Note: Information about these careers is based on national statistics, so salaries and opportunities may be different in your town.

Clergy lead their congregations in worship services and administer various rites, such as baptisms, marriages and funerals. They also counsel individuals who seek guidance; visit the sick, aged and disabled at home and in hospitals; comfort the bereaved; engage in interfaith, community, civic and recreational
activities sponsored by or related to interests of the church or synagogue.

Education: Requirements vary greatly, but many denominations strongly prefer a college degree followed by study at a theological school.

Salary: Varies greatly, depending on age, denomination, size and wealth of the congregation and geographic location. Average salary for Protestant ministers is about $27,000; however, add such benefits as housing, insurance and transportation and the average compensation is about $44,000. Average compensation (including benefits) for Rabbis ranges from $38,000 $60,000. Average compensation (including benefits) for Roman Catholic parish priests Is about $29,000.

Outlook: Good for Protestant ministers; excellent for Rabbis and Roman Catholic priests

Human services worker is a generic term for professionals and paraprofessionals who work in such diverse settings as group homes and halfway houses; correctional centers; centers for the mentally ill and
developmentally disabled; and programs concerned with alcoholism, drug abuse, family violence and aging. Job titles vary according to the employment setting and kinds of clients being served. Examples include social service technician, case management aide, social assistant, resident counselor,
alcoholism or drug abuse counselor, mental health technician, child abuse worker, community outreach worker and gerontology aide.

Education: The associate's degree is the beginning, with many certificate and associate's degree programs in human services or mental health offered by community colleges. Additional formal education is almost always required for career advancement.

Salary: Starting wages range from $12,000-$18,000

Outlook: Competitive

Kindergarten and elementary school teachers play a vital role in the development of children. What children learn and experience during their early years can shape their views of themselves and the world and affect later success of failure in school work or their personal lives. Kindergarten and elementary teachers introduce children to numbers, language, science and social studies.

Education: All teachers must be certified; certification differs from state to state, but all require a bachelor's degree and completion of an approved teacher training program with a prescribed number of subject and education credits and supervised practice teaching.

Salary: Average is up to $35,000

Outlook: Excellent

College and university faculty teach and advise full- and part-time students, and perform a significant part of our nation's research.

Education: A master's degree and 18 graduate hours in a chosen teaching field is often the minimum requirement for instructors and assistant professors, but increasingly institutions are favoring people with doctorates.

Salary: Varies according to faculty rank, type of institution and field of study. The national average for a full-time, nine-month contract is $30,000.

Outlook: Very good in most subject areas

Dieticians plan nutritional programs and supervise the planning and serving of meals.

Education: The basic educational requirement is a bachelor's degree with a major in dietetics, food and nutrition, food systems management or a related area. Most states require additional certification.

Salary: Starts around $30,000 for full-time registered dieticians.

Outlook: Good

Emergency medical technicians are first responders who give immediate care to those needing urgent medical attention following automobile accidents, gunshot wounds, near drownings, heart attacks and other emergencies.

Education: EMT basic training is 100-120 hours of classroom work plus 10 hours of internship in a hospital emergency room. Training is through police, fire and health departments, and at community colleges.

Salary: Starts around $20,000

Outlook: Outstanding

Other jobs for helpers: home health aide, animal health technician, conservation worker, telephone operator, waiter, child care worker, social worker, physical therapist, funeral director, police officer, dispatcher, agent, firefighter, park ranger, nurse, doctor, caseworker, counselor, veterinarian.

BACK