Defining the ideal job is a personal endeavor—what makes a career fulfilling can vary widely from one person to another. However, certain key attributes consistently elevate a job to “best” status. Competitive salaries, low stress, strong hiring prospects, a positive work environment, and manageable physical demands make for an ideal career path. Jobs such as actuary, biomedical engineer, software engineer, audiologist, and financial planner embody these qualities, providing both financial security and personal fulfillment.
“I can count on one hand the number of days I’ve said, ‘I don’t want to go to work today,’” says Cecil Bykerk, an actuary with nearly 40 years of experience and president of the American Academy of Actuaries.
Bykerk has spent much of his career in the healthcare sector, where his work has directly impacted insurance coverage for vital medical procedures. The ability to analyze risk and make data-driven decisions has allowed him to create real-world solutions that affect people’s lives.
“I’ve had people personally thank me for the work I’ve done. That’s powerful,” he says.
Actuarial Science: A Career in High Demand
Actuaries specialize in risk assessment, using statistical analysis and economic modeling to help businesses, particularly insurance companies, manage uncertainty. The field has undergone significant changes over the years, especially with technological advancements streamlining processes and new legislation increasing demand for professionals.
One major catalyst for the profession’s growth is the Affordable Care Act, signed into law in 2010 and implemented in 2014. The healthcare reform legislation has led to an influx of new actuarial positions, as companies work to navigate regulatory requirements and forecast financial risks.
“We’re preparing for the rollout and planning for every possible outcome,” says Liz Jobe, a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries.
The industry is actively recruiting college students, with a focus on actuarial science and mathematics majors. Jobe emphasizes that universities are key talent pipelines, ensuring a steady flow of qualified professionals into this high-demand field.
Biomedical Engineering: A 21st Century Career
Another high-growth career path is biomedical engineering, which ranks as the second-best job of 2013. Making its first appearance in the Jobs Rated Report, the field has surged in prominence due to groundbreaking advancements in science and technology.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 62% increase in biomedical engineering jobs by 2020, a remarkable jump fueled by innovation in medical research and healthcare technology.
“Our program is at full capacity—demand is incredible,” says Dr. Dawn Elliott, a professor at the University of Delaware.
Leading universities, including UC San Diego, Georgia Tech, the University of Washington, and Johns Hopkins, are rapidly expanding biomedical engineering programs to meet growing industry demand.
“Before this surge, other engineering disciplines supported the medical field. Now, biomedical engineering is at the forefront, applying engineering principles to solve healthcare challenges,” Elliott explains.
The three primary sectors driving demand for biomedical engineers are:
- Medical imaging
- Pharmaceuticals
- Medical devices
With rapid technological advancements and an aging population driving healthcare innovation, the future of biomedical engineering looks exceptionally promising.
Software Engineering: The Backbone of the Digital Age
At #3 on the Best Jobs list is software engineering, last year’s top-ranked profession. As technology continues to integrate into every industry, the demand for skilled software engineers remains strong.
The BLS forecasts a 30% growth rate in the field, making it one of the fastest-growing professions in the coming years. Job opportunities are widely distributed across the nation, and salaries are highly competitive, with an annual median income exceeding $90,000.
Software engineers play a crucial role in industries beyond tech, including:
- Finance
- Healthcare
- Entertainment
- Cybersecurity
With continued digital expansion, software engineering remains a lucrative and dynamic career choice.
The Top 10 Best Jobs of 2013
- Data Scientist
- Median Salary: $114,520
- Projected Growth: 19.00%
- Statistician
- Median Salary: $84,760
- Projected Growth: 33.00%
- University Professor
- Median Salary: $76,000
- Projected Growth: 15.00%
- Occupational Therapist
- Median Salary: $83,200
- Projected Growth: 24.00%
- Genetic Counselor
- Median Salary: $77,480
- Projected Growth: 29.00%
- Medical Services Manager
- Median Salary: $98,350
- Projected Growth: 20.00%
- Information Security Analyst
- Median Salary: $95,510
- Projected Growth: 28.00%
- Mathematician
- Median Salary: $84,760
- Projected Growth: 33.00%
- Operations Research Analyst
- Median Salary: $81,390
- Projected Growth: 27.00%
- Actuary
- Median Salary: $101,560
- Projected Growth: 22.00%
