openings (through 2022): 12,900
Work experience: None
Description: Control the systems that generate and distribute electric power.
On-the-job training: Long-term on-the-job training
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
18. Funeral service managers
Median annual wage (2012): $66,720
Degree required: Associate's degree
Projected job openings (through 2022): 3,200
Work experience: Less than five years
Description: Plan, direct, or coordinate the services or resources of funeral homes.
On-the-job training: None
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
17. First-line supervisors of fire fighting and prevention workers
Median annual wage (2012): $68,210
Degree required: Postsecondary non-degree award
Projected job openings (through 2022): 30,500
Work experience: Less than five years
Description: Coordinate activities of workers engaged in fire fighting and fire prevention and control.
On-the-job training: Moderate-term on-the-job training
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
16. Media and communication equipment workers, all other
Median annual wage (2012): $68,810
Degree required: High school diploma or equivalent
Projected job openings (through 2022): 1,900
Work experience: None
Description: Set up, operate, and monitor audio, video, and digital equipment for concerts, sports events, meetings and conventions, presentations, and news conferences.
On-the-job training: Short-term on-the-job training
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
15. Electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay
Median annual wage (2012): $68,810
Degree required: Postsecondary non-degree award
Projected job openings (through 2022): 5,000
Work experience: None
Description: Inspect, test, repair, or maintain electrical equipment in generating stations, substations, and in-service relays.
On-the-job training: Long-term on-the-job training
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
14. Nuclear technicians
Median annual wage (2012): $69,069
Degree required: Associate's degree
Projected job openings (through 2022): 4,100
Work experience: None
Description: Nuclear technicians assist physicists, engineers, and other professionals in nuclear research and nuclear production.
On-the-job training: Moderate-term on-the-job training
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
13. Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers
Median annual wage (2012): $69,300
Degree required: High school diploma or equivalent
Projected job openings (through 2022): 150,200
Work experience: Five years or more
Description: Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers run establishments that produce crops, livestock, and dairy products.
On-the-job training: None
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
12. First-line supervisors of non-retail sales workers
Median annual wage (2012): $70,060
Degree required: Associate's degree
Projected job openings (through 2022): 50,300
Work experience: Less than five years
Description: Coordinate activities of sales workers other than retail sales workers.
On-the-job training: None
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
11. Nuclear medicine technologists
Median annual wage (2012): $70,180
Degree required: Associate's degree
Projected job openings (through 2022): 7,200
Work experience: None
Description: Use a scanner to create images of various areas of a patient’s body. They prepare radioactive drugs and administer them to patients undergoing the scans.
On-the-job training: None
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
10. Dental hygienists
Median annual wage (2012): $70,210
Degree required: Associate's degree
Projected job openings (through 2022): 113,500
Work experience: None
Description: Clean teeth, examine patients for oral diseases such as gingivitis, and provide other preventative dental care.
On-the-job training: None
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
9. Power distributors and dispatchers
Median annual wage (2012): $71,690
Degree required: High school diploma or equivalent
Projected job openings (through 2022): 3,600
Work experience: None
Description: Coordinate, regulate, or distribute electricity or steam.
On-the-job training: Long-term on-the-job training
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
8. Commercial pilots
Median annual wage (2012): $73,280
Degree required: High school diploma or equivalent
Projected job openings (through 2022): 14,400
Work experience: None
Description: Fly and navigate airplanes or helicopters.
On-the-job training: Moderate-term on-the-job training
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
7. Detectives and criminal investigators
Median annual wage (2012): $74,300
Degree required: High school diploma or equivalent
Projected job openings (through 2022): 27,700
Work experience: Less than five years
Description: Conduct investigations related to suspected violations of Federal, State, or local laws to prevent or solve crimes.
On-the-job training: Moderate-term on-the-job training
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
6. Nuclear power reactor operators
Median annual wage (2012): $74,990
Degree required: High school diploma or equivalent
Projected job openings (through 2022): 2,300
Work experience: None
Description: Move control rods, start and stop equipment, monitor and adjust controls, and record data in logs.
On-the-job training: Long-term on-the-job training
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
5. Elevator installers and repairers
Median annual wage (2012): $76,650
Degree required: High school diploma or equivalent
Projected job openings (through 2022): 8,000
Work experience: None
Description: Elevator installers and repairers install, fix, and maintain elevators, escalators, moving walkways, and other lifts.
On-the-job training: Apprenticeship
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
4. Radiation therapists
Median annual wage (2012): $77,560
Degree required: Associate's degree
Projected job openings (through 2022): 8,400
Work experience: None
Description: Check equipment, observe patients’ reactions to treatment, and document the session.
On-the-job training: None
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
3. First-line supervisors of police and detectives
Median annual wage (2012): $78,270
Degree required: High school diploma or equivalent
Projected job openings (through 2022): 35,700
Work experience: Less than five years
Description: Coordinate activities of members of police force.
On-the-job training: Moderate-term on-the-job training
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
2. Transportation, storage, and distribution managers
Median annual wage (2012): $81,830
Degree required: High school diploma or equivalent
Projected job openings (through 2022): 29,100
Work experience: Five years or more
Description: Plan, direct, or coordinate transportation, storage, or distribution activities in accordance with organizational policies and applicable government laws or regulations.
On-the-job training: None
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
1. Air Traffic Controller
Median annual wage (2012): $122,530
Degree required: Associate's degree
Projected job openings (through 2022): 11,400
Work experience: None
Description: Monitor and direct the movement of aircraft. Median annual wages of air traffic controllers are the highest of any occupation in which workers typically do not need a bachelor’s degree.
On-the-job training: Long-term on-the-job training
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics