10 Jobs That Offer a Big Bang for Your Buck

Meteorologist: For job seekers interested in weather patterns, a bachelor's degree can pave the way to the title of meteorologist and a median paycheck of nearly $85,000 annually. Those who work for the National Weather Service tend to make less.

Physician assistant: These healthcare workers bring in a median of $84,000 annually. Some educational programs are two years, but most offer bachelor's or master's degrees. Physician assistants must also obtain a license. The number of physician assistant jobs is expected to grow by 29,200, or 39 percent, by 2018, among the fastest occupational growth rates projected by the Labor Department.

Sales manager: This occupation has the highest median annual salary, nearly $97,000, of all the jobs on our list. Sales managers need a bachelor's degree, though some also seek a master's degree in business administration. Hiring managers tend to value experience over education.

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* Salary data and job-growth projections from the Labor Department

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