5 Low-Profile Careers With High Potential

Here's a look at five low-profile careers that pay well for interesting work, and are poised for growth in tomorrow's economy.

1. Occupational Therapist

As more and more Americans enter their golden years, occupational therapists are experiencing a surge in demand for their services. Occupational therapists play an important supporting role in the treatment of illness and disability. They help patients with disabilities regain their independence through adaptive technology and life skills training.

A master's degree is the minimum requirement to become licensed as an occupational therapist. As of 2007, 124 programs offered occupational therapy graduate degrees, and an additional 66 offered combined bachelor's-master's degree programs.

Salary: $67,920 (mean annual wages from 2008 as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, unless otherwise specified)

2. Video Game Designer

Who knew that a video gaming habit could pay off in a lucrative career? Video game designers make a comfortable living creating concepts, story lines, and animated effects for computer games. According to the Entertainment Software Association, the video game industry earned $11.7 billion last year in the U.S. alone.

A game design career requires top-notch programming and artistic skills. An associate's or bachelor's degree in game design helps you develop the technical background. You may choose to specialize in interactive programming (using C or C++ language), script writing and character development, or computer-generated special effects.

Salary: $62,380 for all multimedia artists and animators

3. Cybercrime Investigator

Cybercrime investigators are unlikely to inspire a "CSI"-style television drama, but their forensics work is no less heroic. These behind-the-scenes digital detectives use their computer skills to make the Web a safer place to surf and do business. They apply advanced forensics techniques to pursue and help prosecute the hackers, and identify thieves and financial scam artists lurking online.

Cybercrime investigators may kick off their careers with an associate's degree in computer science, programming, or a specialized computer crime, economic crime investigation, or digital forensics degree. For the best opportunities, continue on to a bachelor's degree in the field.

Salary: $46,370 for all computer support specialists (mean annual wage, BLS, 2008); $51,164 for credit card fraud investigators (Salary.com)

4. User Experience Designer

As personal electronics reach a peak in technical development, the high-tech industry is looking to usability to differentiate their products. Apple, for example, has come to dominate the market for computers and communication devices on the strength of its intuitive interface and compelling designs. As a user experience designer, you'll make sure that products are easy to use and pleasing to look at. The job brings together creative and technical skills, making it a lucrative niche for artistic types.

A bachelor's degree in computer science or graphic design can lead to a career as a usability specialist. For best results, supplement your degree with courses in cognitive psychology and marketing. Some colleges offer a specialized master's degree in usability.

Salary: $87,900 for computer applications engineers, $46,750 for graphic designers

5. Curriculum Designer

Curriculum designers are tackling the challenge of education reform head-on. These specialists select textbooks, develop new curriculum materials, and train teachers. They incorporate new educational technology into the classroom. And they review educational programs to make sure learning outcomes meet standards set by government agencies.

A master's degree in education is the standard requirement for a career in curriculum design. You'll learn about educational technology, program review techniques, and current research in learning and child development. Most states also require a teaching or administrative license.

Salary: $59,780

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