This book, which was written for students, explains the education and training needed to obtain one of the 50 most appealing and best-paying jobs today. Jobs are grouped into these categories: business services; communications; computer technology; construction; health care; manufacturing and production; mechanics, installers, and repairers; professional services; and transportation. Each job description includes information about some or all of the following: personality traits required for the job; job outlook; job duties; working conditions; requirements for obtaining a job and advancing in the occupation; average salaries for entry-level and advanced jobs; additional information sources; and interesting fact(s) about the job. The following are among the jobs profiled: manufacturer's and wholesale sales representatives, restaurant and food service managers, securities and financial services sales representatives, graphic artists, library technicians, computer and office machine repairers, computer programmers, computer scientists, drafters, construction and building inspectors, electricians, engineering technicians, plumbers and pipefitters, clinical laboratory technologists and technicians, dental hygienists, dispensing opticians, licensed practical nurses, occupational therapists, nuclear medicine technologists, electrical technicians in manufacturing, machinists and tool programmers, tool and die makers, water and wastewater treatment plant operators, mechanics, elevator installers and repairers, electronic equipment repairers, designers, paralegals, teachers, science technicians, aircraft mechanics, aircraft pilots, automotive technicians, and diesel engine technicians. Concluding the book are lists of sources of additional career information and eight vocational student organizations. (MN)