10 Books That Can Help You Successfully Land a Job

10 Books That Can Help You Successfully Land a Job10 Books That Can Help You Successfully Land a JobIt has never been easier to access information or advice. In mere seconds, you can download apodcastto learn mora about whats happening in the world,or run a quick Google search to find answers to your most pressing questions. But when it comes to your job search, books- those time-tested sources of guidanceand inspiration- maystill be one of the best ways to get motivated, glean information, and land a job.With topics like how to stand out in a job search, how to get motivated, and how to find your true vocational calling, theres a book out there for all types of job seekers.Below, we put together a short list of books that mayhelp you successfully land a jobFinding Your PathDesigning Your Life by Bill Burnett and Dave EvansA number oneNew York Timesbestseller, Designing Your Life shares the method of design thinking and how it can help us design a life we can thrive in, at any stage of life. Using the same design thinking responsible for innovative products, technology, and spaces, Designing Your Life shares with readers the steps towards designing a life and a career that is fulfilling, creative, productive, and spontaneous.What Color Is Your Parachute? by Richard N. BollesIf job seekers were only going to read one book to help them find their dream job, What Color Is Your Parachute? has been deemed that book. The book coverseverything from how to create a compelling cover letter and how to interview, to improving your networking skills and finding your true professional calling. With more than 10million copies sold around the world, What Color Is Your Parachute? is arguably the most popular job search book on the planetand is revised and updated each year. How to Find Fulfilling Work by Roman KrznaricThis bookdeems itself appropriate for those looking for a job big enough for their spirit. If youre looking for beyond just a 9-to-5 job that will pay the bills, Krznarics words may be just what youre looking for. The author supports the idea that ones work should be fulfilling and driven by a purpose so strong that youremotivated to get out of bed in the morning on its behalf.MotivationOutliers by Malcolm GladwellIn this number onebest-selling novel, Gladwell gives readers an inside look into the lives of outliers, such as Bill Gates, the Beatles, and Mozart, to answer the question, What makes high-achievers different? Gladwell challenges our societal belief that the successful man arises simply from talent, and instead answers this question by looking into how ones culture, family, childhood experiences, circumstance, and a little luck all account for ones success.Standing OutGuerrilla Marketing for Job Hunters by Jay Conrad Levinson and David E. PerryNow in its third edition, this bible of all job search guides covers all the essentials, from resumes to networking. In addition to cover letters, interview skills, and job searching tips fo r the digital age, this tell-all gem reveals secrets for creating a stand-out personal brand that will set job seekers apart from the competition.How to Win Friends Influence People by Dale CarnegieThis classic book by pioneer of the self-improvement genre Dale Carnegie, has helped thousands of now-famous people climb the ladder of success over the last 60 years. With over 15 million copies sold, How to Win Friends Influence People is now in its updated versionand offers readers insight into how to handle people, how to get people to like you, and how to change people and avoid resentment.The Job SearchThe 2-Hour Job Search by Steve DaltonDoes the phrase, work smarter, not harder, resonate with you? If so, look no further than The 2-Hour Job Search by Steve Dalton. Dalton outlines a tech-savvy job search process that will guarantee a first interview within two hours or less. Using LinkedIn, Google, and other networking sites, Dalton helps job seekers create a targeted and curated list of employers and how to contact them and set up an interview.New GraduatesGetting from College to Career by Lindsey PollakCorporate consultant, speaker, and global expert on millennial generation career issues, Lindsey Pollak has written a definitive guide for recent college graduates on preparing for a major job search. Guiding graduates through the process of preparing for a job search, Pollak offers insight into how to email like a professional, how to succeed in an internship, how to over prepare for an interview, and other essential tips to make job hunting as painless as possible.Life After College The Complete Guide to Getting What You Want by Jenny BlakeAn essential piece of every twenty-somethings library, Life After College is, according to Amazon, the equivalent of Twitter meeting What Color Is Your Parachute?Jenny Blake, awell-known life coach and blogger, shares her best insight, inspiration, and tips for succeeding in all areas of life, including friends, relation ships, money, work, health, personal growth, the home, and more. No twenty-something will want to navigate life after college without this all-encompassing guide to handling the sometimes all-too-shocking reality of life beyond university.PivotingPivot by Jenny BlakePivoting, a common practice for Silicon Valley startups and tech companies, is making its way to the mainstream professional world thanks to former Google career development and training specialist turned author Jenny Blake. Rather than take such a big leap that you overlook your existing skillset, Blake shows readers how making small steps can lead to big changes in ones business, role, and career.Start Your Job Search

Study suggests you might want to be less passionate about your job

Study suggests you might want to be less passionate about your jobStudy suggests you might want to be less passionate about your jobFind something you love to do and youll never have to work a day in your life. This quote is often erroneously attributed to the Chinese politician and philosopher, known as Confucius, though its true author is not actually known. It first appeared in print in an edition of the Princeton Alumni Weekly back in 1982, that cited a professor of Philosophy personennamedArthur Szathmary. However, Szathmary himself attributed the maxim to a yet to be identified old-timer.The same reason this quotehas become so popular in the last four decades or so energizes the doubt that sees many historians hesitant to name Confucius the wordsmith that first employed it. The kind of anxiety that comes with job satisfaction is anachronistic to the labor ecosystem of ancient China. In todays market, wherein pressures to land the right career occupies our psyche as early as our freshman year of High School, many rely on a feeling of fulfillmentto be their career compass.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreAllowing the thing that pays your bills to be synonymous with your self-worth, is a mistake for several reasons writer, Ellen Rupel Shell, has published many mediations on the wrong-minded philosophy. Measuring internal happiness via external achievements will see your emotional well-being be at mercy of perpetually shifting goal posts.Dont be married to the job, be engrossed in the work, Shell advised.A new study also supports the ramifications of not taking this advice to heart. The new report,Understanding Contemporary Forms of Exploitation Attributions of Passion Serve to Legitimize the Poor Treatment of Workers,is set to be published in the Journal of Personality and SocialPsychology and is helmed by senior author, Professor Aaron Kay alongside, Pr ofessor Troy Campbell of the University of Oregon, Professor Steven Shepherd of Oklahoma State University, and Fuqua Ph.D student Jay Kim, who is also the studys lead author.The team of researchers analyzed eight studies, comprised of more than 2,400 participants, to posit the same consistent correlation Employers perceive it as more acceptable to make workers that are passionate about their job do extra, unpaid, and more demeaning work compared to workers that did not express this same passion. Its great to love your work, Kay wrote, but there can be costs when we think of the workplace as somewhere workers get to pursue their passions.The findings suggest it all comes down to association and assumptions. The eight studies outed two factors that saw passionate workers become the victim of exploitation The employer figured the extra work was itself a reward, and or the employer assumed the exploited employee was probably going to take on the extra work whether or not it was specific ally assigned.The same thought process, that might give an employer less stopp about over-working an employee that seems to enjoy their job, is the same that fathers an association to exploitation and passion. In one study, participants consistently determined that overworked employees simply loved their work, even if they were not informed of said employees passion level.Of course, employee satisfaction is important to productivity, and overall wellness, the authors simply caution young professionals against letting their passion cloud employee expectation.There is excellent evidence that passionate workers benefit in many ways. Its simply a warning that we should not let the current cultural emphasis on finding passion in our work be co-opted by the human tendency to legitimize or ignore exploitation, Kim, the lead author explained.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will ersatzdarsteller your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people

Surface Warfare Officer Description and Qualifications

Surface Warfare Officer Description and QualificationsSurface Warfare Officer Description and QualificationsAny navy is most widely known for its ships and submarines, but the world sees the strength of the United States displayed throughout the seven seas with nuclear aircraft carriers the size of three football fields, guided missile cruisers, destroyers, and frigates. The projection of power is what the United States Navy brings to the Department of Defense. The Surface Fleet is run by Surface Warfare Officers (SWO). SWOsare typically responsible for more than 300 people and millions of dollars of complex equipment during their initial tour. Many of the skills and much of the knowledge they acquired in college are put to immediate use. Once commissioned a Naval officer, educational opportunities from technical training to postgraduate school are available to further professional growth. Promotions are regular and based upon performance and time in rank. The Requirements Surfac e Warfare Officers must be at least 19 and less than 29 at the time of commission. However, waivers up to 2 yrs for prior Active Duty service is allowed. However, officers must possess a Bachelors Degree with two semesters of calculus and calculus-based physics required. Receiving a college education and commission before the age of 22 is rare. Surface Warfare Officers are made through three main programs Officer Candidate School (OCS), Naval Reserve Officer Training korporation (NROTC), and the United States Naval Academy (USNA). Once you receive your commission through one of the three programs, you will attend the Surface Warfare Officers School teilen Officer Course (SWOSDOC) and onto your ship where you will begin your Division Officer (DIVO) tour. SWOSDOC is designed to provide the tools needed for a successful first sea assignment. After completing the SWOSDOC Core, you will be sent to a specialty school for instruction focused on the requirements of your first job. Specialt y schools include Anti-submarine Warfare Officer, Engineering Division Officer, Damage Control Assistant, and Communications Officer. Most of these schools are in Newport and are from 3 to 7 weeks long. Total time in Newport is 23 to 26 weeks. Upon the commissioning date, the SWO must have a minimum of 4 years of active duty service plus 4 years inactive available on the commitment. A Surface Warfare Officer must have correctable 20/20 vision although waivers are considered and PRK and LASIK eye surgeries are also waiverable. Specific Duties of the Surface Warfare Officer Surface Warfare Officers are Navy officers whose training and primary duties focus on the operation of Navy ships at sea and the management of various shipboard systems. Their ultimate goal is to command a Navy surface ship. Navy systems such as the vertical launch system that fires surface-to-air and cruise missiles require the skills and expertise of people trained in high-tech fields. Specific job elements f or the first tourThe primary goals of the Division Officer Sequencing Plan are to provide optimal readiness to the fleet and maximum development opportunities to the individuals. To this end, Division Officer tours are 42-month split tours designed to provide individuals diversity in their background and experiences. The first tour will be 24 months with the most important milestones of the initial sea tour being the achievement of the Officer of the Deck (Fleet) and Surface Warfare Officer qualifications. These qualifications are designed to be completed within the first 12 to 18 months. During the initial sea tour, officers may be assigned to multiple departments to provide a diversified background and facilitate Surface Warfare Officer (SWO) and Engineering Officer of the Watch (EOOW) qualification. Development of seamanship, warfighting skills, and dynamic leadership are key elements in the initial sea tour. The second Division Officer tour lasts 18 months and will always be in a department different from the initial tour. During the second tour, Division Officers are expected to complete Engineering Officer of the Watch qualification and many will make progredienz towards qualifying as Tactical Action Officer. The second sea tour billets are designed to fill specific needs of the Navy commensurate with an officers background. Additionally, follow-on sea tours provide professional benefits to the officer including additional qualifications and more diversified background. Locations of fleet assignmentsThe initial fleet assignments man take you to Norfolk, VA, San Diego, CA, Bremerton, WA, Pearl Harbor, HI, Yokosuka, Japan, or Mayport, Florida. The largest concentration of Navy shore billets is on the East Coast, mainly in Washington, DC, Newport, RI, and Norfolk, VA. Opportunities for shore duty include Naval Post Graduate School (NPGS), JCS/OSD Intern Program, and various instructor assignments. The Naval Post Graduate Schools offers technical and non-t echnical curricula and provides junior officers an excellent early opportunity to obtain advanced degrees. Individuals not assigned to NPGS are encouraged to work on advanced degrees during the off-duty time. First, shore tours are designed to further broaden a junior officers background and expand their opportunities. Special pay/bonusesSWOs earnsea dutypay while on sea duty from their 1st day of duty at sea. SWOs also earnhazardous duty payand tax-free base pay while deployed to certain hot spots. Upon selection to Department Head, SWOs can earn a $50,000 bonus for signing on to complete a 36 month (typical) afloat department head sequence. After Department Head tour, most SWOs will receive advanced education and move onto their Executive Officer and Commanding Officer tour if selected for command. The advancement to major command is for high performing Captains who may also advance into the Admiral ranks and in dienstgrad of squadrons and fleets.

Summer Days

Summer DaysSummer Days SUMMER DAYSThe summer benefits workers find most appealing39% Flexible schedules30% Leave early on Fridays18% More relaxed dress code10% Activities such as a company picnic or potluck(Top responses shown)The summer benefits offered at companies 2017 2012Flexible schedules 62% 75%More relaxed dress code 29%57%Leave early on Fridays 20%63%Activities such as a company picnic or potluck 17%28%(Top responses shown. Multiple responses permitted.)More than 1/3 of HR managers feel employees are less productive during the summer months.5% Much more productive26% Somewhat more productive31% Somewhat less productive3% Much less productive34% No differenceThe most common employee behavior during the summer, according to HR managers32% Not planning well for vacations22% Unexpected absences19% Dressing too casually15% Sneaking in late or leaving early12% Being overly distracted/checked outSource OfficeTeam survey of 382 office workers and 306 human resources managers in the United States.Some responses do not total 100 percent due to rounding. 2017 OfficeTeam. A Robert Half Company. An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Disability/Veterans.

50+ Tell Employers What They Want So They Call You

50+ Tell Employers What They Want So They Call You50+ Tell Employers What They Want So They Call YouJob search over age 50 is hard. But hard means something far different from impossible. If you havent had to search for several years, the core principle to bear in mind is that what got you to your last job wont necessarily get you to your next job. Its time to refresh, reframe, and renew which starts with what youre saying on your resume in the 1st place. Lets talk about how to tell the employers what they want to know, so theyre mora likely to call you.Where You Worked & When You Worked ThereIts important to start with this fundamental because it directly contradicts the trend of presenting a functional resume. If you ask the Internet, the functional resume comes into play when you are re-entering the workforce, have gaps in your timeline, have committed some job-hopping, are looking to change careers, or otherwise dont fit the traditional mold.But heres the problem with the functi onal format all your information is presented out of context, forcing the recruiter to hunt around to find out what he fundamentally wants to know where you worked and when you worked there. Recruiters overwhelmingly reject this format because they know functional means youre trying to hide something. The 1st clue is that the resume starts off with a thick blurb featuring all kinds of adjectives like, dynamic, and results-driven, without saying what it is you can actually come in and do. The next section features (allegedly) transferrable skills like, professional communication and teamwork. The part after that offers up the out-of-context career highlights. And, if were lucky, way down on the bottom of page 1 may be something resembling actual work history. Far too often, I see work history somewhere on page 2.Dont irritate the employers and recruiters by trying to get around where you worked and when you worked there it is fundamentally what they want to know.What You DoDo is the operative word here. Doing is different than being. You can be a, Dedicated professional with 10 years of financial services experience, but we still dont know what it is you actually come in to do and thats what the employer wants to know in the 1st sentence.There are 2 components with which to begin your resume what you have done, positiv what you are / can do. Its a mistake to stop with what you have done. Thats the past. History by itself is boring unless you bring it into today.History Relationship Manager with 15+ years progressive experience in various financial services roles. Notice how theres not action verb there. The statement doesnt move us forward.Today Relationship Manager who drives new business, portfolio growth, and client retention in the financial services sector. The action verbs bring us into today and illustrate what the candidate is / can do right now.Why YOU (Specifically) MatterThe resume is not about your jobs. Rather, its about your performance in the j obs thats a huge difference. Leverage your valuable resume real estate to present how and why you uniquely contributed to the organization.Blah Resume Language Administered SAP in 24/7 environment, supporting 5 divisions. Thats a statement about anybody who held that job.Bold Resume Language Recruited to steer largest, most rapid SAP deployment for organization to date, executing deployments across 5 divisions and 3,000 end users. Thats a statement about how you impacted the evolution of the organization, and clearly provided leadership on a large-scale initiative.Mature, experienced candidates win when you give the employers what they want the way they want it. Resist the urge to dress up the wording with a bunch of adjectives that really can and should be just stripped away. Boldly claim what you can come in and do, and why you matter. You bring both successes and intangibles into the workplace that a 25-year-old just doesnt. Proudly claim your worth and your value.The resume is just step 1. Make sure you know all of what to do in order to increase callbacks from the recruiters and real decision makers. Thats laid out for you in The 5-Day Job Search. Download your copy today, so your resume doesnt just get sucked into the black hole, and you learn how to skyrocket your response rate to up to 70%.

The Hidden Truth on Google Resume Templates Exposed

The Hidden Truth on Google Resume Templates Exposed Google Resume Templates Features Real-time actions on the doc can likewise be seen. The genuine editor itself is rather austere. however, it certainly will find the business done if you need to have thoughts into written format. Also be sure that you tailor the document to the job youre applying for. Maintenance-oriented resumes may include language details. Constant Contact provides a 60-day free trial you could sign up for without even needing a charge card. 2-Constant Contact Constant Contact may be the 2nd most popular email advertising solution on the planet. When you have finished, return to the main Google Docs page. As a consequence, you may use all of Google services, like Google docs, Google reader, Google maps and so forth. Google docs have a great verstndigung im strafverfahren of good benefits. You may also choose what they are able to do with your Google Doc. If you dont have a Google account, go right ahead and create one. The explanation is its a server-side update so it might leid be available to all users even with the newest version of the Google App. With Google Docs, youll have accessibility to your document from anywhere youve got an online connection. Even in case you avoid resorts. 2011 was an excellent year for web-based software for a service suites. Double check to be certain that everything on the last version of the resume is about you. You can also produce spreadsheets that are a must for every online marketer or business owner to keep an eye on their business enterprise details. Whichever service you select, I cant overstate the worth of utilizing an expert job resume template. Deciding on the right email advertising tool for your company may have a significant affect on the operation of not only your marketing and advertising campaigns but, consequentially, on your business for a whole. You dont really need to lose out on the potential company, simply becau se its a bit more difficult. Pick the zip folder completely, attach and email. After clicking on the folder icon, a list of folders you have will appear and youll choose where to set your file. So you will need to compare the amount of files in the zip folder with the range of files in GDocs. To provide your file a name, click the untitled document region and type the file name you desire. You will stay in the folder, and that means you will now should click on All Items on top of the left hand menu. The other icon, both boxes, allows you to make a copy of it. If thats the case, check the box to allow this. All PDF Converter will be an additional potent office partner you can depend on. Wait around for a second, youll get your editable files. On the GDocs screen the amount of files is listed on top on the right hand side over the files list. Save a duplicate of the document. The Rise of Google Resume Templates Its really convenient, especially if youre on the go. A 30-day free trial is offered so that you can test out the solution prior to making a choice. Seems somewhat funny that youre likely to devote your money on something that will to save it. The only issue is you dont have a resume prepared to send them

The 50 Best Jobs in America

The 50 Best Jobs in America Search The 50 Best Jobs in America Share this articleTwitterLinkedinFacebookemailFrom CNN Money and the compensation experts at Salary.comMONEY Magazine and Salary.com have unveiled an exclusive list of the 50 Best Jobs in America. MONEY and Salary.com started by analyzing government and private data on industry growth and compensation levels. But in an improving employment market in which workers are looking for mora than just a paycheck, MONEY and Salary.com dug deeper, surveying 26,000 workers about their job satisfaction and grading careers based on factors such as stress level, flexibility, creativity and ease of entry into and advancement within the field. behauptung careers ranked highestThe Top 10Rank Career Job growth(10-yr forecast) cousine pay ($s)1 Software engineer 46.07% kusine Pay2 College hochschulprofessor 31.39% cousine Pay3 Financial advisor 25.92% kusine Pay4 menschlich resurces manager 23.47% kusine Pay5 Physicians assistant 49.65% cousine Pay6 Market research analyst 20.19% Base Pay7 Computer/IT analyst 36.10% Base Pay8 Real estate appraiser 22.78% Base Pay9 Pharmacist 24.57% Base Pay10 Psychologist 19.14% Base PaySource Salary.com / CNN Money April 2006Click here for the full list of the Top 50 Best JobsMore Jobs Stats on 166 TitlesAbout the Top 10 Jobs1. Software EngineerWhy its greatSoftware engineers are needed in virtually every part of the economy, making this one of the fastest-growing job titles in the U.S. Even so, its bedrngnis for everybody. Designing, developing and testing computer programs requires some pretty advanced math skills and creative problem-solving ability. If youve got them, though, you can work and live where you want Telecommuting is quickly becoming widespread. The profession skews young the up-all-night-coding thing gets tired but consulting and management positions arent hard to come by once youre experienced. Whats coolCutting-edge projects, like planing a new video game or tweaking that military laser. Extra cash from freelance gigs. Plus, elendhing says cool like great prospects. Whats bedrngnisJobs at the biggest companies tend to be less creative (think Neo, pre-Matrix). Outsourcing is a worry. Eyestrain and back, hand and wrist problems are common.Top-paying jobRelease engineers, who are responsible for the final version of any software product, earn six figures. EducationBachelors degree, but moving up the ladder often requires a masters.2. College professorWhy its greatWhile competition for tenure-track jobs will always be stiff, enrollment is rising in professional programs, community colleges and technical schools which means higher demand for faculty. Its easier to break in at this level, and often you can teach with a masters and professional experience. Demand is especially strong in fields that compete with the private sector (health science and business, for example). The category includes moonlighting adjuncts, graduate TAs and colle ge administrators. Whats coolProfessors have near-total flexibility in their schedules. Creative thinking is the coin of the realm. No dress code Whats leidThe tick-tick-tick of the tenure clock grading papers salaries at the low end are indeed low.Top-paying jobUniversity presidents pay can hit $550,000 or mora, but fruchtwein make about half that.EducationMasters or professional degree Ph.D. for fruchtwein tenured jobs.3. Financial adviserWhy its greatTwenty years ago, no one ever said, I want to be a financial adviser when I grow up. Now there are nearly 300 college programs for financial planning, and M.B.A.s, lawyers and accountants are jumping to this lucrative but mora people-friendly profession. As company pensions die out and Americans increasingly have to manage their own retirement savings, financial planning is no longer just for the rich. And with in richtung X-ers entering their peak earning years and boomers nearing retirement, business will get better still.Whats coolIf you have a knack for numbers and a way with people, you can use Wall Street skills without selling your soul. You can work for yourself, for a small shop or for a giant financial services firm.Whats notCompliance rules mean lots of paperwork. Stress? You have to build a practice from the ground up.Top-paying jobAdvisers who manage client portfolios earn $200,000-positiv.EducationA college degree, plus certification and continuing education.4. Human Resources ManagerWhy its greatAt more and more companies, HR is no longer about benefits administration and the employee newsletter. Those tasks are increasingly outsourced, and directors and v.p.s are considered strategic planners. Even lower-level managers are expected to design employee programs that also benefit the bottom line. International HR and befolgung are especially hot. Theres a wide variety of work, from self-employed benefits specialists to corporate recruiters and HR generalists.Whats coolThe mission to make work m ore rewarding for workers. You help shape corporate culture and strategy.Whats notFighting the fluffy HR stereotype firing people.Top-paying jobSenior HR directors make around $285,000 at the C-suite level, its more like $1 million-plus.EducationBachelors degree, often followed by masters level work or professional certification.5. Physicians assistantWhy its greatFor most doctors, the worst part of their job is filling out paperwork and battling insurers. Physicians assistants get to skip all that. Under a doctors supervision, they provide erfahrung health care conducting physical exams, ordering lab tests, prescribing medications, treating illnesses. PAs can specialize, from the E.R. to pediatrics to orthopedics, and they can switch fields. Thanks to an aging population and demand for more cost-effective care, this job offers a level of security other professions cant match. Whats coolDoctors work, bankers hours. PAs average 35 to 40 hours a week, and they can work part time and in a variety of settings.Whats notYoure not the ultimate decision maker on patient treatment theres little room for advancement.Top-paying jobSpecialists in cardiothoracic surgery earn over $100,000.EducationFour years of college, two to three years of training in an accredited program, plus national exam for certification.Related Salary.com Content vermodern War for Talent Americas Best Employers The 10 fruchtwein Stressful Jobs 6 In-Demand IT Jobs Worth Looking at in 2019 From our trusted Partners From our trusted Partners Home Articles Career Development Choosing a Career The 50 Best Jobs in AmericaThe 50 Best Jobs in America Search The 50 Best Jobs in America Share this articleTwitterLinkedinFacebookemailFrom CNN Money and the compensation experts at Salary.comMONEY Magazine and Salary.com have unveiled an exclusive list of the 50 Best Jobs in America. MONEY and Salary.com started by analyzing government and private data on industry growth and compensation levels. But in an improving employment market in which workers are looking for more than just a paycheck, MONEY and Salary.com dug deeper, surveying 26,000 workers about their job satisfaction and grading careers based on factors such as stress level, flexibility, creativity and ease of entry into and advancement within the field. These careers ranked highestThe Top 10Rank Career Job growth(10-yr forecast) Base pay ($s)1 Software engineer 46.07% Base Pay2 College professor 31.39% Base Pay3 Financial advisor 25.92% Base Pay4 Human resources manager 23.47% Base Pay5 Physicians assistant 49.65% Base Pay6 Market research analyst 20.19% Base Pay7 Computer/IT analyst 36.10% Base Pay8 Real estate appraiser 22.78% Base Pay9 Pharmacist 24.57% Base Pay10 Psychologist 19.14% Base PaySource Salary.com / CNN Money April 2006Click here for the full list of the Top 50 Best JobsMore Jobs Stats on 166 TitlesAbout the Top 10 Jobs1. Software EngineerWhy its greatSoftware engineers ar e needed in virtually every part of the economy, making this one of the fastest-growing job titles in the U.S. Even so, its not for everybody. Designing, developing and testing computer programs requires some pretty advanced math skills and creative problem-solving ability. If youve got them, though, you can work and live where you want Telecommuting is quickly becoming widespread. The profession skews young the up-all-night-coding thing gets tired but consulting and management positions arent hard to come by once youre experienced. Whats coolCutting-edge projects, like designing a new video game or tweaking that military laser. Extra cash from freelance gigs. Plus, nothing says cool like great prospects. Whats notJobs at the biggest companies tend to be less creative (think Neo, pre-Matrix). Outsourcing is a worry. Eyestrain and back, hand and wrist problems are common.Top-paying jobRelease engineers, who are responsible for the final version of any software product, earn six f igures. EducationBachelors degree, but moving up the ladder often requires a masters.2. College professorWhy its greatWhile competition for tenure-track jobs will always be stiff, enrollment is rising in professional programs, community colleges and technical schools which means higher demand for faculty. Its easier to break in at this level, and often you can teach with a masters and professional experience. Demand is especially strong in fields that compete with the private sector (health science and business, for example). The category includes moonlighting adjuncts, graduate TAs and college administrators. Whats coolProfessors have near-total flexibility in their schedules. Creative thinking is the coin of the realm. No dress code Whats notThe tick-tick-tick of the tenure clock grading papers salaries at the low end are indeed low.Top-paying jobUniversity presidents pay can hit $550,000 or more, but most make about half that.EducationMasters or professional degree Ph.D. fo r most tenured jobs.3. Financial adviserWhy its greatTwenty years ago, no one ever said, I want to be a financial adviser when I grow up. Now there are nearly 300 college programs for financial planning, and M.B.A.s, lawyers and accountants are jumping to this lucrative but more people-friendly profession. As company pensions die out and Americans increasingly have to manage their own retirement savings, financial planning is no longer just for the rich. And with Gen X-ers entering their peak earning years and boomers nearing retirement, business will get better still.Whats coolIf you have a knack for numbers and a way with people, you can use Wall Street skills without selling your soul. You can work for yourself, for a small shop or for a giant financial services firm.Whats notCompliance rules mean lots of paperwork. Stress? You have to build a practice from the ground up.Top-paying jobAdvisers who manage client portfolios earn $200,000-plus.EducationA college degree, plus certifi cation and continuing education.4. Human Resources ManagerWhy its greatAt more and more companies, HR is no longer about benefits administration and the employee newsletter. Those tasks are increasingly outsourced, and directors and v.p.s are considered strategic planners. Even lower-level managers are expected to design employee programs that also benefit the bottom line. International HR and compliance are especially hot. Theres a wide variety of work, from self-employed benefits specialists to corporate recruiters and HR generalists.Whats coolThe mission to make work more rewarding for workers. You help shape corporate culture and strategy.Whats notFighting the fluffy HR stereotype firing people.Top-paying jobSenior HR directors make around $285,000 at the C-suite level, its more like $1 million-plus.EducationBachelors degree, often followed by masters level work or professional certification.5. Physicians assistantWhy its greatFor most doctors, the worst part of their job is fil ling out paperwork and battling insurers. Physicians assistants get to skip all that. Under a doctors supervision, they provide routine health care conducting physical exams, ordering lab tests, prescribing medications, treating illnesses. PAs can specialize, from the E.R. to pediatrics to orthopedics, and they can switch fields. Thanks to an aging population and demand for more cost-effective care, this job offers a level of security other professions cant match. Whats coolDoctors work, bankers hours. PAs average 35 to 40 hours a week, and they can work part time and in a variety of settings.Whats notYoure not the ultimate decision maker on patient treatment theres little room for advancement.Top-paying jobSpecialists in cardiothoracic surgery earn over $100,000.EducationFour years of college, two to three years of training in an accredited program, plus national exam for certification.Related Salary.com Content Modern War for Talent Americas Best Employers The 10 Most Stres sful Jobs 6 In-Demand IT Jobs Worth Looking at in 2019 From our trusted Partners From our trusted Partners Home Articles Career Development Choosing a Career The 50 Best Jobs in AmericaThe 50 Best Jobs in America Search The 50 Best Jobs in America Share this articleTwitterLinkedinFacebookemailFrom CNN Money and the compensation experts at Salary.comMONEY Magazine and Salary.com have unveiled an exclusive list of the 50 Best Jobs in America. MONEY and Salary.com started by analyzing government and private data on industry growth and compensation levels. But in an improving employment market in which workers are looking for more than just a paycheck, MONEY and Salary.com dug deeper, surveying 26,000 workers about their job satisfaction and grading careers based on factors such as stress level, flexibility, creativity and ease of entry into and advancement within the field. These careers ranked highestThe Top 10Rank Career Job growth(10-yr forecast) Ba se pay ($s)1 Software engineer 46.07% Base Pay2 College professor 31.39% Base Pay3 Financial advisor 25.92% Base Pay4 Human resources manager 23.47% Base Pay5 Physicians assistant 49.65% Base Pay6 Market research analyst 20.19% Base Pay7 Computer/IT analyst 36.10% Base Pay8 Real estate appraiser 22.78% Base Pay9 Pharmacist 24.57% Base Pay10 Psychologist 19.14% Base PaySource Salary.com / CNN Money April 2006Click here for the full list of the Top 50 Best JobsMore Jobs Stats on 166 TitlesAbout the Top 10 Jobs1. Software EngineerWhy its greatSoftware engineers are needed in virtually every part of the economy, making this one of the fastest-growing job titles in the U.S. Even so, its not for everybody. Designing, developing and testing computer programs requires some pretty advanced math skills and creative problem-solving ability. If youve got them, though, you can work and live where you want Telecommuting is quickly becoming widespread. The profession skews young the up-all-night- coding thing gets tired but consulting and management positions arent hard to come by once youre experienced. Whats coolCutting-edge projects, like designing a new video game or tweaking that military laser. Extra cash from freelance gigs. Plus, nothing says cool like great prospects. Whats notJobs at the biggest companies tend to be less creative (think Neo, pre-Matrix). Outsourcing is a worry. Eyestrain and back, hand and wrist problems are common.Top-paying jobRelease engineers, who are responsible for the final version of any software product, earn six figures. EducationBachelors degree, but moving up the ladder often requires a masters.2. College professorWhy its greatWhile competition for tenure-track jobs will always be stiff, enrollment is rising in professional programs, community colleges and technical schools which means higher demand for faculty. Its easier to break in at this level, and often you can teach with a masters and professional experience. Demand is espec ially strong in fields that compete with the private sector (health science and business, for example). The category includes moonlighting adjuncts, graduate TAs and college administrators. Whats coolProfessors have near-total flexibility in their schedules. Creative thinking is the coin of the realm. No dress code Whats notThe tick-tick-tick of the tenure clock grading papers salaries at the low end are indeed low.Top-paying jobUniversity presidents pay can hit $550,000 or more, but most make about half that.EducationMasters or professional degree Ph.D. for most tenured jobs.3. Financial adviserWhy its greatTwenty years ago, no one ever said, I want to be a financial adviser when I grow up. Now there are nearly 300 college programs for financial planning, and M.B.A.s, lawyers and accountants are jumping to this lucrative but more people-friendly profession. As company pensions die out and Americans increasingly have to manage their own retirement savings, financial planning is no longer just for the rich. And with Gen X-ers entering their peak earning years and boomers nearing retirement, business will get better still.Whats coolIf you have a knack for numbers and a way with people, you can use Wall Street skills without selling your soul. You can work for yourself, for a small shop or for a giant financial services firm.Whats notCompliance rules mean lots of paperwork. Stress? You have to build a practice from the ground up.Top-paying jobAdvisers who manage client portfolios earn $200,000-plus.EducationA college degree, plus certification and continuing education.4. Human Resources ManagerWhy its greatAt more and more companies, HR is no longer about benefits administration and the employee newsletter. Those tasks are increasingly outsourced, and directors and v.p.s are considered strategic planners. Even lower-level managers are expected to design employee programs that also benefit the bottom line. International HR and compliance are especially hot. Th eres a wide variety of work, from self-employed benefits specialists to corporate recruiters and HR generalists.Whats coolThe mission to make work more rewarding for workers. You help shape corporate culture and strategy.Whats notFighting the fluffy HR stereotype firing people.Top-paying jobSenior HR directors make around $285,000 at the C-suite level, its more like $1 million-plus.EducationBachelors degree, often followed by masters level work or professional certification.5. Physicians assistantWhy its greatFor most doctors, the worst part of their job is filling out paperwork and battling insurers. Physicians assistants get to skip all that. Under a doctors supervision, they provide routine health care conducting physical exams, ordering lab tests, prescribing medications, treating illnesses. PAs can specialize, from the E.R. to pediatrics to orthopedics, and they can switch fields. Thanks to an aging population and demand for more cost-effective care, this job offers a level of security other professions cant match. Whats coolDoctors work, bankers hours. PAs average 35 to 40 hours a week, and they can work part time and in a variety of settings.Whats notYoure not the ultimate decision maker on patient treatment theres little room for advancement.Top-paying jobSpecialists in cardiothoracic surgery earn over $100,000.EducationFour years of college, two to three years of training in an accredited program, plus national exam for certification.Related Salary.com Content Modern War for Talent Americas Best Employers The 10 Most Stressful Jobs 6 In-Demand IT Jobs Worth Looking at in 2019 From our trusted Partners From our trusted Partners Home Articles Career Development Choosing a Career The 50 Best Jobs in AmericaThe 50 Best Jobs in America Search The 50 Best Jobs in America Share this articleTwitterLinkedinFacebookemailFrom CNN Money and the compensation experts at Salary.comMONEY Magazine and Salary.com have unveiled a n exclusive list of the 50 Best Jobs in America. MONEY and Salary.com started by analyzing government and private data on industry growth and compensation levels. But in an improving employment market in which workers are looking for more than just a paycheck, MONEY and Salary.com dug deeper, surveying 26,000 workers about their job satisfaction and grading careers based on factors such as stress level, flexibility, creativity and ease of entry into and advancement within the field. These careers ranked highestThe Top 10Rank Career Job growth(10-yr forecast) Base pay ($s)1 Software engineer 46.07% Base Pay2 College professor 31.39% Base Pay3 Financial advisor 25.92% Base Pay4 Human resources manager 23.47% Base Pay5 Physicians assistant 49.65% Base Pay6 Market research analyst 20.19% Base Pay7 Computer/IT analyst 36.10% Base Pay8 Real estate appraiser 22.78% Base Pay9 Pharmacist 24.57% Base Pay10 Psychologist 19.14% Base PaySource Salary.com / CNN Money April 2006Click here for the full list of the Top 50 Best JobsMore Jobs Stats on 166 TitlesAbout the Top 10 Jobs1. Software EngineerWhy its greatSoftware engineers are needed in virtually every part of the economy, making this one of the fastest-growing job titles in the U.S. Even so, its not for everybody. Designing, developing and testing computer programs requires some pretty advanced math skills and creative problem-solving ability. If youve got them, though, you can work and live where you want Telecommuting is quickly becoming widespread. The profession skews young the up-all-night-coding thing gets tired but consulting and management positions arent hard to come by once youre experienced. Whats coolCutting-edge projects, like designing a new video game or tweaking that military laser. Extra cash from freelance gigs. Plus, nothing says cool like great prospects. Whats notJobs at the biggest companies tend to be less creative (think Neo, pre-Matrix). Outsourcing is a worry. Eyestrain and back, hand and wrist problems are common.Top-paying jobRelease engineers, who are responsible for the final version of any software product, earn six figures. EducationBachelors degree, but moving up the ladder often requires a masters.2. College professorWhy its greatWhile competition for tenure-track jobs will always be stiff, enrollment is rising in professional programs, community colleges and technical schools which means higher demand for faculty. Its easier to break in at this level, and often you can teach with a masters and professional experience. Demand is especially strong in fields that compete with the private sector (health science and business, for example). The category includes moonlighting adjuncts, graduate TAs and college administrators. Whats coolProfessors have near-total flexibility in their schedules. Creative thinking is the coin of the realm. No dress code Whats notThe tick-tick-tick of the tenure clock grading papers salaries at the low end are indeed low.Top-pay ing jobUniversity presidents pay can hit $550,000 or more, but most make about half that.EducationMasters or professional degree Ph.D. for most tenured jobs.3. Financial adviserWhy its greatTwenty years ago, no one ever said, I want to be a financial adviser when I grow up. Now there are nearly 300 college programs for financial planning, and M.B.A.s, lawyers and accountants are jumping to this lucrative but more people-friendly profession. As company pensions die out and Americans increasingly have to manage their own retirement savings, financial planning is no longer just for the rich. And with Gen X-ers entering their peak earning years and boomers nearing retirement, business will get better still.Whats coolIf you have a knack for numbers and a way with people, you can use Wall Street skills without selling your soul. You can work for yourself, for a small shop or for a giant financial services firm.Whats notCompliance rules mean lots of paperwork. Stress? You have to build a p ractice from the ground up.Top-paying jobAdvisers who manage client portfolios earn $200,000-plus.EducationA college degree, plus certification and continuing education.4. Human Resources ManagerWhy its greatAt more and more companies, HR is no longer about benefits administration and the employee newsletter. Those tasks are increasingly outsourced, and directors and v.p.s are considered strategic planners. Even lower-level managers are expected to design employee programs that also benefit the bottom line. International HR and compliance are especially hot. Theres a wide variety of work, from self-employed benefits specialists to corporate recruiters and HR generalists.Whats coolThe mission to make work more rewarding for workers. You help shape corporate culture and strategy.Whats notFighting the fluffy HR stereotype firing people.Top-paying jobSenior HR directors make around $285,000 at the C-suite level, its more like $1 million-plus.EducationBachelors degree, often followed by masters level work or professional certification.5. Physicians assistantWhy its greatFor most doctors, the worst part of their job is filling out paperwork and battling insurers. Physicians assistants get to skip all that. Under a doctors supervision, they provide routine health care conducting physical exams, ordering lab tests, prescribing medications, treating illnesses. PAs can specialize, from the E.R. to pediatrics to orthopedics, and they can switch fields. Thanks to an aging population and demand for more cost-effective care, this job offers a level of security other professions cant match. Whats coolDoctors work, bankers hours. PAs average 35 to 40 hours a week, and they can work part time and in a variety of settings.Whats notYoure not the ultimate decision maker on patient treatment theres little room for advancement.Top-paying jobSpecialists in cardiothoracic surgery earn over $100,000.EducationFour years of college, two to three years of training in an accredited prog ram, plus national exam for certification.Related Salary.com Content Modern War for Talent Americas Best Employers The 10 Most Stressful Jobs 6 In-Demand IT Jobs Worth Looking at in 2019 From our trusted Partners From our trusted Partners Home Articles Career Development Choosing a Career The 50 Best Jobs in AmericaThe 50 Best Jobs in America Search The 50 Best Jobs in America Share this articleTwitterLinkedinFacebookemailFrom CNN Money and the compensation experts at Salary.comMONEY Magazine and Salary.com have unveiled an exclusive list of the 50 Best Jobs in America. MONEY and Salary.com started by analyzing government and private data on industry growth and compensation levels. But in an improving employment market in which workers are looking for more than just a paycheck, MONEY and Salary.com dug deeper, surveying 26,000 workers about their job satisfaction and grading careers based on factors such as stress level, flexibility, creativity and ease of entry into and advancement within the field. These careers ranked highestThe Top 10Rank Career Job growth(10-yr forecast) Base pay ($s)1 Software engineer 46.07% Base Pay2 College professor 31.39% Base Pay3 Financial advisor 25.92% Base Pay4 Human resources manager 23.47% Base Pay5 Physicians assistant 49.65% Base Pay6 Market research analyst 20.19% Base Pay7 Computer/IT analyst 36.10% Base Pay8 Real estate appraiser 22.78% Base Pay9 Pharmacist 24.57% Base Pay10 Psychologist 19.14% Base PaySource Salary.com / CNN Money April 2006Click here for the full list of the Top 50 Best JobsMore Jobs Stats on 166 TitlesAbout the Top 10 Jobs1. Software EngineerWhy its greatSoftware engineers are needed in virtually every part of the economy, making this one of the fastest-growing job titles in the U.S. Even so, its not for everybody. Designing, developing and testing computer programs requires some pretty advanced math skills and creative problem-solving ability. If youve got them, though, you can work and live where you want Telecommuting is quickly becoming widespread. The profession skews young the up-all-night-coding thing gets tired but consulting and management positions arent hard to come by once youre experienced. Whats coolCutting-edge projects, like designing a new video game or tweaking that military laser. Extra cash from freelance gigs. Plus, nothing says cool like great prospects. Whats notJobs at the biggest companies tend to be less creative (think Neo, pre-Matrix). Outsourcing is a worry. Eyestrain and back, hand and wrist problems are common.Top-paying jobRelease engineers, who are responsible for the final version of any software product, earn six figures. EducationBachelors degree, but moving up the ladder often requires a masters.2. College professorWhy its greatWhile competition for tenure-track jobs will always be stiff, enrollment is rising in professional programs, community colleges and technical schools which means higher dema nd for faculty. Its easier to break in at this level, and often you can teach with a masters and professional experience. Demand is especially strong in fields that compete with the private sector (health science and business, for example). The category includes moonlighting adjuncts, graduate TAs and college administrators. Whats coolProfessors have near-total flexibility in their schedules. Creative thinking is the coin of the realm. No dress code Whats notThe tick-tick-tick of the tenure clock grading papers salaries at the low end are indeed low.Top-paying jobUniversity presidents pay can hit $550,000 or more, but most make about half that.EducationMasters or professional degree Ph.D. for most tenured jobs.3. Financial adviserWhy its greatTwenty years ago, no one ever said, I want to be a financial adviser when I grow up. Now there are nearly 300 college programs for financial planning, and M.B.A.s, lawyers and accountants are jumping to this lucrative but more people-friend ly profession. As company pensions die out and Americans increasingly have to manage their own retirement savings, financial planning is no longer just for the rich. And with Gen X-ers entering their peak earning years and boomers nearing retirement, business will get better still.Whats coolIf you have a knack for numbers and a way with people, you can use Wall Street skills without selling your soul. You can work for yourself, for a small shop or for a giant financial services firm.Whats notCompliance rules mean lots of paperwork. Stress? You have to build a practice from the ground up.Top-paying jobAdvisers who manage client portfolios earn $200,000-plus.EducationA college degree, plus certification and continuing education.4. Human Resources ManagerWhy its greatAt more and more companies, HR is no longer about benefits administration and the employee newsletter. Those tasks are increasingly outsourced, and directors and v.p.s are considered strategic planners. Even lower-level ma nagers are expected to design employee programs that also benefit the bottom line. International HR and compliance are especially hot. Theres a wide variety of work, from self-employed benefits specialists to corporate recruiters and HR generalists.Whats coolThe mission to make work more rewarding for workers. You help shape corporate culture and strategy.Whats notFighting the fluffy HR stereotype firing people.Top-paying jobSenior HR directors make around $285,000 at the C-suite level, its more like $1 million-plus.EducationBachelors degree, often followed by masters level work or professional certification.5. Physicians assistantWhy its greatFor most doctors, the worst part of their job is filling out paperwork and battling insurers. Physicians assistants get to skip all that. Under a doctors supervision, they provide routine health care conducting physical exams, ordering lab tests, prescribing medications, treating illnesses. PAs can specialize, from the E.R. to pediatrics to o rthopedics, and they can switch fields. Thanks to an aging population and demand for more cost-effective care, this job offers a level of security other professions cant match. Whats coolDoctors work, bankers hours. PAs average 35 to 40 hours a week, and they can work part time and in a variety of settings.Whats notYoure not the ultimate decision maker on patient treatment theres little room for advancement.Top-paying jobSpecialists in cardiothoracic surgery earn over $100,000.EducationFour years of college, two to three years of training in an accredited program, plus national exam for certification.Related Salary.com Content Modern War for Talent Americas Best Employers The 10 Most Stressful Jobs 6 In-Demand IT Jobs Worth Looking at in 2019 From our trusted Partners From our trusted Partners Home Articles Career Development Choosing a Career The 50 Best Jobs in AmericaThe 50 Best Jobs in America Search The 50 Best Jobs in America Share this articleTwitterLinkedinFacebookemailFrom CNN Money and the compensation experts at Salary.comMONEY Magazine and Salary.com have unveiled an exclusive list of the 50 Best Jobs in America. MONEY and Salary.com started by analyzing government and private data on industry growth and compensation levels. But in an improving employment market in which workers are looking for more than just a paycheck, MONEY and Salary.com dug deeper, surveying 26,000 workers about their job satisfaction and grading careers based on factors such as stress level, flexibility, creativity and ease of entry into and advancement within the field. These careers ranked highestThe Top 10Rank Career Job growth(10-yr forecast) Base pay ($s)1 Software engineer 46.07% Base Pay2 College professor 31.39% Base Pay3 Financial advisor 25.92% Base Pay4 Human resources manager 23.47% Base Pay5 Physicians assistant 49.65% Base Pay6 Market research analyst 20.19% Base Pay7 Computer/IT analyst 36.10% Base Pay8 Real estate apprai ser 22.78% Base Pay9 Pharmacist 24.57% Base Pay10 Psychologist 19.14% Base PaySource Salary.com / CNN Money April 2006Click here for the full list of the Top 50 Best JobsMore Jobs Stats on 166 TitlesAbout the Top 10 Jobs1. Software EngineerWhy its greatSoftware engineers are needed in virtually every part of the economy, making this one of the fastest-growing job titles in the U.S. Even so, its not for everybody. Designing, developing and testing computer programs requires some pretty advanced math skills and creative problem-solving ability. If youve got them, though, you can work and live where you want Telecommuting is quickly becoming widespread. The profession skews young the up-all-night-coding thing gets tired but consulting and management positions arent hard to come by once youre experienced. Whats coolCutting-edge projects, like designing a new video game or tweaking that military laser. Extra cash from freelance gigs. Plus, nothing says cool like great prospects. What s notJobs at the biggest companies tend to be less creative (think Neo, pre-Matrix). Outsourcing is a worry. Eyestrain and back, hand and wrist problems are common.Top-paying jobRelease engineers, who are responsible for the final version of any software product, earn six figures. EducationBachelors degree, but moving up the ladder often requires a masters.2. College professorWhy its greatWhile competition for tenure-track jobs will always be stiff, enrollment is rising in professional programs, community colleges and technical schools which means higher demand for faculty. Its easier to break in at this level, and often you can teach with a masters and professional experience. Demand is especially strong in fields that compete with the private sector (health science and business, for example). The category includes moonlighting adjuncts, graduate TAs and college administrators. Whats coolProfessors have near-total flexibility in their schedules. Creative thinking is the coin o f the realm. No dress code Whats notThe tick-tick-tick of the tenure clock grading papers salaries at the low end are indeed low.Top-paying jobUniversity presidents pay can hit $550,000 or more, but most make about half that.EducationMasters or professional degree Ph.D. for most tenured jobs.3. Financial adviserWhy its greatTwenty years ago, no one ever said, I want to be a financial adviser when I grow up. Now there are nearly 300 college programs for financial planning, and M.B.A.s, lawyers and accountants are jumping to this lucrative but more people-friendly profession. As company pensions die out and Americans increasingly have to manage their own retirement savings, financial planning is no longer just for the rich. And with Gen X-ers entering their peak earning years and boomers nearing retirement, business will get better still.Whats coolIf you have a knack for numbers and a way with people, you can use Wall Street skills without selling your soul. You can work for yourself , for a small shop or for a giant financial services firm.Whats notCompliance rules mean lots of paperwork. Stress? You have to build a practice from the ground up.Top-paying jobAdvisers who manage client portfolios earn $200,000-plus.EducationA college degree, plus certification and continuing education.4. Human Resources ManagerWhy its greatAt more and more companies, HR is no longer about benefits administration and the employee newsletter. Those tasks are increasingly outsourced, and directors and v.p.s are considered strategic planners. Even lower-level managers are expected to design employee programs that also benefit the bottom line. International HR and compliance are especially hot. Theres a wide variety of work, from self-employed benefits specialists to corporate recruiters and HR generalists.Whats coolThe mission to make work more rewarding for workers. You help shape corporate culture and strategy.Whats notFighting the fluffy HR stereotype firing people.Top-paying jobS enior HR directors make around $285,000 at the C-suite level, its more like $1 million-plus.EducationBachelors degree, often followed by masters level work or professional certification.5. Physicians assistantWhy its greatFor most doctors, the worst part of their job is filling out paperwork and battling insurers. Physicians assistants get to skip all that. Under a doctors supervision, they provide routine health care conducting physical exams, ordering lab tests, prescribing medications, treating illnesses. PAs can specialize, from the E.R. to pediatrics to orthopedics, and they can switch fields. Thanks to an aging population and demand for more cost-effective care, this job offers a level of security other professions cant match. Whats coolDoctors work, bankers hours. PAs average 35 to 40 hours a week, and they can work part time and in a variety of settings.Whats notYoure not the ultimate decision maker on patient treatment theres little room for advancement.Top-paying jobSpec ialists in cardiothoracic surgery earn over $100,000.EducationFour years of college, two to three years of training in an accredited program, plus national exam for certification.Related Salary.com Content Modern War for Talent Americas Best Employers The 10 Most Stressful Jobs 6 In-Demand IT Jobs Worth Looking at in 2019 From our trusted Partners From our trusted Partners Home Articles Career Development Choosing a Career The 50 Best Jobs in AmericaThe 50 Best Jobs in America Search The 50 Best Jobs in America Share this articleTwitterLinkedinFacebookemailFrom CNN Money and the compensation experts at Salary.comMONEY Magazine and Salary.com have unveiled an exclusive list of the 50 Best Jobs in America. MONEY and Salary.com started by analyzing government and private data on industry growth and compensation levels. But in an improving employment market in which workers are looking for more than just a paycheck, MONEY and Salary.com dug deeper, surveying 26,000 workers about their job satisfaction and grading careers based on factors such as stress level, flexibility, creativity and ease of entry into and advancement within the field. These careers ranked highestThe Top 10Rank Career Job growth(10-yr forecast) Base pay ($s)1 Software engineer 46.07% Base Pay2 College professor 31.39% Base Pay3 Financial advisor 25.92% Base Pay4 Human resources manager 23.47% Base Pay5 Physicians assistant 49.65% Base Pay6 Market research analyst 20.19% Base Pay7 Computer/IT analyst 36.10% Base Pay8 Real estate appraiser 22.78% Base Pay9 Pharmacist 24.57% Base Pay10 Psychologist 19.14% Base PaySource Salary.com / CNN Money April 2006Click here for the full list of the Top 50 Best JobsMore Jobs Stats on 166 TitlesAbout the Top 10 Jobs1. Software EngineerWhy its greatSoftware engineers are needed in virtually every part of the economy, making this one of the fastest-growing job titles in the U.S. Even so, its not for everybody. Designing, de veloping and testing computer programs requires some pretty advanced math skills and creative problem-solving ability. If youve got them, though, you can work and live where you want Telecommuting is quickly becoming widespread. The profession skews young the up-all-night-coding thing gets tired but consulting and management positions arent hard to come by once youre experienced. Whats coolCutting-edge projects, like designing a new video game or tweaking that military laser. Extra cash from freelance gigs. Plus, nothing says cool like great prospects. Whats notJobs at the biggest companies tend to be less creative (think Neo, pre-Matrix). Outsourcing is a worry. Eyestrain and back, hand and wrist problems are common.Top-paying jobRelease engineers, who are responsible for the final version of any software product, earn six figures. EducationBachelors degree, but moving up the ladder often requires a masters.2. College professorWhy its greatWhile competition for tenure-track jo bs will always be stiff, enrollment is rising in professional programs, community colleges and technical schools which means higher demand for faculty. Its easier to break in at this level, and often you can teach with a masters and professional experience. Demand is especially strong in fields that compete with the private sector (health science and business, for example). The category includes moonlighting adjuncts, graduate TAs and college administrators. Whats coolProfessors have near-total flexibility in their schedules. Creative thinking is the coin of the realm. No dress code Whats notThe tick-tick-tick of the tenure clock grading papers salaries at the low end are indeed low.Top-paying jobUniversity presidents pay can hit $550,000 or more, but most make about half that.EducationMasters or professional degree Ph.D. for most tenured jobs.3. Financial adviserWhy its greatTwenty years ago, no one ever said, I want to be a financial adviser when I grow up. Now there are near ly 300 college programs for financial planning, and M.B.A.s, lawyers and accountants are jumping to this lucrative but more people-friendly profession. As company pensions die out and Americans increasingly have to manage their own retirement savings, financial planning is no longer just for the rich. And with Gen X-ers entering their peak earning years and boomers nearing retirement, business will get better still.Whats coolIf you have a knack for numbers and a way with people, you can use Wall Street skills without selling your soul. You can work for yourself, for a small shop or for a giant financial services firm.Whats notCompliance rules mean lots of paperwork. Stress? You have to build a practice from the ground up.Top-paying jobAdvisers who manage client portfolios earn $200,000-plus.EducationA college degree, plus certification and continuing education.4. Human Resources ManagerWhy its greatAt more and more companies, HR is no longer about benefits administration and the emp loyee newsletter. Those tasks are increasingly outsourced, and directors and v.p.s are considered strategic planners. Even lower-level managers are expected to design employee programs that also benefit the bottom line. International HR and compliance are especially hot. Theres a wide variety of work, from self-employed benefits specialists to corporate recruiters and HR generalists.Whats coolThe mission to make work more rewarding for workers. You help shape corporate culture and strategy.Whats notFighting the fluffy HR stereotype firing people.Top-paying jobSenior HR directors make around $285,000 at the C-suite level, its more like $1 million-plus.EducationBachelors degree, often followed by masters level work or professional certification.5. Physicians assistantWhy its greatFor most doctors, the worst part of their job is filling out paperwork and battling insurers. Physicians assistants get to skip all that. Under a doctors supervision, they provide routine health care conduct ing physical exams, ordering lab tests, prescribing medications, treating illnesses. PAs can specialize, from the E.R. to pediatrics to orthopedics, and they can switch fields. Thanks to an aging population and demand for more cost-effective care, this job offers a level of security other professions cant match. Whats coolDoctors work, bankers hours. PAs average 35 to 40 hours a week, and they can work part time and in a variety of settings.Whats notYoure not the ultimate decision maker on patient treatment theres little room for advancement.Top-paying jobSpecialists in cardiothoracic surgery earn over $100,000.EducationFour years of college, two to three years of training in an accredited program, plus national exam for certification.Related Salary.com Content Modern War for Talent Americas Best Employers The 10 Most Stressful Jobs 6 In-Demand IT Jobs Worth Looking at in 2019 From our trusted Partners From our trusted Partners Home Articles Career Development Choosing a Career The 50 Best Jobs in America