1. Best Careers 2010 As these last two years of payroll slashing comes to an end, traumatized job seekers and anxious students wonder where on earth they'll find work— and if it will stick. U.S.News's 50 best careers should offer growth, good pay, varied educational requirements—because not everyone can go back to school for six years—and the hope of sustained opportunity.

2. There's an "app" for everything these days, as consumers make technology a critical role in every part of their lives. Computer SOFTWARE ENGINEERS make much of it possible, while computer systems analysts get companies on the road to technological efficiency. SOFTWARE ENGINEERS

3. There's an "app" for everything these days, as consumers make technology a critical role in every part of their lives. Computer SOFTWARE ENGINEERS make much of it possible, while computer systems analysts get companies on the road to technological efficiency. SOFTWARE ENGINEERS Intersects plenty with environmental and medical science in today's growth careers. Biomedical engineers apply the science of engineering to the problems of the human body and medical care. Meteorologists and hydrologists use increasingly sophisticated technology to monitor the earth—whether its water or its weather.

4. Computer software engineer Systems analyst Network architect Biomedical engineer Environmental science technician Hydrologist Environmental engineering technician Civil engineer Meteorologist

5. Healthcare Truly the energizer bunny of hiring throughout this recession, the healthcare industry will continue to grow and need workers of all abilities and educational backgrounds. While some healthcare jobs have among the most extensive educational requirements, others require some of the least schooling.

6. Moves to make healthcare more affordable will increase the range of opportunities for careers with fewer educational requirements (and more moderate pay), such as physician assistants or physical THERAPIST assistants.THERAPIST X-ray technician Veterinarian Lab technician Physical therapist Occupational therapist Registered nurse Physician assistant Optometrist Physical therapist assistant Dental hygienist School psychologist

7. Education and Civic Whether you're interested in working in education as a special-education teacher, or working for the local government as a medical and public health social worker, these jobs are often about serving the greater good. There should be strong opportunities in emergency management and mediation.

8. In education, the need for special-education teachers will be so profound that above-average growth is expected in the preschool to elementary school years, as well as for middle school, and also secondary school years. Firefighter Mediator Clergy Urban planner Special-ed teacher Court reporter Medical and public health social worker Emergency management specialist Marriage and family therapist

9. Business and Finance While the finance industry was hammered by the recession, it won't stay down for long. The wave of retiring baby boomers promises continued need for financial advice, while companies require financial analysis of potential investments. Business careers range from accountant to meeting planner.

10. In business, more companies are investing in employee development by hiring training specialists. Specialists may focus on keeping employees trained in new skills, or in getting new EMPLOYEES acquainted with their responsibilities. Companies are also increasingly turning to public relations specialists, as they recognize the importance of managing their public image.EMPLOYEES Actuary Training specialist Financial adviser Financial analyst Market research analyst Accountant Loan officer Public relations specialist Cost estimator Meeting planner Logistician

11. Creative and Service If the arts are your calling, but you also need a paycheck, consider some of these creative careers. From film and video editing to multimedia artistry, opportunities should be good. Similarly, if you're looking for a job that can be learned on-the-job, consider work as a plumber or security system installer.

12. Many of these careers largely defy categorization, so we've called them "service" jobs, but they are the occupations that make the world go round: The pilots who fly to remote destinations, or dust crops; the funeral directors who shepherd grieving families through the difficult and detailed process of planning a funeral; the plumbers who are the unsung heroes of everyday life. Commercial pilot Technical writer Funeral director Security system installer Landscape architect Plumber Film and video editor Multimedia artist Gaming manager Curator