The 25 Top Jobs for 2005-2009

Biochemist and Biophysicist

What they do: Biochemists study the chemical composition of living things. Biophysicists, then, apply the principles of physics to those same living things and their cells to do to understand how the mechanisms of biological systems work. Many researchers can expect to find work at colleges and universities. Jobs are also available in fields such as biotechnology, drug development, and food processing. Lastly, the government employs biochemists and biophysicists to deal with environmental and health issues.

Why the job is hot: You won't get very far in these careers without a doctorate, so that earns the practice an A+ in the education index. Because the goal of the job is to break new ground, the job rates high in the innovation and creativity aspect. But because basic research is often funded by the government, competition for that money is fierce. That means that job growth is low and compensation average.

Job Growth Index: 38.82
Education Index: 96.48
Salary Range Index: 49.35
Innovation Index: 93

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Sales Manager

What they do: Salespeople are important. But your sales force isn't going to manage itself, so most companies need at least one sales manager to set goals, organize training, and assign sales territories. They keep tabs on who is selling well, what is selling, who is buying -- and who isn't. Depending on where they are in the supply chain, sales managers can work with dealers and distributors.

Why the job is hot: As global markets continue to open and create more product competition, job growth looks strong, as does salary growth. Expect the required education levels to creep up as more workers vie for these well paying jobs.

Job Growth Index: 51.74
Education Index: 67.57
Salary Range Index: 78.93
Innovation Index: 0

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Epidemiologist

What they do: Epidemiologists are scientists that study health and illness within populations. That could be in a city, a hospital, or a whole country. They can spend their lives in a lab or travel the world as a "virus hunter" for the government's Center for Disease Control. Most, however, work for the government with hopes of isolating and preventing diseases, including anthrax outbreaks related to bioterrorist attacks.

Why the job is hot: This is another group of scientists, so they're extremely innovative. Expect strong job growth, because, as populations grow and barriers to travel go down, virus outbreaks will likely increase. You won't go very far in the field without at least a Master's degree. However, because most jobs are with the government, the pay is poor compared to others on the list.

Job Growth Index: 55.16
Education Index: 98.28
Salary Range Index: 33.57
Innovation Index: 85

Profile: Michael Bell, chief of the special pathogens branch of the CDC's epidemiology unit

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Computer System Analyst

What they do: The technological needs of business are constantly expanding. Sometimes those needs require updating a system -- and sometimes they require replacing it entirely. A computer system analyst helps analyze the situation and determine what needs to be done.

Why the job is hot: A job that involves new technology and problem solving does well in the creativity portion of the ranking system. Job growth looks very strong. The job receives only a moderate education score because a bachelor's is sufficient to land it. And because an analyst position is only a midlevel job, salary is weaker than in other related careers.

Job Growth Index: 66.82
Education Index: 62.82
Salary Range Index: 37.35
Innovation Index: 100

Profile: Rolita Cook, software development manager, Wal-Mart's domestic distribution client server development group

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Athlete

What they do: You know the drill. The job requires running around a diamond, running up and down a field, running up and down a court, running side to side on a court, skating up and down a rink, or walking around a lush golf course. Competition is fierce, and teamwork is usually required.

Why the job is hot: Being a professional athlete seems like a darn good job. Fun, physical. Rumor has it that it pays OK.

Job Growth Index: 32.58
Education Index: 60.11
Salary Range Index: 100
Innovation Index: 0

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