What America's Top Ten Jobs Pay

SOURCE: MSN Careers

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

Job Growth (through 2014): 49.6 percent

2. Computer applications software engineers, applications -- These professionals analyze users' needs and design, construct and maintain general computer applications software or specialized utility programs.
Growth: 49.4 percent


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.

Growth: 43.3 percent


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

Growth: 43 percent


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.

Growth: 38.4 percent


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.

Growth: 38.2 percent


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.


Growth: 36.7 percent


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.


Growth: 34.8 percent

9. 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.


Growth: 33.6 percent


10. 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.

Growth: 30 percent