Median pay: $37,600
Top pay: $49,400
10-year job growth: 22%
Total jobs: 30,000
The job:
If you've got a head for numbers, this is a good left-brain way to wrap up your career. You can work with management to analyze data for financial reports. Or you can keep track of a firm's books, tallying up all their red and black ink. The pay may reflect the entry-level title, but you can avoid the pressure that comes with a higher position. Plus, the job has one of the higher growth rates on our list.
How to switch:
A background or a B.A. in accounting definitely helps, but many positions do not require a secondary degree. Hiring picks up around tax time and at the end of the year when many companies are rushing to meet deadlines. Certification can also boost your job prospects and boost your salary. Find out more at nsacct.org.
Quality of life ratings:
| Personal satisfaction |
Benefit to society |
Low stress |
Flexibility |
| B |
C |
C |
B |
By Donna Rosato and Tom Ziegler
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