Best Jobs in America

Salary.com and Money teamed up to offer this article in which they polled more than 12,000 people in their 2nd annual Best Jobs in America survey. One interesting fact that they found was that 60% of those surveyed are considering or recently have completed a career change. Clearly the days of the single-company career are gone (all of here at Select Metrix can attest to that).

They have actually broken down the top 20 jobs for 4 different categories, for the young (Gen Y), parent’s returning to the workforce, veterans and for those over 50 (baby boomers). The articles are quite long so allow me to preview the top 10 lists for each category.

For the Young & the Restless. I have included the median pay, job outlook & growth for the next 10 years and how rewarding/challenging the position is on an A,B,C,D,F grade scale.

1. Product/Brand Manager – $90,100; 21% growth; B grade.
2. Staff Nurse (RN) – $59,800; 29% growth; A- grade.
3. Property Manager – $81,400; 15% growth; B+.
4. Public Accountant – $50,100; 22% growth; B grade.
5. IT Generalist – $47,800; 31% growth, C+ grade.
6. Engineer I – $53,600; 15% growth; B grade.
7. Engineer I, Environmental, Health & Safety – $52,400; 30% growth; B grade.
8. Meeting/Event Planner – $52,600; 22% growth; B grade.
9. Financial Advisor – $66,800; 12% growth; A- grade.
10. Investment Specialist – $72,000; 26% growth; B+ grade.

For Parents Returning to Work. I have included the median pay, job outlook & growth for the next 10 years, and both flexibility and how family friendly the position is on an A,B,C,D,F grade scale.

1. Executive Recruiter – $77,000; 30% growth; A- grade; A- grade.
2. NonProfit Manager – $55,100; 20-27% growth; A- grade; B+ grade.
3. Sales Representative – $62,500; 14% growth; A grade; A- grade.
4. Marketing Analyst – $56,900; 20% growth; A- grade; A- grade.
5. Accountant – $41,100; 22% growth; B grade; B+ grade.
6. Bookkeeper – $37,400; 6% growth; A- grade; B+ grade.
7. Claims Examiner – $35,400; 15% growth; B grade; B+ grade.
8. Community Organizer – $30,900; 23% growth; A grade; A- grade.
9. Financial Analyst – $58,500; 17% growth; B grade; B grade.
10. Marketing Manager – $89,200; 21% growth; B- grade; B- grade.

For those Retired from the Military. I have included the median pay, job outlook & growth for the next 10 years, and both stability and ease of transition on an A,B,C,D,F grade scale.

1. Operations or Intelligence Analyst – $68,900; 36% growth; A grade; A- grade.
2. Network Systems Manager- $73,600; 38% growth; A- grade; B+ grade.
3. Field Service Engineer – $74,900; 10% growth; A grade; A grade.
4. Operations Manager Logistics – $82,500; 36% growth; A grade; A- grade.
5. Senior Trainer/Training Manager – $83,500; 26% growth; B+ grade; B+ grade.
6. Comptroller – $69,800; 15% growth; B+ grade; B grade.
7. Construction Manager – $102,800; 11% growth; B grade; B- grade.
8. Contracts Administrator III – $67,800; 7% growth; B- grade; B grade.
9. Engineering Manager – $109,600; 13% growth; B grade; A- grade.
10. Human Resources Manager -$78,400; 20% growth; B- grade; B- grade.

For those Over 50. I have included the median pay, job outlook & growth for the next 10 years, and both meaning and flexible hours on an A,B,C,D,F grade scale.

1. Nonprofit Executive – $63,500; 27% growth; B+ grade; B grade.
2. Patient Representative – $41,800; 22% growth; A- grade; B grade.
3. Celebrant/Religious Leader – $48,300; 12% growth; A grade; B+ grade.
4. Financial Adviser – $66,800; 12% growth; B+ grade; B+ grade.
5. Public School Teacher – $47,500; 14% growth; A- grade; B grade.
6. Appraiser (Residential Real Estate) – $42,000: 23% growth; C grade; A- grade.
7. College Professor – $40,200; 32% growth; A- grade; A grade.
8. Day Care Center Teacher – $26,400; 33% growth; B+ grade; A- grade.
9. IRA Specialist – $38,700; 15% growth; C+ grade; B+ grade.
10. Labor Relations Manager – $100,700; 20% growth; B grade; C+ grade.

Sales only made the top 10 list once but did make the Young & Restless’ top 20 list.