What Are the Best Jobs for 2013?

Looking for a job? The U.S. News list of Best Jobs for 2013 comprises the top 100 careers in the fields of Business, Healthcare, Social Service, Technology, Construction, and Creative. The list provides an excellent starting point for college grads and others looking to enter a new career.

How the Lists Were Developed

Finding a good job depends on more than just making a good salary. The top jobs in each field were chosen based on a number of criteria including:

• Demand—Which jobs are most in demand in the current market? Which fields offer the greatest opportunity for new talent to find and hold a satisfactory position? How quickly are positions typically filled and how difficult is it to obtain a position?
• Salary—Which fields offer the greatest potential for good entry-level salaries as well as opportunities for growth?
• Personal Satisfaction—Which jobs provide a sense of personal fulfillment, investment, and personal growth? Which positions offer opportunities for personal development and statistically show high levels of employee satisfaction?

Which Jobs are the Winners for 2013?

Six of the top ten best jobs on the U.S. News list are in the medical field. The remaining four are IT positions. As medical practices seek to add patients, the demand for doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other medical professionals will remain high. And as society becomes increasingly digital, IT administrators, developers, and analysts will be needed to keep businesses competitive.

Although we can’t cover every job on the list here, let’s take a quick look at the top positions in each field.

• Business—Market Research Analyst, Financial Advisor, Accountant, Compliance Officer, Audit Clerk
• Healthcare—Dentist, Registered Nurse, Pharmacist, Physician, Physical Therapist
• Social Service—School Psychologist, Interpreter and Translator, Substance Abuse Counselor, Speech-Language Pathologist, Landscaper and Groundskeeper
• Technology—Computer Systems Analyst, Database Administrator, Software Developer, Web Developer, Computer Programmer
• Construction—Cost Estimator, Construction Manager, Plumber, Glazier, Cement Mason
• Creative—Public Relations Specialist, Architect, Art Director

In today’s highly competitive job market, choosing a satisfying, lucrative career that’s also in high demand can seem like a difficult prospect for new workers entering the job market. Knowing what companies need, what they’re willing to pay, and what jobs tend to offer a satisfying experience can help make the process a little less intimidating. As companies compete to attract the best talent in the field, workers can make themselves more desirable by pursuing the right training and marketing themselves effectively.