We can’t all be doctors and lawyers, but that’s OK, because securing a top job doesn’t always necessarily require you to have a graduate degree or work a 60-hour week. What makes a job great, of course, is different for everyone, but in terms of offering a stellar combination of growth potential, pay and education requirements, there are some jobs that outshine most others.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the following jobs to be among the fastest-growing occupations. By 2010, demand for these positions will have grown between 30% and 50% just since 2005. What’s more, most of these jobs require only a associates or bachelor’s degree, and yet the pay won’t have you clipping coupons.

1. Physician assistants : Unlike medical assistants, who perform routine clinical and clerical tasks, physician assistants practice medicine under the supervision of physicians and surgeons. Average salary: $63,792 according to salaryexpert.com - Growth: 49.6 percent. Education level: Bachelor’s degree

2. Computer applications software engineers, applications : These professionals analyze users’ needs and design, construct and maintain general computer applications software or specialized utility programs. Average salary: $56,184 - Growth: 49.4 percent. Education: Bachelor’s degree

3. Dental hygienists : Dental hygienists examine patients’ teeth and gums to detect diseases and abnormalities, teach patients how to practice good oral hygiene and provide other preventive dental care. Average salary: $49,309 - Growth: 43.3 percent. Education: Associate’s degree

4. Computer systems software engineers : They coordinate the construction and maintenance of a company’s computer systems and plan their future growth. Average salary: $59,297 - Growth: 43 percent. Education: Bachelor’s degree

5. Network and computer systems administrators : They design, install and support an organization’s local-area network (LAN), wide-area network (WAN), network segment, Internet or intranet system. Average salary: $62,534 - Growth: 38.4 percent. Education: Bachelor’s degree

6. Database administrators : Database administrators work with database management systems software and determine ways to organize and store data. They identify user requirements, set up computer databases, and test and coordinate modifications to the computer database systems. Average salary: $70,016 - Growth: 38.2 percent. Education: Bachelor’s degree

7. Computer systems analysts : These analysts solve computer problems and apply computer technology to meet the individual needs of an organization, such as helping it realize the maximum benefit from its investment in equipment, personnel and business processes. Average salary: $55,811 - Growth: 31.4 percent. Education: Bachelor’s degree

8. Diagnostic medical sonographers : Sonographers operate the sonograph equipment, which collects reflected echoes and forms an image that may be videotaped, transmitted or photographed for interpretation and diagnosis by a physician. Average salary: $51,648 - Growth: 34.8 percent. Education: Associate’s degree

9. Biomedical engineers : Biomedical engineers apply their knowledge of biology, medicine and engineering to develop devices and procedures that solve medical and health-related problems. Average salary: $62,533 - Growth: 30.7 percent. Education: Bachelor’s degree

10. Environmental engineers : These engineers apply the principles of biology and chemistry to develop solutions to environmental problems, assisting with pollution control, recycling, waste disposal and public health issues. Average salary: $53,362 - Growth: 30 percent. Education: Bachelor’s degree