20. Mental health and substance abuse social workers

Projected increase in 2016: 29.9 percent
Number employed in 2006: 122,000
Median pay in 2006: $37,980
Education/training: A master's degree is viewed as standard for most counselors.
Job outlook: The justice system is increasingly assigning drug offenders to treatment programs instead of jail, fueling demand for counselors.
• More on mental health and substance abuse counselors
• Job openings in New England for substance abuse social workers