The 20 Best Jobs
There's no such thing as the perfect job, because college graduates want different things. High salaries are important to some while others hope for a work/life balance. The jobs on this list offer high salaries in combination with flexible schedules and good prospects for advancement. Explore our top twenty list before you start the college application process.
Nurse Practitioner
Median Annual Salary: $92,670
Expected Growth: Much faster than average (22% or higher)
Expected Job Openings: 58,500
Software Developer
Median Annual Salary: $101,410
Expected Growth: Faster than average 15%..21%
Expected Job Openings: 134,700
Computer Systems Analyst
Median Annual Salary: $81,190
Expected Growth: Much faster than average (22% or higher)
Expected Job Openings: 209,600
Information Security Analyst
Median Annual Salary: $88,590
Expected Growth: Much faster than average (22% or higher)
Expected Job Openings: 39,200
Registered Nurse
Median Annual Salary: $66,220
Expected Growth: Faster than average (15%..21%)
Expected Job Openings: 1,052,600
Web Developer
Median Annual Salary: $63,160
Expected Growth: Faster than average 15%..21%
Expected Job Openings: 50,700
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Median Annual Salary: $66,410
Expected Growth: Much faster than average (22% or higher)
Expected Job Openings: 35,300
Market Research Analyst
Median Annual Salary: $60,800
Expected Growth: Much faster than average (22% or higher)
Expected Job Openings: 188,500
Marketing Manager
Median Annual Salary: $123,220
Expected Growth: Average (8%..14%)
Expected Job Openings: 61,700
Accountant
Median Annual Salary: $65,080
Expected Growth: Average (8%..14%)
Expected Job Openings: 544,200
Esthetician
Median Annual Salary: $28,940
Expected Growth: Much faster than average (22% or higher)
Expected Job Openings: 21,300
Computer Systems Administrator
Median Annual Salary: $74,000
Expected Growth: Average (8%..14%)
Expected Job Openings: 100,500
Construction Manager
Median Annual Salary: $84,410
Expected Growth: Faster than average (15%..21%)
Expected Job Openings: 154,600
Pharmacy Technician
Median Annual Salary: $29,650
Expected Growth: Faster than average (15%..21%)
Expected Job Openings: 105,900
Maintenance and Repair Worker
Median Annual Salary: $35,640
Expected Growth: Average (8%..14%)
Expected Job Openings: 379,700
Massage Therapist
Median Annual Salary: $35,920
Expected Growth: Much faster than average (22% or higher)
Expected Job Openings: 44,100
Dental Assistant
Median Annual Salary: $34,900
Expected Growth: Much faster than average (22% or higher)
Expected Job Openings: 137,200
Medical Assistant
Median Annual Salary: $29,610
Expected Growth: Much faster than average (22% or higher)
Expected Job Openings: 269,900
Auto Mechanic
Median Annual Salary: $36,710
Expected Growth: Average 8%..14%
Expected Job Openings: 237,600
Medical Records Technician
Median Annual Salary: $34,970
Expected Growth: Much faster than average (22% or higher)
Expected Job Openings: 90,400
Guaranteed jobs: Explore our site for programs with 100% job placement rates.
It's a tough economy, and it seems to be hardest on recent college graduates. You've probably read some gloomy statistics about college graduates who can't find work. The good news is that there are some educational programs with a proven track record of one hundred percent employment for all their graduates! We have put together a list of these career training programs. Consider them when searching for career training schools.
Programs with 100% Job Placement Rate
The Gainful Employment Regulation and You
There's never been a better time to go to college! Spurred by the Obama administration, the United States Department of Education recently passed the "Gainful Employment Regulation," a legislative move that protects students at private colleges and universities. The Gainful Employment Regulation basically screens schools for you, so that you can enroll in a program, use Title IV funds to pay your tuition, and be reasonably confident that you will achieve gainful employment when you have earned you credential.
