Median pay: $71,100
Top pay: $108,000
10-year job growth: 19%
Total jobs: 130,000
The job:
Speech-language pathologists aid patients of all ages, from premature babies to individuals recovering from a stroke. They help individuals with speech, voice and language disorders improve their ability to communicate. Many are employed by schools, but they can also work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers or in private practice. "Something magical happens when a child or adult can suddenly communicate," says Felicia Conlan, who switched into the job after a successful career in television. Communication is a basic human need, and helping people unlock that ability can be extremely rewarding, she says.
How to switch:
Earn a two-year master's degree. You'll also need to pass a national exam and complete a clinical fellowship before you're fully certified. For more details, visit the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association at asha.org.
Quality of life ratings:
| Personal satisfaction |
Benefit to society |
Low stress |
Flexibility |
| B |
A |
C |
B |
By Donna Rosato and Grace Wong
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