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Earning a master's degree in education gives your resume an edge and can also add thousands of dollars each year to the BLS mean annual teaching salary of $54,390. You'll also need to look at master's degree programs if you're interested in pursuing a new education specialty such as reading, special education, or technology. Another career path for teachers focuses on education administration. Principals earn considerably more than teachers -- the BLS reports a salary of $86,060 -- but you need to have a master's degree in education administration in order for a district to even look at your resume.

As technology continues to progress with lightning speed, keeping your education up-to-date becomes more important than ever before, especially for those who develop the technologies. Although computer scientists learn a great deal on the job, a degree program can give you exposure to new theories, inspire progressive ideas, and introduce you to colleagues who will encourage and challenge you well after your class is over.

Traditional education requirements for computer specialists, who earn a mean salary of $76,000 as reported by the BLS, have ranged widely from an associate's degree in computer science all the way to a PhD. Increasing complexity in the field has pushed more computer specialists toward the higher end of the spectrum, with a bachelor's and even a master's degree in computer science becoming commonplace. In order for your resume to get noticed by hiring managers in this quickly growing field, you may also want to think about becoming certified in the software program most applicable to your area of focus.

According to the BLS, the average annual registered nurse's salary is $65,130, but you can make considerably more by moving into an administration position or focusing on a particular nursing specialty. Without additional education and certification, hiring managers will not even consider your resume for these more advanced and highly paid positions.

Most administrative roles require a bachelor's degree in nursing and many colleges have stepped up to the demand by offering RN to BSN programs. The master's in nursing and the master's of health care administration and public health can also be an advantage. In addition, each of the four advanced-practice nursing specialties requires a master's degree: nurse midwife, nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetists, and clinical nurse specialists.

Whatever your career focus, additional career training and degrees can help to catch the eye of hiring managers and recruiters in any job market. If your search hasn't progressed the way you'd hoped, consider adding to your educational credentials sooner rather than later.