Physical Therapist
The outlook for this profession keeps getting brighter, thanks in part to the increasing aches and pains of boomers and their focus on staying active. For at least the next decade, there will be openings in hospitals, private clinics, health clubs, the military and many more places. "The aging population ensures high demand for these individuals for many years to come," reports Challenger, Gray & Christmas. The job requires a two-year degree and state certification. The number of institutions offering such accreditation is expanding rapidly. Intense physical demands make this job less attractive to older workers looking for a career change. But salaries for new entrants are attractive, beginning around $45,000, while the overall average salary is around $66,000. Pay is higher for those with advanced degrees. Those working for smaller clinics and out of their home can set their own schedules and have a great work/life balance.