Although this occupation has had less wage growth over the last three years than physical therapy assistant (No. 14 on the hot jobs list), its employment prospects are still expected to be better than average, especially in acute, rehabilitation and orthopedic care.

FORBES: 6. Physical Therapist

"Because I believe that it's an essential part of health care, and we're able to affect so strongly people's abilities to return to work and lead functional lives, we're an important part of the pie, " says Cheryl Resnik, assistant professor at the University of Southern California and president of the California Physical Therapy Association.

FORBES: 6. Physical Therapist