Editor’s note: This article was first published in April 2014. It gives 2014 rankings with growth projections to 2022, such as 36% for physical therapists and 20% for web developers. These figures and the job outlooks are a decade old.
Although several rankings have come out naming the best and worst jobs of 2014, we are going with the U.S. News ranking, as it is more realistic and takes several metrics into account. To build this list they considered salary and job opportunities, as well as work-life balance and job security.
You will see that a high percentage of the jobs considered the best are closely tied to technology, health care and aesthetics, although there are other sectors too.
1. Software developer.
Researches, designs and develops software systems, along with hardware development for medical, scientific and industrial purposes. They are also the people behind the success of Candy Crush, and they build all kinds of applications for businesses.
2. Computer systems analyst.
Develops computer systems for businesses. This is one of the jobs with the brightest prospects up to 2022. They need to know hardware, software and networks to make them work together, and recommend the best systems for companies to use.
3. Dentist.
The importance of, and awareness about, keeping a clean and healthy mouth will keep dentistry a growing and very profitable profession.
4. Nurses.
5. Pharmacists.
6. Physical therapist.
This profession is expected to grow by 36% by 2022.
7. Physician.
Doctors remain at the top of the health care food chain. As in the rest of the health industry, physicians will see job opportunities grow up to 2022.
8. Web developer.
This has been one of the fastest-growing jobs of the decade, and it is expected to keep growing by 20% up to 2022. The web changes constantly, so these professionals will need to keep training to cope with the changes.
9. Dental hygienist.
Most dental hygienists work part-time, and besides cleaning teeth, they teach patients about proper oral hygiene.
10. Information security analyst.
This kind of job is just starting to emerge: with the growth of the internet and all the information we store, companies and governments will need to look after the security of their computer networks. Growth of 36% is expected by 2022.
11. Database administrator.
This fast-growing profession is in charge of creating a company’s databases and adapting them to its needs.
12. Occupational therapist.
Develops individual programmes of mental, physical and emotional activity for people with developmental disabilities, to help them become self-sufficient. Growth of 29% is expected by 2022.
13. Market research analyst.
These analysts study our habits as consumers and advise companies on the best way to present a campaign or package a product to reach consumers. Growth of 31% is expected by 2022.
14. Veterinarian.
“Animal doctors” are a profession on the rise as people become more aware of the need to look after their pets.
15. Actuary.
Interprets statistics to determine the probabilities of accidents, illness and death, among other things.
16. Biomedical engineer.
Analyses and designs solutions to problems in biology and medicine, with the aim of improving the quality and effectiveness of patient care.
17. Financial planner.
A financial planner offers a wide range of services designed to help people manage and plan their financial future.
18. Audiologist.
Diagnoses and treats hearing problems, trying to establish the extent, nature and degree of a person’s hearing function.
19. Speech-language pathologist.
This job scores well on every count: high demand, good pay and good growth prospects.
20. Statistician.
Statistical analysis is increasingly important to a wide range of industries, so these professionals are in high demand.
Now for the 10 worst jobs.
Some of them repeat their poor position from our 2013 ranking.
1. Lumberjack.
Technological advances are starting to leave this profession somewhat outdated and increasingly mechanised, which cuts the number of jobs.
2. Journalists (in general).
Although the ranking lists “newspaper reporter”, the truth is that journalists in general (print or digital) have very poor hiring prospects, and if they do land a job, there is a good chance it will be badly paid.
3. Enlisted military personnel.
A very low-paid job that tops the ranking of the most stressful jobs.
4. Taxi driver.
A job seen as gruelling and dangerous, with poor pay.
5. Radio broadcaster.
The radio industry is changing too. On top of that, competition keeps growing and working conditions keep getting worse.
6. Head cook.
The financial rewards of this profession seem to make up less and less for the long hours and the stressful environment.
7. Flight attendant.
Low pay, stress and trouble balancing work and family life. Add to that the cuts airlines are making to reduce costs. It is not one of the most attractive jobs today, and it does not look as if it will improve.
8. Corrections officer.
It is the most dangerous job there is and one of the most stressful. The low pay is not much of an incentive.
9 and 10. Refuse collectors and firefighters.
Bearing in mind that this ranking was drawn up in the United States, these professions are probably viewed differently in Spain. These days a refuse collector’s wage, at least in Spain, is a very decent one, although the job may have the drawback of night work.
As for firefighters, in Spain at least I do not think it is one of the worst professions. It can even be a very rewarding one.
Read: 10 jobs and businesses that will be booming in 2020
Featured image: Moinats, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
