The Best 25 Jobs of 2012 Rankings

These 25 high-opportunity jobs have competitive salaries and strong job satisfaction

By U.S. News Staff

ll of the occupations on our Best Jobs of 2012 list are outstanding, but the top 25 make for a particularly great career choice. We’ve ranked them by comparing their projected growth up to the year 2020 with the current employment rates of the industry to which they belong. Other components that contributed to each job’s overall score and rank include its average salary, predicted job prospects, and a quantitative assessment of the job satisfaction of those who are currently or have previously worked in the profession. Here’s our list of the top 25 jobs of 2012:


#1 Registered Nurse
Salary:$44,190-$95,130
Also ranked in: Best Healthcare Jobs

#2 Software Developer
Salary: $87,790-$54,360
Also ranked in: Best Technology Jobs

#3 Pharmacist
Salary: $82,090-$138,620
Also ranked in: Best Healthcare Jobs

#4 Medical Assistant
Salary: $20,810-$40,190
Also ranked in: Best Healthcare Jobs

#5 Database Administrator
Salary: $115,660-$41,570
Also ranked in: Best Technology Jobs

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