Many of these top jobs provide excellent salaries and include the potential for job growth.
U.S. News' top 25 jobs of 2024 reflect a changing job market, with the health care and business sectors dominating the list this year.
Broadly, the U.S. economy should see 4.7 million jobs added between 2022 and 2032, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics projections, particularly in the health care and social assistance sectors, and in the professional, scientific and technical services sectors.
An aging population and growing prevalence of chronic conditions will drive the strong projected job growth in health care and social assistance. The uptick in the professional, scientific and technical services sector may stem from increasing demand for information technology products and services.
U.S. News took a look at more than a dozen industries to find the best jobs, measuring the median salary, predicted growth and unemployment rate, to create this year's list. U.S. News also measured and compared jobs based on qualities such as work-life balance and stress level.
25. Nurse Anesthetist
These medical professionals administer gases and drugs to patients before medical procedures. With the highest median salary of any job on this list, nurse anesthetists are valued members of a medical team and can find employment opportunities in an assortment of health care facilities. Nurse anesthetists are registered nurses who specialize in anesthesiology with at least one year of critical care experience and a master's degree, which usually takes two years to complete.
Nurse anesthetists must be licensed by the state. As registered nurses, these professionals need to complete a nurse anesthesia program and pass the national certification exam. Nurse anesthetists spend much of their time on their feet, and work can be stressful when it comes to making critical decisions about patient care.
24. Dental Hygienist
Dental hygienists are responsible for the treatment and prevention of oral diseases. These medical professionals may apply fluorides and topical anesthesia in their day-to-day work duties. Before earning a state-specific license, candidates must complete a dental hygiene program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. An associate degree is required, however, a bachelor’s or master’s degree is beneficial in this field.
23. Sales Manager
The manager of a sales team is responsible for connecting the business with the customer. Sales managers need to have a keen understanding of the target consumer, sales goals and project objectives to effectively lead an organization’s sales staff. Exact responsibilities differ whether a manager is working in a business-to-business industry or direct-to-consumer organization, but the core fundamentals of communication and leadership remain constant.
A bachelor’s degree is common in this profession. Although a master's degree is not required, sales managers can benefit from a master's level program in sales management.
22. Industrial Psychologist
Industrial psychologists apply the principles of psychology to the workplace. With mental health and personal wellness becoming top priorities in many fields, the role of an industrial psychologist is becoming increasingly important. This position ranks first in U.S. News' list of best science jobs. These psychologists work with management to optimize an organization's training, hiring practices and workflow planning.
This position requires a master’s degree in industrial or organizational psychology. While a doctoral degree will offer more opportunities, it is not required for this role.
21. Web Developer
Web developers build and maintain websites. This code-heavy position deals with web-facing technology to ensure users can effectively use a program’s interface. The wide breadth of this field leaves the specifics of this position up to an employer. However, web developers can expect to use their technical knowledge to communicate problems and solutions with clients and team members.
A deep understanding of computer coding and web software development is essential. Employers may expect a portfolio of original projects from candidates.
20. Veterinarian
Caring for our furry friends requires someone who is not only good with animals but technology as well. Veterinarians use all types of machinery and medical knowledge to diagnose and treat animals. With one of the lowest unemployment rates of any profession on this list, you can expect to make this job a career if you choose to pursue it.
Veterinarians may work in private animal clinics or animal hospitals, as well as travel to work in zoos, farms, laboratories or classrooms. They may work more than 40 hours a week, as well as nights and weekends. Veterinarians risk being kicked, scratched or bitten by animals that may be distressed or in pain.
Veterinarians need to complete an accredited doctor of veterinary medicine program. This four-year educational program doesn’t require a bachelor’s degree, but many candidates earn one before enrolling. Following the DVM program, aspiring vets need to pass the North American veterinary licensing examination according to whichever state they want to practice in.
19. Occupational Therapist
Occupational therapists use their background in medicine and health care to restore someone’s well-being. These professionals can teach daily life skills to help build greater independence for their patients through consistent effort. Occupational therapists work to improve lives through mental, physical, developmental or emotional support, depending on the patient's needs. Opportunities for this vocation can be found in schools, rehabilitation centers and hospitals.
Accreditation through the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education and passing the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy exam are two hurdles to attaining this profession. A bachelor’s and master’s degree in this subject are both necessary, as well.
18. Mechanical Engineer
Tinkerers and thinkers alike are found in the profession of mechanical engineering. These skilled individuals are experts who use tools, operate machines and perform tangible maintenance in their day-to-day work life. This position ranks No. 1 on U.S. News' list of best engineering jobs. While many STEM jobs on this list are software-specific, this position is hardware-driven and keeps the gears of a company spinning. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and math.
Mechanical engineers are expected to earn a bachelor’s degree and sometimes a master’s degree. Independent work in this field requires a state-approved license as well.
17. Lawyer
This age-old legal profession is one of the most versatile on this list. Lawyers are responsible for the legal matters of an organization or individual. This position tops U.S. News' list of best social services jobs. There are opportunities for lawyers in virtually every field, going beyond the conventional civil or criminal lawyers often seen on television. Lawyers may also work for government agencies, in private practices or in law firms. Lawyers may put in more than 40 hours a week. They mainly work in an office but may travel to visit clients in various locations and appear in court.
A juris doctor degree, or JD, is often the first major step to becoming a lawyer. Beyond this degree, aspiring lawyers should expect to take the bar exam for every state in which they want to practice law.
16. Orthotist and Prosthetist
These health care professionals are the prescribers of life-changing support appliances for the body. Orthotists manage braces, or orthoses, while prosthetists manage artificial body parts, or prostheses. This niche position requires a bachelor’s degree and completion of a residency program, but a master’s degree is common for orthotists and prosthetists.
15. Operations Research Analyst
The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated how the supply chain affects everything. Operations research analysts are the effective decision-makers who use data, research and experience to steer company production in the right direction. Their logistical expertise lends itself to solving problems that save an organization time and money.
This multifaceted job can be approached from many fields or backgrounds. However, a master’s degree in an analytical field, such as mathematics or computer science, can go a long way in this role.
14. Genetic Counselor
As the health care industry continues to grow, people turn to genetic counselors to investigate a family’s lineage and determine current health risks. These STEM professionals take a look at inherited health problems, birth defects and genetic disorders, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. People who take on this role are expected to coordinate with individuals and families about treatment and decisions based on genetic investigations.
In addition to a bachelor’s degree, genetic counselors are required to earn a master’s degree in their practice. A board certification through the American Board of Genetic Counseling may be necessary as well, depending on the state in which you wish to practice.
13. Management Analyst
Management analysts, or management consultants, are responsible for guiding organizations more efficiently and effectively through studies and careful planning. Success in this position is measured by a professional’s ability to recommend ways to optimize a business. A bachelor’s degree in business is a way to get a foot in the door, but a master’s degree in business administration should be expected if you want to make this role a career. A certified management consultant certificate may also improve job prospects.
Management analysts work in an office or travel to client headquarters. Since meeting client deadlines is important, this can be a stressful role.
12. Statistician
Where there are numbers, there are statisticians. These STEM professionals use statistical and mathematical theories to condense large amounts of data into bite-size conclusions. Statisticians can expect job opportunities in education, government and health care. Unlike most professions, statistics can be applied to a vast number of fields or issues, including the environment, public safety, health care and sports.
A bachelor’s degree in statistics, or mathematics, is required for this position. Additionally, a master’s degree in statistics, mathematics or survey methodology might be beneficial for this role. To teach or conduct research, professionals may need to get a Ph.D.
11. Marketing Manager
With one eye on market trends and another on aA bachelor’s degree in marketing, or a media-related field, will provide a leg up in this position’s hiring pool. While personal experience on social media is beneficial, a formal internship with a company would provide a look at the professional requirements of working in this role. company’s brand, these multitasking professionals manage the outward appearance of an organization. Marketing managers implement, oversee and execute marketing strategies for organizations. This position tops the list of best sales and marketing jobs. As digital commerce and social media become commonplace, the role of marketing manager has become increasingly important to companies.
10. Speech-Language Pathologist
Speech-language pathologists, sometimes called therapists, are responsible for teaching, mitigating and aiding people with issues involving speech or swallowing. With employment opportunities in schools, hospitals and care centers, this profession has wide-ranging options. These professionals work with many types of patients, including stroke victims who are relearning to speak, babies who have trouble swallowing, people who speak with a stutter and children with language delays. They work in a variety of settings, such as rehabilitation centers, nursing homes and public schools.
Aspiring speech-language pathologists need a state license and typically must complete a two-year speech-language pathology master's program to work in this field. Completing a clinical fellowship year is also recommended.
9. Actuary
These numbers-driven individuals are responsible for managing and mitigating financial risks. Actuaries assess different risk factors such as accidents, medical problems and retirement, and how they relate to company benefits. Actuaries are essential to the insurance industry, and they're increasingly finding niches in other businesses. With its incredibly low unemployment rate, it’s no wonder this position ranks so high on the list.
Actuaries need to be well-versed in mathematics, so a bachelor’s degree in math or a related field is necessary. After that, candidates need to pass exams to become certified. Additional education or experience in statistics or financial theory is advantageous.
8. Data Scientist
In this data-driven world, someone has to scythe through the numbers and make sure it all makes sense. Data scientists do just that with their expert knowledge of algorithms and machine learning. These professionals turn raw data into meaningful, tangible information, unlocking patterns and phenomena for the rest of us.
A data scientist should have a bachelor’s degree in a STEM-related field, generally mathematics or computer science. A master’s degree or doctorate in a similar field adds value to this career.
7. Information Security Analyst
With so much sensitive information stored online, companies need an expert in digital defense to protect it. Information security analysts protect information through their knowledge of firewalls, software and computer security. Similar to other jobs on the list, this role is a necessary facet of the increasingly digital and remote workplace. Information security analysts sometimes work more than 40 hours a week. At times, analysts must be on call for security emergencies. Some workers enter the field with a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as computer and information technology, engineering or math. Others may start with a high school diploma along with related industry certifications and training.
A bachelor’s degree in a STEM field is typically needed for this position. Further certifications and education may be required for specific jobs.
6. Medical and Health Services Manager
Medical and health services managers handle the business side of the health care community. These professionals organize, oversee and direct the day-to-day operations of public health centers and care facilities. With the increased health care needs of the baby boomer generation, this job is more in demand each year. They manage in a range of settings, across a medical facility or for a specific department, to improve the efficacy and quality of health care services. In a health care setting, medical and health services managers may have to work on weekends, evenings or be on call for emergencies.
A bachelor’s degree in health administration is a great start for this profession. A master's degree in a related field, or a certificate, will provide more opportunities in this field.
5. Physician Assistant
Physician assistants work under the supervision of a physician and use their medical expertise to examine, diagnose and treat patients, working closely with other health care professionals as a team. This position is available in a variety of health care facilities with prospects of job growth and a high salary. The job involves evaluating patients and often making rounds, which may lead to long periods of standing. The work schedule may involve nights, weekends, holidays and on-call periods for emergency care.
Physician assistants must earn a master’s degree, though some professionals go on to earn doctorates from this profession. A strong background in STEM and a bachelor’s degree in a related field are recommended.
4. IT Manager
To some workplaces, “IT” is shorthand for “miracle worker.” An information technology manager, or IT manager, is responsible for technological aspects of a company’s workflow and oversees project goals related to information systems. These tech-savvy managers drive growth and innovation in a company through their computer-based skill set. It’s no surprise that this is one of the highest-earning jobs on the list.
IT managers typically have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or information science. A master’s degree is also a great way to achieve career development in this role.
3. Software Developer
Topping the list of best technology jobs, the role of software developer is a hot job in the marketplace. Software developers are responsible for bridging the gap between creative ideas and practical technologies through their computer know-how, coding skills and ability to optimize software for a user. As technology continues to play a more important role in Americans' lives, job opportunities for this position can be found in any field that has an internet connection. This job held the No. 1 spot on last year's rankings.
While a bachelor’s degree in computer science is not necessary for this field, its education provides students with plenty of opportunity for coding and software experience. Additional work experience and a master’s degree in an adjacent field are also helpful for this role.
2. Financial Manager
This detail-oriented role in the world of business is filled with opportunities. Financial managers are expected to know the ins and outs of an organization’s economic health, financial decisions and regulations that can affect it. This position, which ranks first on our list of best business jobs, demands knowledge of banking, securities and insurance. Financial managers face a competitive job market. Those who can also handle international finance and the increasingly complicated world of financial instruments and securities, including derivatives, will be the most marketable.
A bachelor’s degree, in business or a business-adjacent field, is the minimum requirement for this role. A master’s degree and managerial experience can give financial managers a leg up in their field.
1. Nurse Practitioner
With its low unemployment rate and high median salary, the role of nurse practitioner moved up from No. 2 to top the list this year. Nurse practitioners are hands-on members of the health care field, with responsibilities that range from diagnosing illnesses to managing medical equipment. Increasingly, nurse practitioners are providing primary care to patients.
This popular STEM career sees huge momentum in the coming years, with the largest job growth percentage on this year's list. This position also ranks No. 1 on our best health care jobs list and best STEM jobs list. There are ample employment opportunities for this position in care centers, hospitals and physician offices.
Work can be physically and emotionally demanding. Stress is another consideration since nurses must make decisions that affect patient health. Nurse practitioners may work full time in hospitals and other health care facilities, or they may work in shifts that may include nights, weekends and holidays. At times, they may need to be on call.
All nurse practitioners must first be registered nurses, so a bachelor's degree, associate degree or other approved diploma is a requirement. Nurse practitioners also must have a master’s degree in their specialty role. Other requirements include obtaining a state-specific license and passing a national certification exam, and there's additional certification to use the advanced practice registered nurse title.
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