Probably not a person in this world would pass up the opportunity to make half a million dollars per year in annual salary. But what about job security and prospects for growth over the long term? And above all, would the job be satisfying? According to an employment survey conducted by CNN Money, the Top 10 careers in the United States vary by industry and overall responsibility, yet have three traits in common: good pay, job satisfaction and good prospects for future growth over the next 10 years.
Best Jobs in Healthcare
Because of an aging population and the continuing focus on health and preventive medicine, healthcare jobs round out the Top 10 best careers in the United States. At number two are Physician Assistants; Nurse Practitioner holds two spots up at number four. Both Physician Assistants (27 percent growth) and Nurse Practitioners (23 percent growth) share a common trait: they are taking over more of the duties of MDs due to the declining numbers of general practitioners. Both PAs and NPs average around $85,000 per year.
Physical Therapists (27 percent growth) hold the number seven spot on CNN Money's list of best jobs. The role of a Physical Therapist is to restore range of motion and flexibility for those who have been disabled by illness, accident or surgery. This field of medicine is growing quickly due to an aging population and longer lifespans. Physical Therapists generally average $75,000 per year.
Best Careers in Information Technology
The best jobs in information technology (IT) are found in the areas of computer networking security and IT project management. At number eight on CNN Money's list of of best careers are Computer Network Security Consultants (27 percent growth) who protect computer networks against intrusions and data theft. Computer Network Security Consultants average $100,000 per year.
However, coming in at number five on the list are IT Project Managers (16 percent growth) whose role is to oversee and manage large scale IT projects (e.g., software upgrades, security). IT Project Managers average around $98,000 per year but can go as high as $300,000. Upward mobility is better than average with the option of moving into a solo career as a consultant and making even more.
Though not relegated to IT alone, Systems Engineers (45 percent growth) top CNN Money's list of best jobs in the United States. Systems Engineers are big picture thinkers who assess a complex project (e.g., national defense, transportation) and formulate technical specifications and requirements. Systems Engineers average around $90,000 per year.
In addition to the best careers in healthcare and IT, others on the list include College Professors (#3 at 23 percent growth, $70,000/yr), Certified Public Accountants (#6 at 18 percent growth, $74,000/yr), Intelligence Analysts (#9 at 15 percent growth, $83,000/yr) and Sales Directors (#10 at 10 percent growth, $140,000/yr). According to CNN Money, this list factors in not only high pay but also job satisfaction, benefit to society and future growth.
Daniel Gansle - Daniel J. Gansle is the author of 2012: Day of Reckoning, graduate of Anthropological Studies and expert in ancient Mayan culture.
