The 25 Worst Jobs For Salary Growth

They coordinate and supervise social service programs and community organizations and direct and lead staff who provide services to the public.

Growth rate: 29.1%

First year median pay: $33,000

20th year median pay: $42,600

Veterinarians diagnose, treat, and research medical conditions and diseases of pets, livestock, and other animals.

Growth rate: 29.0%

First year median pay: $65,600

20th year median pay: $84,600

Counselors work with individuals and groups to promote optimum mental and emotional health by helping patients deal with addictions and substance abuse; family, parenting, and marital problems; stress management; and self-esteem.

Growth rate: 28.5%

First year median pay: $41,700

20th year median pay: $53,600

Technologists collect samples and perform tests to analyze body fluids, tissue, and other substances.

Growth rate: 28.2%

First year median pay: $43,600

20th year median pay: $55,900

Accountants examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice, or audit and evaluate statements prepared by others.

Growth rate: 27.5%

First year median pay: $47,700

20th year median pay: $60,800

These therapists work with individuals and groups to promote optimum mental and emotional health. They deal with a variety of issues associated with addictions and substance abuse; family, parenting, and marital problems; stress management; self-esteem; and aging.

Growth rate: 27.2%

First year median pay: $37,100

20th year median pay: $47,200

Responsibilities vary between industries, but sales representatives are generally responsible for buying and selling commodities or services related to their industry and company.

Growth rate: 26.7%

First year median pay: $36,000

20th year median pay: $45,600

They produce financial reports, direct investment activities, and develop strategies and plans for the long-term financial goals of their bank.

Growth rate: 26.2%

First year median pay: $49,300

20th year median pay: $62,200

PTs help injured or ill people improve their movement and manage their pain. They are often an important part of rehabilitation for patients with chronic conditions or injuries.

Growth rate: 26.1%

First year median pay: $66,700

20th year median pay: $84,100

Occupational therapists treat injured, ill, or disabled patients through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. They help these patients develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working.

Growth rate: 25.8%

First year median pay: $64,300

20th year median pay: $80,900

Dietitians advise people on what to eat in order to lead a healthy lifestyle or achieve a specific health-related goal.

Growth rate: 24.9%

First year median pay: $47,400

20th year median pay: $59,200

Optometrists examine the eyes, and diagnose and treat visual problems, and manage diseases, injuries, and other disorders of the eyes. They prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses as needed.

Growth rate: 23.9%

First year median pay: $94,400

20th year median pay: $117,000

Similar to a priest, chaplains conduct religious worship and perform other spiritual functions for a certain faith or denomination, and usually work for a specific institution, such as a hospital, university, or the military.

Growth rate: 21.6%

First year median pay: $40,800

20th year median pay: $49,600

Examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice, or audit and evaluate statements prepared by others.

Growth rate: 21.1%

First year median pay: $40,800

20th year median pay: $49,400

PAs work under the supervision of a physician to conduct complete physicals, provide treatment, and counsel patients. In some cases, they may prescribe medication.

Growth rate: 19.0%

First year median pay: $85,700

20th year median pay: $102,000

These physicians diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases and injuries that commonly occur in the general population.

Growth rate: 18.3%

First year median pay: $153,000

20th year median pay: $181,000

Psychiatrists are mental health physicians who evaluate, diagnose, treat, and help prevent disorders and illness.

Growth rate: 18.1%

First year median pay: $188,000

20th year median pay: $222,000

These are physicians who diagnose and provide non-surgical treatment of diseases and injuries of internal organ systems.

Growth rate: 16.1%

First year median pay: $168,000

20th year median pay: $195,000

These professionals plan, direct, and coordinate medical and health services. They might manage an entire facility, a specific clinical area, or a medical practice for a group of physicians.

Growth rate: 13.3%

First year median pay: $72,300

20th year median pay: $81,900

Anesthesiologists administer anesthetics prior to, during, or after surgery and other medical procedures.

Growth rate: 13.0%

First year median pay: $299,000

20th year median pay: $338,000

NPs diagnose and treat acute, episodic, or chronic illness. They may order, perform, or interpret diagnostic tests such as lab work and x-rays, and prescribe medication.

Growth rate: 11.6%

First year median pay: $86,100

20th year median pay: $96,100

Pharmacists dispense prescription medications to patients and offer expertise in the safe use of prescriptions. They also may conduct health and wellness screenings and provide immunizations.

Growth rate: 11.5%

First year median pay: $104,000

20th year median pay: $116,000

Nursing managers plan, direct, and coordinate medical and health services. They might manage an entire facility or specialize in a specific department.

Growth rate: 10.5%

First year median pay: $76,400

20th year median pay: $84,400

Nurse educators demonstrate and teach patient care in both classroom and clinical settings. Some focus solely on teaching, while others do a combination of teaching and research.

Growth rate: 10.1%

First year median pay: $63,100

20th year median pay: $69,500

Professors instruct students in a wide variety of subjects and vocational skills beyond the high school level. They also conduct research and publish scholarly papers and books.

Growth rate: 5.3%

First year median pay: $61,700

20th year median pay: $65,000

18 Prestigious Jobs With Surprisingly Low Pay >>