5TH MOST PAYING JOB IN AMERICA

No.4 Dentist

Median salary: $145,320
Training time: 8 years

There are quite a few specialties -- orthodontics, oral surgery and pediatrics to name a few -- within the dental field, although many graduates of dental school opt to become general practitioners. Dentists in private practice will commonly oversee business operations, including administration and bookkeeping. All states require dentists to be licensed, so candidates must graduate from one of the 56 dental schools accredited by the ADA.

 Graduates must also pass both written and practical exams. While most dental schools require only two years of college-level education, most candidates obtain their bachelor’s degree. Dental school for general practitioners takes three to four years, and if you wish to specialize, you can plan on an additional two to five years of training.