Optometrist

Pay: Optometrists in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area who work for others earned a median wage of $117,630 in 2007, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Nationally, according to the American Optometric Association, median net annual income for all optometrists, including the self-employed, was $105,000 in 2006. The middle 50 percent earned between $84,000 and $150,000.

The job: Optometrists, also known as doctors of optometry, or ODs, are the main providers of vision care. They examine people's eyes to diagnose vision problems. They prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses, and they may prescribe or provide other treatments, such as vision therapy or low-vision rehabilitation.

Unlike ophthalmologists, they are not physicians and do not perform surgery or treat injuries.

Most optometrists are private practitioners who also handle the business aspects of running an office. Optometrists who operate franchise optical stores also may have some of these duties.

Education: The doctor of optometry degree requires the completion of a four-year program at an accredited optometry school, preceded by at least three years of preoptometric study at an accredited college or university. Admission to optometry school is competitive. All states require optometrists to be licensed.

Demand: Employment is projected to grow 11 percent between 2006 and 2016. Job opportunities should be very good over the next decade.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: www.stats.bls.gov/oco