The clergy tend to people's spiritual needs. They plan and lead worship services and offer moral guidance. They may also be sought for education and guidance in more temporal matters. Congregations may be large or small, at universities or small towns, in cities or in the military. Clergy are on call at all hours to offer solace to the sick and comfort to the troubled and bereaved.

SALARY: The variation is extreme. Catholic priests who are part of a religious order, for instance, take a vow of poverty while diocesan priests are paid modest salaries. Ministers' and rabbis' earnings depend on the size and wealth of the congregation. Housing is often part of the compensation.

EDUCATION: A college degree and advanced theological study is required of most clergy. Both rabbis and Catholic priests are expected to complete seminary studies; ministers generally attend theological school.

Counselors help people solve problems or adjust to life changes.
School Counselors help students understand their social, learning or personal problems, teaching them skills to prevent difficulties in the classroom and make learning easier.
Placement Counselors help students and graduates plan both job hunts and future careers.
Employment Counselors aid in career choices.
Rehabilitation Counselors help the disabled; they may devise a program to help clients become more independent.

SALARY: In New England, school counselors average $46,035. The national average is $44,073 overall; $34,159 to start.

EDUCATION: A master's is the miminum degree for general counseling or a specialty such as rehabilitation counseling. School counselors must be certified. Mental health counselors must be licensed.

Psychologists study human behavior and what causes it. They apply this knowledge in a variety of specialties and settings. Clinical psychologists help patients cope with problems. They test and treat patients, sometimes in conjunction with other health professionals. Increasingly, they are asked to aid those hurt by illness or injury. School psychologists help resolve students' learning and behavior problems. Research psychologists study everything from human development to the relationship between the brain and behavior. Psychologists work in offices, schools and, increasingly, hospitals.

SALARY: Varies with setting and experience. Doctoral level clinicians average salaries in the $50,000 to $79,000 range. The best earnings are for those in private practice, particularly in group practices. Salaries are even higher for those with doctorates who consult or work in business and industry as applied psychologists.

EDUCATION: A doctorate is the basic degree for most positions. An internship may be required. Psychologists must be licensed.

Social workers help people with their problems. They may help solve the most practical ones, such as lack of decent housing or child care. They may also find services or provide counseling themselves for those with such difficult problems as substance abuse. They may act in the public arena as community organizers or public policy advisors. Case management, which entails needs assessment and provision and monitoring of multiple services for clients, is growing field within social work. Clinical social workers may enter private practice as therapists.

SALARY: Nationwide median, $34,215; average in New England, $37,928.

EDUCATION: A master's degree is the most common and accepted in the field. A bachelor's is the minimal requirement for hiring.

DEMAND: Very strong. Increased needs in schools, hospitals, family services and elder care will result in more jobs.