The year’s best jobs
To come up with the 100 best jobs, U.S. News crunches the numbers to find the positions that offer a combination of low unemployment, generous wages, robust growth and solid work-life balance. For a look at jobs that share those traits, click on to explore the 25 best jobs of 2017.
25. Podiatrist
Median Salary: $119,340
Unemployment Rate: 1.7 percent
Expected Job Openings: 1,400
These medical professionals diagnose and treat problems in the feet and ankles. Podiatric medical school and advanced training are required to enter this field.
Learn more about podiatrists.
24. Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Median Salary: $68,970
Unemployment Rate: 0.4 percent
Expected Job Openings: 16,000
These health care specialists use sonography equipment to capture images for a number of medical purposes, from finding out the gender of a baby to imaging tumors.
Learn more about diagnostic medical sonographers.
23. Occupational Therapist
Median Salary: $80,150
Unemployment Rate: 1.3 percent
Expected Job Openings: 30,400
OTs help patients build or restore their ability to perform daily tasks and work toward certain goals. Licensed OTs typically need to earn a master’s degree, pass board examinations and complete a fieldwork requirement.
Learn more about occupational therapists.
22. Registered Nurse
Median Salary: $67,490
Unemployment Rate: 1.5 percent
Expected Job Openings: 439,300
Registered nurses monitor a patient’s condition, perform medical procedures and administer medicine. Entry-level RN positions are available with an associate degree, but a bachelor’s degree is becoming the industry standard.
Learn more about registered nurses.
21. Prosthodontist
Median Salary: $119,740
Unemployment rate: 0.1 percent
Expected Job Openings: 100
Prosthodontists specialize in restoring and replacing teeth to improve function and appearance.
Learn more about prosthodontists.
20. Mathematician
Median Salary: $111,110
Unemployment rate: 0.8 percent
Expected Job Openings: 700
Mathematicians crunch numbers and analyze outcomes while working in a range of math-related jobs, including teaching and research.
Learn more about mathematicians.
17 (tie). Psychiatrist
Median Salary: >$187,199
Unemployment Rate: 1.2 percent
Expected Job Openings: 4,200
These health professionals specialize in diagnosing and treating issues related to the mind and mental health. Becoming a psychiatrist requires a medical school degree and additional specialized training.
Learn more about psychiatrists.
17 (tie). Physician
Median Salary: >$187,199
Unemployment rate: 0.6 percent
Expected Job Openings: 5,100
These highly trained professionals diagnose, treat and monitor a variety of health conditions.
Learn more about physicians.
17 (tie). Anesthesiologist
Median Salary: >$187,199
Unemployment Rate: 1.7 percent
Expected Job Openings: 7,100
These medical specialists administer anesthesia to numb pain during invasive procedures. Among the hurdles: Anesthesiologists must complete medical school and other specialized training.
Learn more about anesthesiologists.
16. Physical Therapist
Median Salary: $84,020
Unemployment Rate: 1.1 percent
Expected Job Openings: 71,800
PTs help patients battling physical issues or injuries regain movement and manage pain. To enter the field, hopefuls must typically complete a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree as well as residency and licensing requirements.
Learn more about physical therapists.
15. Nurse Midwife
Median Salary: $92,510
Unemployment Rate: 0.7 percent
Expected Job Openings: 1,300
These trained medical specialists diagnose and coordinate the birthing process for their patients. They may also provide gynecological checkups for clients.
Learn more about nurse midwives.
14. Surgeon
Median Salary: >$187,199
Unemployment Rate: 0.6 percent
Expected Job Openings: 9,100
Scalpel, please. Surgeons operate on patients to help treat diseases, injuries and other issues. To enter the field, medical school and specialized training are a must.
Learn more about surgeons.
13. Software Developer
Median Salary: $98,260
Unemployment Rate: 2 percent
Expected Job Openings: 135,300
Software developers design computer programs, often flexing their creative muscles and technical know-how. A bachelor’s degree in computer science is typical — but not required — as are strong programming skills.
Learn more about software developers.
12. Occupational Therapy Assistant
Median Salary: $57,870
Unemployment Rate: 0.6 percent
Expected Job Openings: 14,100
Patients may require occupational therapy to manage a lifelong medical condition or the effects of a stroke, accident or other physical trauma. OTAs help these patients live as independently as possible, teaching them to perform daily tasks such as brushing their teeth and getting dressed. To enter the field, OTAs need to earn an associate degree, which typically takes about two years.
Learn more about occupational therapy assistants.
11. Optometrist
Median Salary: $103,900
Unemployment Rate: 1.6 percent
Expected Job Openings: 11,000
These medical professionals specialize in eye care and prescribe contact lenses or glasses. Optometrists must complete a Doctor of Optometry program, licensing exams and other requirements.
Learn more about optometrists.
9 (tie). Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
Median Salary: >$187,199
Unemployment Rate: 0.6 percent
Expected Job Openings: 1,200
These medical professionals perform surgeries on the face, mouth and jaw. Dental school and specialized training are among the requirements for this field.
Learn more about oral and maxillofacial surgeons.
9 (tie). Obstetrician and Gynecologist
Median Salary: >$187,199
Unemployment Rate: 0.6 percent
Expected Job Openings: 4,300
OB-GYNs specialize in women’s reproductive health, managing everything from contraception to childbirth. Like other medical fields, the road to becoming an OB-GYN is paved with medical school, licensing examinations and residency requirements.
Learn more about obstetricians and gynecologists.
8. Computer Systems Analyst
Median Salary: $85,800
Unemployment Rate: 2.4 percent
Expected Job Openings: 118,600
These experts help companies evaluate and improve their computer systems. A bachelor’s degree in information sciences can help hopefuls get started in this field.
Learn more about computer systems analysts.
7. Pediatrician
Median Salary: $170,300
Unemployment Rate: 0.6 percent
Expected Job Openings: 3,600
Pediatricians are the doctors who diagnose and treat babies, children and young adults. Like other medical professionals, pediatricians must finish medical school, residency and other training.
Learn more about pediatricians.
6. Nurse Anesthetist
Median Salary: $157,140
Unemployment Rate: 0.7 percent
Expected Job Openings: 7,400
These registered nurses specialize in anesthesiology, administering drugs to minimize the pain of procedures. These health professionals undergo training on top of their nursing degree to specialize in this area.
Learn more about nurse anesthetists.
5. Orthodontist
Median Salary: >$187,199
Unemployment Rate: 0.1 percent
Expected Job Openings: 1,500
Anyone with a mouth full of braces can tell you about orthodontists. These professionals straighten teeth and align bites. Among other requirements, orthodontists must attend dental school and receive specialized training.
Learn more about orthodontists.
4. Statistician
Median Salary: $80,110
Unemployment Rate: 0.8 percent
Expected Job Openings: 10,100
The highest-ranked business profession on this year’s list requires mathematical prowess and a passion for numbers. Statisticians use data to make decisions. A bachelor’s degree should open doors, but a master’s degree or Ph.D. may open more.
Learn more about statisticians.
3. Physician Assistant
Median Salary: $98,180
Unemployment Rate: 0.6 percent
Expected Job Openings: 28,700
PAs coordinate with physicians and other health care workers to treat patients. They typically need to complete a master’s degree, clinical training and other requirements.
Learn more about physician assistants.
2. Nurse Practitioner
Median Salary: $98,190
Unemployment Rate: 0.7 percent
Expected Job Openings: 44,700
Nurse practitioners treat patients for a variety of issues and ailments and may be able to work independently from a physician. To enter the field, hopefuls must earn specialized credentials on top of their nursing degree.
Learn more about nurse practitioners.
1. Dentist
Median Salary: $152,700
Unemployment Rate: 0.1 percent
Expected Job Openings: 23,300
Open wide. The No. 1 ranked job for 2017 is dentist. These professionals diagnose and treat issues of the teeth and gums and must graduate from dental school.
Learn more about dentists.
More from U.S. News
25 Best Jobs That Don’t Require a College Degree
25 Best Jobs That Pay More Than $100K
10 Things Your Mom Didn’t Teach You About Job Searching
The 25 Best Jobs of 2017 originally appeared on usnews.com
