While there is no consensus on the best occupations to pursue, many people contend that good jobs have the following characteristics in common: a satisfying remuneration, challenging environment, work-life balance, compatibility with knowledge and capabilities, and opportunities for career development. We’ve used these considerations, among others, to create a list of the best careers today.
Software developers, statisticians, physician assistants, and dentists are some of the best professions to mentioned in this ranking. You can also check out the list of the best jobs in 2019 from earlier this year.
That said, in this article, we are going to provide you with a list of careers that will cut across the board in terms of pay and other job ranking criteria in 2020.
The 100 Best and Highest Paying Jobs
Below are 100 different career options with excellent salaries. Explore them and pick the best one for your skillset.
Software Developer
Software developers are the experts that invent the techs we use.
Projected positions: 250,000+
Average salary: USD 101,790
Statistician
They analyze data to help in decision-making.
Projected positions: 12,000+
Average salary: USD 84,060
Physician Assistant
They work alongside doctors, testing, and caring for patients.
Projected positions: 35,000+
Average salary: USD 104,860
Dentist
They offer dental healthcare to patients.
Projected positions: 25,000+
Average salary: USD 151,440
Nurse Anesthetist
They are advanced nurses whose work is to administer anesthetics to patients and monitor their vitals.
Projected positions: 6,500+
Average salary: USD 165,120
Orthodontist
These are teeth and jaw experts that help in improving the general appearance of these regions.
Projected positions: 1,000+
Average salary: USD 208,000
Nurse Practitioner
They are specialized experts who help physicians in everyday operations.
Projected positions: 56,000+
Average salary: USD 103,880
Pediatrician
They offer medical care to children.
Projected positions: 4,500+
Average salary: USD 172,650
Obstetrician and Gynecologist
They offer an array of services related to childbirth and reproductive wellbeing.
Projected positions: 3,000+
Average salary: USD 208,000
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
These are medical experts who have specialized in the mouth, teeth, jaw, and gum region.
Projected positions: 1,000+
Average salary: USD 208,000
Physician
They offer preventive as well as medical care to people.
Projected positions: 7,000+
Average salary: USD 192,930
Prosthodontist
They enhance the look of our teeth and can replace those that are damaged.
Projected positions: 200+
Average salary: USD 185,150
Occupational Therapist
They assist sick, injured, or disabled people with their daily activities.
Projected positions: 30,000+
Average salary: USD 83,200
Anesthesiologist
They administer drugs to patients to make them numb during operations.
Projected positions: 5,000+
Average salary: USD 208,000
Surgeon
They operate on patients to cure disease or restore health.
Projected positions: 6,000+
Average salary: USD 208,000
Nurse Midwife
They provide an array of services to pregnant women and mothers.
Projected positions: 1,000+
Average salary: USD 100,590
Mathematician
These are math experts who help in addressing various math problems.
Projected positions: 900+
Average salary: USD 103,010
Cartographer
They create maps on paper.
Projected positions: 2,400+
Average salary: USD 63,990
Registered Nurse
They help doctors in everyday procedures.
Projected positions: 438,000+
Average salary: USD 70,000
Physical Therapist
They develop treatment plans to help patients improve their mobility while minimizing pain.
Projected positions: 67,000+
Average salary: USD 86,850
Clinical Lab Technician
They conduct tests on patients helping in the diagnosis of ailments.
Projected positions: 22,000+
Average salary: USD 51,770
Podiatrist
They are medical experts who have specialized in feet.
Projected positions: 1,000+
Average salary: USD 127,740
Speech-Language Pathologist
They diagnose and offer treatment for various speech problems.
Projected positions: 25,000+
Average salary: USD 76,610
Accountant
They offer financial services to people in need of them (managers, private business owners, etc.).
Projected positions: 135,000+
Average salary: USD 69,350
Financial Manager
They coordinate all financial issues in a firm.
Projected positions: 105,000+
Average salary: USD 125,080
Respiratory Therapist
They assess and offer treatment to people with breathing and other respiratory problems.
Projected positions: 30,000+
Average salary: USD 59,710
Computer Systems Analyst
They develop customized computer systems and processes for interested parties.
Projected positions: 50,000+
Average salary: USD 88,270
System Administrator
They handle all computer-related issues in organizations.
Projected positions: 40,000+
Average salary: USD 139,220
Medical and Health Services Manager
They are in charge of routine operations in health institutions.
Projected positions: 70,000+
Average salary: USD 98,350
Dental Hygienist
They work besides dentists, helping with teeth cleaning, X-ray photography, and so forth.
Projected positions: 40,000+
Average salary: USD 74,070
Marketing Manager
They are in charge of a firm’s marketing issues.
Projected positions: 20,000+
Average salary: USD 132,230
Physical Therapist Assistant
They help patients recover from different injuries.
Projected positions: 25,000+
Average salary: USD 57,430
Actuary
They are good at math, finance, and statistics and help companies minimize financial damage during uncertain scenarios.
Projected positions: 5,000+
Average salary: USD 101,560
Operations Research Analyst
They use sophisticated tech to mine data and create models that help organizations run smoothly.
Projected positions: 30,000+
Average salary: USD 81,390
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
They develop images of organs to help in diagnosis.
Projected positions: 15,000+
Average salary: USD 71,410
Civil Engineer
They design and maintain public infrastructure.
Projected positions: 30,000+
Average salary: USD 84,770
Business Operations Manager
They help firms hire, negotiate deals, create budgets, and make a sensible business decision.
Projected positions: 200,000+
Average salary: USD 100,410
Landscape designer
They design various outdoor spaces.
Projected positions: 130,000+
Average salary: USD 27,670
Psychologist
They help people who are suffering emotionally, psychologically, and behaviorally.
Projected positions: 1,000+
Average salary: USD 97,740
Information Security Analyst
They develop and execute security strategies to safeguard an organization’s network and system.
Projected positions: 25,000+
Average salary: USD 95,510
Mechanical Engineer
They are involved in the making of mechanical equipment, from the designing stage to testing.
Projected positions: 20,000+
Average salary: USD 85,880
Lawyer
They offer advice and representation to clients in legal matters.
Projected positions: 60,000+
Average salary: USD 119,250
Construction Manager
They plan construction projects, develop cost estimates, and coordinate workers at sites.
Projected positions: 40,000+
Average salary: USD 91,370
Financial Advisor
These experts help their clients with handling and planning their money and assets.
Projected positions: 40,000+
Average salary: USD 90,640
School Psychologist
They assist students with emotional or academic issues.
Projected positions: 20,000+
Average salary: USD 75,090
Political Scientist
They study politics but have ideas that can help in trade and other social issues.
Projected positions: 200+
Average salary: USD 115,110
Orthotist and Prosthetist
These are the experts who create artificial limbs, body braces, and other treatment devices for patients.
Projected positions: 1,000+
Average salary: USD 66,240
Database Administrator
They create databases for organizations, maintain them, and implement appropriate security measures.
Projected positions: 10,000+
Average salary: USD 87,020
Ophthalmologist
They offer eyeglasses prescriptions and necessary eye medications.
Projected positions: 7,000+
Average salary: USD 110, 300
Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselor
They offer treatment to sick people while also conducting outreach initiatives.
Projected positions: 20,000+
Average salary: USD 43,300
Website Developer
High among careers in demand, is web development. The job of web developers is to build and design websites.
Projected positions: 24,000+
Average salary: USD 66,990
Personal Care Helpers
These are individuals who help to care for people who have terminal illnesses and those disabled, either physically or mentally.
Projected positions: 770,000+
Average salary: USD 23,100
Psychiatrist
These professionals are responsible for diagnosing and recommending treatment plans to patients suffering from mental disorders.
Projected positions: 3,000+
Average salary: USD 208,000
Community and Social Managers
This job involves working with communities or groups of people in managing and solving particular issues.
Projected positions: 26,000+
Average salary: USD 64,100
Pharmacist
These health care professionals support doctors through dispensing prescription medications and ensuring the safe use of drugs.
Projected positions: 17,000+
Average salary: USD 124,000
Home Health Assistants
These people help individuals with chronic illnesses, cognitive disorders, and diabetes to perform day to day activities.
Projected positions: 431,000+
Average salary: USD 23,200
Wind Turbine Technicians
This work involves the installation, repair, and maintenance of wind turbines and therefore requires some technical training.
Projected positions: 5,500+
Average salary: USD 53,800
Computer Network Architects
These architects are responsible for designing, building, and maintaining computer communication networks.
Projected positions: 10,000+
Average salary: USD 104,600
Plumbers
Plumbers plan, develop, and repair water systems and pipes.
Projected positions: 75,000+
Average salary: USD 52,500
Market Research Analysts
These people monitor and forecast trends in sales and marketing to know what consumers demand.
Projected positions: 138,000+
Average salary: USD 63,200
Cost Estimators
Cost estimators assess the costs of products or services for customers and businesses.
Projected positions: 22,000+
Average salary: USD 63,000
Hair Stylists
A hair dresser’s work is to trim, color, and style hair to the client’s desire.
Projected positions: 80,000+
Average salary: USD 24,800
School Counselor
These counselors give students academic and developmental guidance to school going kids.
Projected positions: 36,000+
Average salary: USD 55,400
Vet
Veterinary doctors are responsible for examining, diagnosing, and treating pets and other home animals.
Projected positions: 15,000+
Average salary: USD 90,400
Patrol Officer
Patrol officers’ work is to make patrols in the community, respond to reported incidents, and fill out reports.
Projected positions: 47,000+
Average salary: USD 61,000
Medical Assistant
Medical assistants perform a variety of hospital duties, including measuring patients’ vitals, administering meds and injections, setting appointments, etc.
Projected positions: 183,000+
Average salary: USD 32,400
Human Resource Specialists
Among the top careers there is today, is HR specialist. This role deals with the recruitment, screening, interviewing, and placement of employees in a company.
Projected positions: 32,000+
Average salary: USD 60,300
Computer Administrators
People in this career are responsible for maintaining and updating computer hardware and software.
Projected positions: 24,000+
Average salary: USD 81,000
Industrial Psychologists
These professionals work as consultants who evaluate and solve problems for organizations, corporations, and even the government.
Projected positions: 100+
Average salary: USD 87,000
Sales Managers
People in this role come up with selling strategies and organize their teams to achieve sales objectives.
Projected positions: 28,000+
Average salary: USD 121,000
Loan Officers
These employees evaluate, suggest, and approve loans to individuals and companies.
Projected positions: 36,000+
Average salary: USD 64,600
Medical Secretaries
These secretaries do various behind-the-scenes tasks such as compiling charts and reports, preparing patients’ bills, transcribing notes, etc.
Projected positions: 120,000+
Average salary: USD 34,600
Vocational & Practical Nurses (Licensed)
These nurses do a variety of work under the guidance of a register doctor or nurse, including reporting on a patient’s health, monitoring a patient’s condition, discuss care given with patients, etc.
Projected positions: 88,000+
Average salary: USD $45,000
Biochemists
A biochemist uses his or her knowledge of chemicals to find solutions to biological problems.
Projected positions: 3,500+
Average salary: USD 91,100
Family Therapists
Family and marriage therapists offer support and help resolve issues between spouses, children, or any other family.
Projected positions: 9,600+
Average salary: USD 48,700
High School Teachers
This job entails teaching and counseling teens. A high school teacher must specialize in at least one subject.
Projected positions: 76,000+
Average salary: USD 59,100
Genetic Counselors
This role involves assessing peoples’ risk of getting genetic diseases such as cancer.
Projected positions: 900+
Average salary: USD 77,400
Social Workers
Social workers deal with issues of child neglect, abuse, or poverty.
Projected positions: 40,000+
Average salary: USD 44,300
Financial Analysts
Financial analysts help people make wiser investment choices and also make analyses of clients’ investments.
Projected positions: 32,000+
Average salary: USD 84,000
Paramedics
Paramedics work in the emergency medical services unit and usually respond to life-threatening events.
Projected positions: 37,000+
Average salary: USD 33,300
Chiropractors
They use hands-on manipulation, and non-drug treatments alleviate musculoskeletal structure problems, especially the spine.
Projected positions: 5,800+
Average salary: USD 68,600
Mental Health Counselors
These counselors help people suffering from mental disorders such as PTSD, bipolar, anxiety, and depression.
Projected positions: 36,000+
Average salary: USD 43,000
Clinical Social Workers
These social workers perform group or private therapy to identify and treat behavioral, emotional, and mental conditions.
Projected positions: 35,000+
Average salary: USD 54,800
Management Analysts
These people assist companies in boosting efficiency and profits while keeping expenses down.
Projected positions: 115,000+
Average salary: USD 82,400
Logisticians
A logistician deals with transportation, warehousing, inventory tracking, among other processes within the production and distribution process.
Projected positions: 10,000+
Average salary: USD 74,500
Nutritionists
A nutritionist/ dietitian helps people in making healthy eating plans and food selections.
Projected positions: 9,800+
Average salary: USD 59,400
Environmental Engineers
These engineers use their engineering expertise plus biology and chemistry knowledge to find solutions to environmental issues.
Projected positions: 4,000+
Average salary: USD 86,000
Massage Therapists
Massage therapists perform massages on clients to ease stress, boost blood circulation in the body, make painful conditions more manageable, among other things.
Projected positions: 42,000+
Average salary: USD 39,900
MRI Technologists
These workers generate MRI scans and images to help doctors diagnose health problems.
Projected positions: 5,000+
Average salary: USD 69,900
Environmental Engineering Technicians
People in demand jobs work together with engineers to mitigate environmental issues such as pollution.
Projected positions: 2,000+
Average salary: USD 50,200
Phlebotomist
This health care professional deals with drawing of blood and ensure it is done in the right way.
Projected positions: 30,000+
Average salary: USD 33,600
Pharmacy Technicians
This job involves the measurement of drugs and dozes for patients and doctors.
Projected positions: 47,500+
Average salary: USD 31,700
Biomedical Engineer
This career deals with researching and developing solutions to medical and biological issues.
Projected positions: 1,400+
Average salary: USD 88,000
Physical Therapy Assistants
These aides help physical therapists in day to day functions such as setting up therapy equipment.
Projected positions: 15,000+
Average salary: USD 25,700
Technical Writers
Technical writers create a variety of documents, from manuals to guides and web pages.
Projected positions: 5,500+
Average salary: USD 70,900
Fundraisers
Fundraisers help all kinds of organizations, institutions, and foundations to raise money for different purposes.
Projected positions: 13,000+
Average salary: USD 55,600
Repair and Maintenance Employees
These people maintain and repair all kinds of connections, machines, or equipment in residential and business premises.
Projected positions: 112,000+
Average salary: USD 37,600
Language Translators
Translators and interpreters are among the most in demand jobs today. Interpreters convert language orally or by gestures while translators do it in writing.
Projected positions: 12,000+
Average salary: USD 47,100
Radiation Therapists
These well paying jobs involve carrying out radiation treatment plans on patients.
Projected positions: 2,000+
Average salary: USD 80,500
Surgical Technologists
These professionals assist surgeons with tasks such as room and tools sterilization during surgery
Projected positions: 12,500+
Average salary: USD 46,300
As you can see, this list provides the best paying jobs in USA of the upcoming year. So, go on and find something that suits your skills, pay expectations, and interests.
