10 Top Paying Jobs

If you're about to embark on a career, don't decide on a profession without considering these 10 top paying jobs. If you have to work, you ought to at least work in a field where you can make a lot of money. Some of these jobs aren't easy, and some of them require a college degree, but they all pay good money.

1. Podiatrist. A podiatrist is a doctor who treats foot problems. The job requires three years of undergraduate work and completion of a four-year Podiatry program, but the educational requirements are much less than those needed to earn an MD. Pay averages about $113,000 per year, but can range from about $72,000 to more than $200,000 annually.

2. Oil Rig Worker. This job generally requires no experience, but the work is hard. A lot of overtime is required, which results in some big pay checks. For those willing to work offshore, compensation can exceed $100,000 a year.

3. Railroad Conductor. This job entail more than taking passenger's tickets. On freight trains, conductors manage the train and supervise the train crew. No special education is required to be a conductor, but mandatory overtime is common. Top pay for this job can exceed $80,000 a year plus generous benefits.

4. Speech Therapist. Speech Therapists or Speech-Language Pathologists treat speech related disorders. The job requires a master's degree, but the extra work and expense is worth it as pay ranges up to $80,000 a year or more with plenty of overtime available.

5. Engineer. Engineers apply science and mathematics to solve technical problems. There are many different types of engineering jobs, and they all pay well. Usually, a degree is required to be an engineer. You also have to be good in science and math to earn an engineering degree. Starting pay exceeds $50,000 annually, and top pay can exceed $100,000 a year. With a two-year degree, you can be an engineering technician and still earn good money.

6. Pharmacist. A pharmacist prepares and dispenses medication. Most states require at least a master's degree for this job. Pay can range from more than $100,000 a year for a new pharmacist to more than $300,000 a year for experienced pharmacists.

7. Dental Hygienist. A dental hygienist assists a dentist in the treatment and prevention of diseases and defects of the teeth, gums, and mouth. Normally, the hygienist does the grunt work of cleaning teeth and taking X-rays. Sticking you fingers in someone's mouth may not sound like your idea of fun, but the job averages about $63,000 a year in pay, and you can often work part time. An associate's degree is required to be a dental hygienist.

8. Air Traffic Controller. This job provides top pay and doesn't require a degree. You only need to take a short course and pass a test. Air traffic controllers manage the airspace around airports. The job is very stressful, but average pay for experienced controllers is $110,000 a year.

9. Physician Assistant. In this job, you can do nearly everything that a doctor can do, but the educational requirements are much less. You must obtain a bachelor's degree and complete a two to three year program equivalent to a master's degree. Starting pay is over $60,000 a year, and average pay is about $80,000 a year. Top pay can be more than $100,000 a year.

10. Radiation Therapist. Radiation therapists assist radiation oncologists in treating cancer. Some states require a bachelor's degree for this job, but many require only an associate's degree. Average pay is $73,000 a year and can exceed $100,000 annually.