What did you want to be when you grew up? Well, unless you were into tech or health care as a child, that job probably isn’t in at the top of U.S. News’s list of the 100 Best Jobs of 2014.
The list takes into account employment opportunities, salary, work-life balance and job security. Some sectors fit the bill more than others—nearly 40 percent of the top 100 are health-care jobs. In the end, most of the careers that topped the list weren’t exactly what you would expect.
Here are five of the most unexpected jobs listed at the top of the ranking:
No. 1 -- Software Developer: The No. 1 spot encompasses everything from app developers to developers who build operating systems. As the need for new software increases, so does the demand for developers: The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts there will be nearly 140,000 new positions created by 2022.
No. 2 -- Computer Systems Analyst: You don’t need to know the nitty-gritty of technology to succeed as a computer systems analyst. Instead, you need to be able to juggle responsibilities and understand how systems interact. With 127,700 new jobs that will need to be filled by 2022, computer systems analyst is No. 2 in the rankings this year.
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No. 3 -- Dentist: Dentists never get enough credit, but are always in demand. As U.S. News’s best job in health care, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts more than 23,000 new openings between 2012 and 2022, a growth of 16 percent. And it pays, with a median 2012 salary of $125,240.
No. 4 -- Nurse Practitioner: Health-care jobs across the board are in high demand in 2014. Obamacare plus increased medical treatment for Baby Boomers means that nurse practitioner is one of the best jobs this year. The field is expected to add 37,100 new positions between 2012 and 2022, growing at a rate of 33.7 percent.
No. 7 -- Physical Therapist: Want to be employed? Check out physical therapy. With a 0.2 percent unemployment rate, medical professionals who focus on improving patient mobility and lessening pain are in high demand.
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