This is the 2012 version of the top 200 Jobs Rated report. Read the Top 200 Jobs of 2013 here.
Finding your dream job requires more than just hoping the stars will align in your favor. You probably have a better chance of winning the lottery than having the job fairy deliver you the perfect job just when you need one. In fact, you likely ended up in your current career because you followed in your parent’s footsteps (or heeded their advice), or you took a job because it was something you thought might be “cool” to do. Perhaps a teacher suggested your current career path, or maybe a job simply “opened up” just when you needed one.
Landing the job that’s right for you – that’s a good match for your skills and interests - requires soul-searching, some trial and error and lots of research. And we’re here to help! Our 2012 Jobs Rated report helps job seekers sort through the clutter with a comprehensive analysis of 200 different jobs – from Accountant to Zoologist – ranking each profession based on factual analysis and hard data instead of guesswork.
- 2012 Jobs Rated Report
- The 10 Best Jobs of 2012
- 2012 Jobs Rated Methodology
- The 10 Worst Jobs of 2012
- Frequently Asked Questions
How do our Jobs Rated researchers determine which professions rank better than others?
Our team gathers mounds of data and sorts through all of the factors to break each element into five key categories: Physical Demands, Work Environment, Income, Stress and Hiring Outlook. Jobs receive a score in each individual category, and when these are added together, the career with the best overall score is ranked 1st, while the one with the worst overall score is ranked 200th. By sorting the data of the 200 jobs into one central list, our Jobs Rated report serves as a valuable resource for anyone trying to research their career options, get an understanding of what a job entails and see a clearer picture of the job market potential. (For complete details on how we score, visit the JobsRated.com Methodology Page)
Although each individual’s experience with a position can vary greatly, our Jobs Rated report is here to help you make a more qualified career decision based on data rather than subjective surveys. Take a look and a first step towards a possible new career.
Researches, designs, develops and maintains software systems along with hardware development for medical, scientific, and industrial purposes.
Interprets statistics to determine probabilities of accidents, sickness, and death, and loss of property from theft and natural disasters.
Plans, directs, and/or coordinates all human resource activities and staff of an organization.
Assists dentists in diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of a group or private dental practice.
The aging Baby Boomers should contribute to the growth of optometrists. “Because vision problems tend to occur more frequently later in life, more optometrists will be needed to meet the health needs of an aging population,” reports the BLS. However, the field is small, which means the 33% growth is expected to only result in 11,300 more positions nationwide.
Related to careers in portfolio management, the financial planner offers a broad range of services aimed at assisting individuals in managing and planning their financial future.
Diagnoses and treats hearing problems by attempting to discover the range, nature, and degree of hearing function.
Develops individualized programs of activity for mentally, physically, developmentally and emotionally impaired persons, to aid them in achieving self-reliance.
Plans, directs, or coordinates advertising policies, campaigns and programs online.
Plans and develops computer systems for businesses and scientific institutions.
Applies mathematical theories and formulas to teach or solve problems in a business, educational, or industrial climate.
Assesses hearing, speech, and language disabilities and provides treatment. Assists individuals with communication disorders through diagnostic techniques.
Diagnoses visual disorders and prescribes and administers corrective and rehabilitative treatments.
Plans and directs treatment to improve mobility and alleviate pain in persons disabled by injury or disease.
Advises physicians and patients on the affects of drugs and medications; prepares and dispenses prescriptions.
Creating and maintaining layout, navigation, and interactivity of intranet and internet websites.
Plans drilling locations and effective production methods for optimal access to oil and natural gas.
Assesses patients' dietary needs, plans menus, and instructs patients and their families about proper nutritional care.
Tabulates, analyzes, and interprets the numeric results of experiments and surveys.
Treats physical problems by manipulating various parts of the body, especially the spinal column.