Unless you're retired, blessed with generous parents or extremely gifted in the lottery-ticket-buying department, a whole lot of your financial well-being is based on having a job.

Your chances of saving, avoiding debt and investing are all greatly enhanced when you have a good income.

Unfortunately, these are tough times. So if you think your job could be better, or could be gone, you might want to get a handle on the current market.

What kind of jobs are growing the most and what will they pay? And what kind of degree do you need to get one?

The chart below, based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics' "Fastest-Growing Occupations 2006-16" projections, shows the top 20 fastest-growing jobs between 2006 and 2016. There is a short description of the job as well as the median salary for that position, based on information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition. (Use this link to search for your own career in the A-Z Index.)

Select a job Home health aides Network systems and data communications analysts Medical assistants Physician assistants Computer applications software engineers Physical therapist assistants Dental hygienists Computer systems software engineers Dental assistants Personal and home care aides Network and computer systems administrators Database administrators Physical therapists Forensic science technicians Veterinary technicians Diagnostic medical sonographers Physical therapist aides Occupational therapist aides Medical scientists Occupational therapists Fastest-growing jobs

Network systems and data communications analysts Description: Design, test and evaluate network systems Education: Bachelor's degree Median salary: $68,220 per year Personal and home care aides Description: Help elderly, disabled or ill live in their own homes Education: On the job or community college or trade school Median salary: $8.89 per hour Home health aides Description: Provide housekeeping and routine personal care Education: On the job or community college or trade school Median salary: $9.62 per hour Computer applications software engineers Description: Analyze users' needs, and design, construct and maintain applications Education: Bachelor's degree Median salary: $83,130 per year Veterinary technicians Description: Perform laboratory and clinical procedures Education: Associate's or bachelor's degree plus state license Median salary: $13.45 per hour Personal financial advisors Description: Advise clients on financial plans and investment strategies Education: Bachelor's degree Median salary: $67,660 per year Makeup artists, theatrical and performance Description: Apply makeup to actors and performers Education: On the job or community college or trade school Median salary: $35,250 per year Medical assistants Description: Perform administrative and clerical work in medical office; may also perform clinical duties Education: Associate's degree Median salary: $27,430 per year Veterinarians Description: Diagnose and treat diseases and illnesses of animals, including pets and livestock Education: First professional degree Median salary: $75,230 per year