Personal Financial Advisor

Total number of U.S. workers: 206,800
10-year growth projection: 32.1%
Annual salary range: $43,160 to $111,880
Typical education: bachelor's degree

More money problems, more money help needed. As Americans age and pensions become a thing of the past, good investment advice will only grow in value. Baby-boomers, especially, could increasingly need professional help as they plan for and enter retirement. Financial expertise can lead to big bucks for you as well as your clients: Personal financial advisors are one of only two professions on this list whose wage range reaches six digits.

You usually have to be a college grad to get on this career path. A bachelor's degree in finance, economics, accounting or a similar field would best prepare you for dealing with money matters, but most employers don't specify a required major. Certification from the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards — which requires a bachelor's degree, at least three years of relevant work experience and passing a rigorous exam on a wide range of financial issues — adds to your credibility. Licensing is required to sell certain types of insurance and investment products.