Picking a career is hard, in fact its so hard that most people will change theirs 5 to 7 times in their lifetime. But we here at List25 decided to simplify things for you. We found the careers that everyone else seems to like so now you just have to choose who you want to copy. Of course that is assuming that you are searching for a new career. Those of you stuck in your dead end jobs – we’re sorry, this may be a tough read.
Working closely with other scientists and physicians biomedical engineers are responsible for bringing us many of the advanced medical procedures we have today. They employ their knowledge of engineering to do everything from building MRI machines to developing new drug delivery processes. There is no other job that comes even close to matching the expected growth in this industry. It is calculated that jobs will increase by 72%. This is largely due to an aging population and extremely high demand for new medical technologies.Although not as visible as the Police, Paramedics, and Firefighters, Emergency Management Specialists work behind the scenes to make disaster response a success. Many times they are employed by governments but colleges, hospitals, and non-profits are big employers as well. Ever since 9/11 the job outlook as been fairly good especially considering that companies are more willing to pay for emergency planning and related services.The eye is a complicated structure and optometry is therefore a complicated profession. Doctors of Optometry treat a wide variety of diseases and disorders pertaining to vision and there are even many opportunities to specialize within this already specialized profession. The expected job outlook is very positive especially when you combine an aging population with new advances in eye surgery.When most people think of museum curators they probably imagine a grumpy old lady enforcing that impossible to keep “do not touch” policy. You couldn’t really fall farther from the truth though. The job of a curator can be as varied as the exhibits they curate. Many time they are required to do field work and research on various artifacts to determine authenticity and find new items to display. They tend to be experts in a particular field and may even publish journal articles on their research. Of course, curators have to know how to deal with the public as well considering that they are essentially the face of the museum.Hollywood misconceptions aside, the job of an actuary involves significant risk…calculating it to be exact. Many times actuaries work for insurance companies employing mathematics to determine the likelihood of various events and risk of particular investments. Job outlook is expected to continue growing especially as the expanding healthcare industry begins to require more statistical and financial manpower.Computer Systems Analysts are the gurus behind the scenes who create and establish the computer systems that power businesses both large and small. With rapid advances in technology the demand for people in this profession is astronomical, especially with the advent of e-commerce and larger databases. Considering that only a bachelors degree is required for entry the potential payout is fairly lucrative hovering around $80,000.As courtroom crazy as the world is becoming it flies in the face of logic to think that people would still submit their disputes to mediation, but the growth rate in this field remains above average. Many governments and corporations are seeing the value in mediation over litigation primarily because of the price tag…its significantly cheaper. The key in this industry is to gain experience in a niche and then eventually start your own firm.As one of the fastest growing fields in the world nurses play a central and critical role in the health care system. Although there are many specialties and possible career paths a nurse can take, most nurses practice in physicians’ offices performing routine medical procedures such as checkups and shots. The outlook is tremendous and opportunity for advancement is high as well considering that many people move on to get masters degrees or become nurse practitioners.If you are one of those rare breeds that enjoy decoding assembly instructions then this may be the job for you. Technical Writers take hard to understand concepts and translate them into simple terms. This can include anything from the manual to your TIVO to the instructions on how to put together your office chair. Many times people in this profession freelance and specialization in medical and scientific fields can be a huge plus.This is certainly not a position for someone who can’t handle stress. Sales Managers are directly responsible for reaching the sales goals of the company and for finding a team to help reach that goal. This requires a broad skill set that combines numerical analysis with the ability to motivate others and establish solid client relationships. With great responsibility, however, comes great reward. The median earnings in this field hovered right around $100,000.Network Architects, less commonly known as Network Systems and Data Communications Analysts, create and troubleshoot intranets for companies and governments. This job requires knowledge of both hardware and software and at times may require some manual labor when installing cables and other systems. As with any computer related field, the outlook for this profession is expected to be enormous and the payout quite nice as well.Part designer, part diplomat, Urban Planners are faced with the task of not only creating beautiful parks and residential complexes but also convincing everyone to get on board with the idea. Sometimes, however, the job involves less public elements such as simply making sure that the water and electricity continue to function as the project unfolds. Most new jobs will be with the government but as the population continues to expand there will be increased demand for housing and public transportation systems.As health professionals Physical Therapists interact with Physicians and other providers by helping patients with rehab and recovery. The primary employers tend to be clinics and hospitals, while some therapists start their own private practices. Job outlook and pay is good across the board but its seems to be especially bright in rural areas.When most people think of pilot they immediately envision Boeing 767′s and trans-Atlantic overnighters. While this is true, most pilots work in a wide variety of other fields. Some are employed in the agricultural industry to dust crops while others help police and firefighters perform rescues. Jobs are expected to increase across the board, but with the recent layoffs in the the airline industry there may be a temporary spike in competition.Within the financial services industry this is one of the more flexible career paths. Essentially it is whatever you make it. Many advisers do freelance work while other are employed by large financial services organizations. Specialization is usually key and many times you will find yourself competing with lawyers and accountants who are cross-certified. Although this profession is predicted to continue growing there is the possibility that more sophisticated and readily available online software could crowd out some jobs.Although meteorologist is the more recognized term, atmospheric scientist would be more precise. There is a wide range of sub-specialties in this field and over time it has become insanely technical. The largest employer in this industry is the federal government but there is also the opportunity to work for news stations and other media outlets. These jobs, however, are much more competitive.As a member of the clergy it is your duty to perform a wide variety of tasks that include everything from officiating weddings to giving eulogies at funerals. Like firefighters, soldiers, and health professionals, you tend to see both the best and the worst of life. Job stress can be significant but it largely depends on the congregation, if there is one. Education is usually preferred and most members of the clergy have at least a masters degree.Certified athletic trainers are healthcare professionals who collaborate with physicians to help patients and clients optimize their level of activity. Their specialties include preventing, diagnosing, and intervening in acute and chronic medical situations. Typically athletic trainers are employed in hospitals, schools, fitness centers, and clinics.Multimedia Artists are the people who brings our imaginations to life. They design everything from websites to entire universes and are employed by everyone from Hollywood down to independent design agencies. With the best job outlook in the art profession, the competition will be steep. Many work as freelancers and pay is extremely variable.This is a job that requires passion. Specifically, passion for numbers. Most work in this field is performed by public accountants or CPA’s. This usually involves doing taxes and record keeping for a myriad of clients. Others, however, are involved with managerial accounting and are employed by large corporations. The pay is good but the best place to be if you are considering a job in this field is the northeast…they make the mostWithin this field there are many sub-fields, given the diversity of infrastructure. You might work on anything from buildings and roads to airports and powerplants. Considering the necessity of these structures, this job tends to be stable and offers a solid $70,000 paycheck.With advances in sprinkler systems and building materials, there are significantly less fires today than 50 years ago. This means that firefighters spend a lot of time responding to other emergencies such as medical calls and chemical exposures. Because of this there is a lot more training involved for those that want to work in this field. The glamorous hero part of the job aside, it is very stressful and can take its toll the body, but the pay is stable, considering that it is a government job. For anyone considering this route, heavy competition lies ahead.In a global economy translation services are becoming ever more critical on everything from manuals to official government documents. And while translators deal with the written word, interpreters are involved with the spoken word. Employed by large multinationals such as the UN, these jobs are critical to diplomacy and business. Many times people in this field specialize in a certain area such as legal or medical translation. Languages currently in demand include Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Arabic, Farsi, French, Italian, and German. Although people working in this field can’t expect to make as much as some other professions on our list, it certainly has its advantages, especially the whole work-from-home aspect.Financial Analysts are the people that banks hire to, surprise…analyze finances, particularly the finances of companies or assets the bank might be interested in. Generally speaking, rookie FA’s can expect to devote a lot of time to this profession, working long hours and finding the need to prove themselves. The upside, however, is one of the biggest paychecks you can get straight out of college. It hovers somewhere around $80,000. In order to become a financial analyst you usually only need a four year degree from a good school in some sort of analytical field. Not even this is totally necessary though as the banks put you through their rigorous training programs and teach you everything you need to know from day one.Since the 1960′s physician assistants have played a crucial role in healthcare, performing many of the same tasks as physicians and helping to offset the shortage of advanced healthcare providers in the United States. Although PA’s technically work under the supervision of physicians many times the doctor is only around a couple days out of the week and sometimes, especially in rural areas or overseas, the PA operates alone with a doctor “supervising” remotely from far away. The main reason this job tops our list, however, is that to be a practicing PA you only require 2 years of graduate school as compared to roughly 8 years to be a physician. Whats more, you get to do everything a doctor does except put MD after your name. And even job mobility is better for PA’s than MD’s. Want to switch from Emergency Medicine to Geriatrics? If you were a doctor you’d have to go back to residency and more schooling but since you’re a PA, you just have to find someone willing to hire you. Which not even that should be a problem because demand for this profession is high, and although you might be earning a little less than your physician counterparts, you’re still in the 6 figure range so its certainly not a bad deal.
I am a graduating medical student and have to admit I do not know too much about the distinction between NP or PA. I know purely from personal experience as a patient I have received great care from nurse practitioners. I’m happy with my career choice and options but I will admit that I’ve sometimes wondered if NP would have been a better option. I think for people who are purely interested in clinical work NP is a good way to go.
On the other hand I’ve been completely unimpressed with any PA I’ve gone to for care. (Again I acknowledge that this is only my experience and may not be relevant for other people). There IS a big difference in knowledge and confidence. How can someone with two years of training have the same knowledge base as someone with ten? Yes i know that you continue to learn in practice but Clinical training begins after two years for most MD programs and it’s standardized. It sounds like for PAs the training and experience is dependent on whoever hires them. Sure I guess if someone goes home and studies every night and has an amazing teacher working with them for 7 years then they will have a great knowledge base but there’s no way to know what you’re getting.
It’s not about money or status. I wouldn’t want a loved one to go to someone who chooses their career because it’s easier – not when it comes to their health.
The whole idea that it’s easier to switch fields if your a PA is uninformed. Even if you can switch jobs you still need to spend time getting trained. The potential for growth is much greater for an MD. I’ve met MDs who’ve switched careers and often the residency programs that except them are willing to work with them to make a schedule that makes sense (ex. A practicing obgyn who wants to switch to EM probably won’t have to redo his/her residency obgyn months).
All I’m saying is don’t give up on MDs. It’s a great field with a lot of great options and there’s nothing wrong with a challenge!
P.S. I think RNs are incredible and the work they do is incredible and a great RN is invaluable.
P.P.S. I will also say that ER PAs are usually the best at suturing. If you’re in an ER and need stitches don’t demand that someone from plastic surgery come because the PA will probably do a great job.
Oops except = accept
You’re correct. You don’t know much about NPs or PAs. As a graduating Medical Student you should learn, rather quickly, to know about something before you render comment and make yourself look like a fool. This comment might anger you but trust me… it’s good advice. Learn before you spew nonsense.
Why all the hate on PA’s? I was a nurse and am now a PA and would never go back! PAs are treated as MDs in regards to respect and type of medical focus. I thought about nurse anesthesia, but I wanted to action and mental challenge that PA get everyday. If you are a productive PA who is good at billing, you can easily match/surpass a CRNA salary. Great profession as are all the other professions listed here!
no need to give same position to PA as doctor because them duties is just work with physician that sit..
Dr.Ravi
How about you learning how to spell?
Like one of my professors said, no one has a monopoly on knowledge.Just because you spent 10 years in Med school it doesn’t make you any more knowledgeable than a PA who practiced medicine for 7 years.
PA’s are awesome!
There was a much better top jobs of 2012 listed by Forbes which ranked jobs based off job outlook, job stress, income, benefits etc. This list seems off. By a lot. I’d rather go off Forbes list than a blog where they misrepresent most careers and income outlook. Forbes actually “researched” for their lists. Where’s the science and methods for this list??
What they dont mention about these assistants is that they do all my work for me and I still get $400K a year… Also Nurse practinioners can do the same job assistants do.
There is a distinct divide in the education, despite the rumors they’re “interchangeable”. NPs cannot first-assist in surgery without further training, and build upon a patient-based medical model, not the physician-based medical model. I would recommend recently-graduated PAs who’ve taken courses in diagnostics over NPs with anything less than 10 years of practice..
that raises a question for the future outlook and need for physicians vs PAs. especially with the new healthcare pla. as the number of PAs grows at a much higher rate than the MD, then your “400K” salary will also become less since there will be more PAs to do your job. one MD can supervise several PAs.
You are absolutely right. I’m the PA who posted before. Without MDs, PAs are useless because of supervision. NPs are smart in seeking independent practice. PAs stick to the dependent role and they think it’s a good move. I’m a PA and I regret making this choice because while there are jobs, you’re still someone’s potential slave.
Bang for buck- RN is a much better career. Probably the best career in medicine right now. Sure you don’t have as much autonomy but the salaries are good. They have unions, and most work 3 12 hour shifts.
As for MDs- they will never be replaced because MDs are ‘captains of the ship’ and that’s perfectly ok with me.
You have to give credit where credit is due but you also have to fend for yourself sometimes; something the PA profession fails to do.
I am a PA in South Florida. The article for the most part is accurate, but most, if not all, graduates will NOT make six figures ANY time soon. Further more: “might be earning a little less than your physician counterparts” is just FALSE! PAs typically earn half or less than their suppervising physicians. South Florida has 5 PA programs that oversaturates the market so we might be ‘below average’ in terms of pay/benefits. That being said, I would not do anything else with my life. I am very happy and proud to be in this profession.
Well I have a Finance degree, an MBA, and now I’m in PA school. I don’t think I’ll ever have a problem with a job!! My true love lies in Medicine though. PA is definitely the way to go!! I thought long and hard financially about it and did the math. MDs take on much more debt and don’t really start making money until they are older. Then they still have all the debt. Why not be a PA and start making over 100,000 a year right off the bat?? Last time I checked nurses don’t make 100,000 a year.
Depends on what type of nurse…..
I’m a nurse anesthetist and I may roughly 30-50 dollars an hour MORE than the PA’s where I work.
There are 5 year PA programs. So you can be a PA in 5 years and make over 100,00 a year working 3 days a week or be a doctor 4 years of undergrad, 4 years of medical school, & 3 years of residency and do not technically start making real money for 11 years. and when you are a doctor you have to work all the time. PAs all the way !!!!
I guess I chose the right Profession !!!
yeah physician assistants! it’s a great profession and the mobility, pay, and autonomy make it all the better!
Stock brokers make sometimes 500k to 1M a year, with little to no effort. They make as much as or more than doctors sometimes with much less schooling. A financial planner I guess would be similar, but this article is bs. How is being a fireman or a PA any better pay wise? Lol
You are a money hungry idiot. Firefighting, EMS, and any medical profession represents the preservation of life. Its not about the money you moron, its just a bonus. You might need us one day. Think about it.
Lol…. the average salary of a sales manager is NOT $100K!
Sad to see Private Music Instructor did not make that list. I left a well-paying, promotion-guaranteed job in banking to start my own private music studio. I now make triple what I was making in my previous career. I set my own schedule, I have less than half of the stress, and I wake up every day excited about my job. I work from home and I am my own boss. I offer adults and children a chance to read, understand and perform music. Every day the work gets easier and more enjoyable as I get better at it. What’s not to love? The arts were way underrepresented on this list.
So what about the Game Industry? Growing industry that makes games?
#1 should NOT be Physician Assistant. I am a Physician Assistant. It’s not a good career. You do all the work the Doctor does not want to do and get paid like a Nurse!!
Hey now, Dave old boy, maybe you’re just in the wrong field or working for the wrong supervising physician. I am a PA in an emergency department in New York City, and I absolutely LOVE MY JOB. I help make crazy diagnoses and come up with treatment plans with my team. I’m treated with great respect and nobody cares one bit that I’m a PA and not an MD. The patients don’t care, as long as I do my job well. One of my PA colleagues was featured in a Diagnosis column in the NY Times, because it was the PA and NOT the MD who was smart enough to come up with a diagnosis worthy of Lisa Sanders’ esteemed column.
The best part about being a PA is the flexibility: four months out of the year, I travel to Africa and Southeast Asia to do surgery and diagnose and treat infectious diseases that you never see in the United States.
I LOVE MY JOB.
lolll Lisa Sanders is a crazy b!tch!!!
PA student here.. done in less than 11 months!!
Love the profession.. hate NCCPA though
They make it sound like PA school so much shorter than medical school in the didactic aspect. They are comparing it incorrectly because they included undergrad for med school do in order to vampire it correctly try also need to do that for pa school which would make it 6 yrs and some schools are 3 yrs vs 2 which would make it 7 yrs.
Actually, for the 8 yrs to become an MD, he’s counting 4 yrs of med school and 3+ yrs of residency. PAs do not require residency, so 2+ yrs of grad school and you’re ready to practice.
Just FYI, The 8 years of training for doctors does not include undergrad: its 4 years medical school 3-7 years residency training depending on the specialty.
Like all internet blog lists this needs to be taken with a grain of salt, what data is there to back this up? Salaries? Job satisfaction? Still, as someone in the medical field I’d have to say nurse, nurse practitioner, and PA are all pretty good in today’s economy when you consider they require a fraction of the school(and debt) of medical doctors and have significant job security and flexibility. But its still a lot of hard work, and youre lower on the medical totem pole. You’ll be doing a lot of the hands on, dirty procedures. If that’s what you prefer, that kind of hands on patient contact rather than the more cerebral physician’s role, then its a good choice. Like everything, it’s only a “best job” if you make it the best for you.
FYI PA’s have 4 years of undergrad as well plus a 2 year full time year round masters program.
Or the teacher to teach them all how to do it?
yay! i am in college to become a curator & researcher!
Where is the “Software Engineer” who codes the systems for the above people? :O
Agree 100%!!!!
#20?
They got outsourced to India and China