• Median pay: $103,000
• Top pay: $160,000
• 10-year job growth: 13%

As the nation's energy boom unfolds, landmen are needed to negotiate oil and gas leases between the companies and the folks that own the resources. They travel the countryside in search of people willing to sell their mineral rights, and match them with oil firms.

Despite fluctuations in the price of oil, long-term projections for the oil industry -- and the profession's prospects -- remain strong.

What's great: One of the best things about the job is seeing the project through to the end, which often includes a regular person getting a substantial payout. "There have been times when I've walked that first check to the door myself," said landman John Harris. "Everyone loves to get money." --Steve Hargreaves

Quality of life ratings:
Personal satisfaction: A | Benefit to society: A | Low stress: A

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