Median pay: $105,000

Top pay: $149,000

10-year job growth: 33.1%

Total jobs*: 34,200



Quality of life ratings:

Personal satisfaction Low stress Benefit to society Flexibility A C A C

It's not just about the eye charts. Optometrists do everything from helping patients get the right prescription for glasses, to treating red eye, to diagnosing serious eye diseases. They typically work in a medical office but might also work in a hospital or retail outlet (think LensCrafters).Much like M.D.s, optometrists need a four-year post-graduate degree, as well as a license. Some students also do a one-year residency to develop a specialty or boost their experience.Good pay, without the frequent long hours and middle-of-the-night emergency calls doctors expect. Patients typically aren't in pain or afraid, so visits tend to be low-key, and many stay with the same optometrist for years.That four-year degree? It's not easy or cheap. And depending on the setting, working evening and weekend hours may be part of the job. --K.A.