Top Ten Jobs: #9 Pharmacist
Number 9 on the Top 50 Jobs in America list goes to pharmacists. Theses tireless professionals have been in varying degrees of demand over the ages and date back to ancient apothecaries. Why it’s great: Demand for pharmacists is exploding as the population ages and new medications are developed. By 2010 the number of prescriptions filled is expected to rise 27% to 4.1 billion. Pharmacists also give advice on over-the-counter meds and help patients manage chronic conditions like diabetes. About 60% work in retail settings, the rest in hospitals and nursing homes and in research or sales for drug companies. According to Salary.com, Pharmacists are in such demand that graduates today can expect multiple job offers, signing bonuses and $90K-plus salaries. Pharmacists must complete 6 years of college to obtain their doctor of pharmacy degree.