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

Computer programmers write, update and maintain the detailed software programs that list in logical order the steps that computers must execute. Programmers are usually grouped into two broad types: applications programmers and systems programmers. Applications programmers usually are oriented toward business, engineering or science. Programmers in software development companies may work directly with experts from various fields to create software. Systems programmers maintain the software that controls the operation of an entire computer system.

Education: There are no universal training requirements. Entry programmers may have an associate degree from a community college or technical institute, but the majority of programmers hold a bachelor's degree in computer science or information systems, while others have taken special courses in computer
programming to supplement their study in fields such as accounting, inventory control or other business-related areas.

Salary: Starts around $25,000-$37,000 depending on size of the company and the region. On average, systems programmers earn more than applications programmers.

Outlook: Very good

Paralegals, also known as legal assistants, work directly under the supervision of a lawyer. While the attorney assumes responsibility for the paralegal's work, a paralegal is often allowed to perform all the functions of a lawyer other than accepting clients, setting legal fees, giving legal advice or presenting a case for trial. Generally paralegals do background work for lawyers, including research to identify the appropriate laws, judicial decisions, legal articles and other material used to determine if a client has a good case. Besides litigation, paralegals may also work in areas such as bankruptcy, corporate law, criminal law, employment benefits, patent and copyright law and real estate.

Education: Employers prefer the formal paralegal training offered in associate degree programs at community colleges.

Salary: Salaries vary according to the type and size of the employer and the geographic location of the job. Starting salary is around $20,900, according to the National Association of Legal Assistants.

Outlook: Excellent

Research chemists investigate the properties, composition and structure of matter and the laws that govern the combination of elements and reactions of substances. In applied research and development, they create new products and processes or improve existing ones, often using knowledge gained from
basic research.

Education: A bachelor's degree in chemistry or a related discipline is usually the minimum education necessary to work as a chemist; however, most research and college teaching jobs require a Ph.D. Community colleges offer associate's degree programs to prepare people for jobs as lab assistants or lab
technicians who work under the supervision of chemists.

Salary: Starting salary averages $24,000-$48,000, depending on educational degree.

Outlook: Good

Pharmacy technicians fill orders for unit doses and prepackaged pharmaceuticals and perform other related duties under the supervision of pharmacy supervisor or staff pharmacist.

Education: Associate degree

Salary: Starts at $15,000-$17,000

Outlook: Very good

Police detectives are responsible for enforcing the laws and regulations designed to protect life and property. Detectives who work in small communities and rural areas have general law enforcement duties. Detectives who work in large agencies usually are assigned to a department such as robbery, homicide or fraud for a specified length of time. Some may become experts in chemical and microscopic analysis or fire-arms identification, or work on task forces to combat specific types of crimes.

Education: Minimum is a high school diploma. Many police departments require some college training; others require a college degree, preferably in police science or administration of justice.

Salary: Varies depending on locale and size of agency. Average range is between $17,900 $62,000, not counting overtime. Many detectives retire with a pension after 20 years on the force and are able to pursue a second career while still in their forties.

Outlook: Excellent

Other jobs for thinkers: fire inspector, economist, judge, professor, geneticist, insurance appraiser, historian, biologist, microbiologist, geologist, surgeon, petroleum engineer, accountant, mathematician, marine biologist, atmosphere scientist, entomologist, astronomer, meteorologist, aeronautical engineer, archaeologist, systems analyst, optometrist, pharmacist, oral surgeon.

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