Job: Physical therapy assistant.
Average annual salary: $49,810.
With the population aging and people working longer hours, more workers are getting injured and needing physical therapy. Much of the hands-on therapy to treat the injured and disabled is administered by physical therapy assistants. Unlike physical therapists, the assistant jobs don't require college degrees.
These jobs usually require two years of specialized training. It's inevitable this job will remain in demand as people are living longer, says Roy Cohen, author of "The Wall Street Professional's Survival Guide." The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that physical therapy assistant jobs will increase by 33 percent by 2018.
Martin Yate, author of the "Knock 'em Dead" series of career management books, says physical therapy assistant jobs offer a low-level education entry point, advancement potential and mobility to work anywhere in the country.