If the success of smash-hit blockbusters like Spiderman, X-Men, and the Fantastic Four tells us anything it's that everyone loves a superhero. So even if you're not a comic book fanatic or dedicated movie-goer, it's okay to admit you've daydreamed just a little bit about ditching the office to spend the day saving dozens of lives.

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	Uncover top 10 superhero jobs.

But how likely is it that you can actually help save the world? You don’t have superpowers that let you shoot cobwebs or suddenly become invisible. You don’t have an arch nemesis. You don’t live in a gritty, crime-infected metropolis and you’re not about to go anywhere in public wearing a spandex unitard. So your daydreams about being a superhero are pretty much out of the question, right?

Fortunately, there are already hundreds of jobs in the world of work that fight crime, save lives, and shield the environment from any number of catastrophic events. Chances are you already have one of them without the embarrassment of a geeky costume and secret identity.

''Many people just throw up their hands and say, ‘What can one person do to improve the world?’ Others make plans to do what they can, however small, to contribute to improving the lives of others or the environment. And what better way than through work?'' says Laurence Shatkin, Ph.D., co-author of 150 Best Jobs for a Better World (JIST © 2008).

''You devote a major chunk of your life to your career. Why not use that time and energy in a way that makes the world a better place?''

In his book, Shatkin identifies several jobs perfect for wanna-be superheroes and anyone interested in using their career to do good for others and the environment.

''Different people have different opinions about which jobs make the world a better place, but typically the jobs should involve a lot of helping people, teaching people, improving people’s health and well-being, protecting people from harm, or enriching people’s lives,'' says Shatkin.

These include the following ten superhero-worthy jobs:

Counseling Psychologists
How the Job Improves the World: Contributes to mental health
Annual Earnings: $57,170
Annual Job Openings: 10,000

Criminal Investigators and Special Agents
How the Job Improves the World: Contributes to justice and law enforcement
Annual Earnings: $55,790
Annual Job Openings: 9,000

Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics
How the Job Improves the World: Contributes to health
Annual Earnings: $26,080
Annual Job Openings: 21,000

Environmental Scientists and Specialists
How the Job Improves the World: Contributes to natural environment
Annual Earnings: $52,630
Annual Job Openings: 8,000

Forest Fire Fighters
How the Job Improves the World: Contributes to safety and the natural environment
Annual Earnings: $39,090
Annual Job Openings: 21,000

Municipal Fire Fighters
How the Job Improves the World: Contributes to safety
Annual Earnings: $39,090
Annual Job Openings: 21,000

Police Patrol Officers
How the Job Improves the World: Contributes to justice and law enforcement
Annual Earnings: $46,290
Annual Job Openings: 47,000

Registered Nurses
How the Job Improves the World: Contributes to health
Annual Earnings: $54,670
Annual Job Openings: 229,000

Surgeons
How the Job Improves the World: Contributes to health
Annual Earnings: more than $145,600
Annual Job Openings: 41,000

Teachers, Postsecondary
How the Job Improves the World: Contributes to education
Annual Earnings: $53,590
Annual Job Openings: 329,000

Selena Dehne is a career writer for JIST Publishing who shares the latest occupational, career and job search information available with job seekers and career changers. She is also the author of JIST’s Job Search and Career Blog.

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