The Best 25 Jobs of 2012 Rankings|Work

The Best 25 Jobs of 2012 Rankings|Work

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

All 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

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2 Software Developer

Salary: $87,790-$54,360

Also ranked in: Best Technology Jobs

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3 Pharmacist

Salary: $82,090-$138,620

Also ranked in: Best Healthcare Jobs

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4 Medical Assistant

Salary: $20,810-$40,190

Also ranked in: Best Healthcare Jobs

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5 Database Administrator

Salary: $115,660-$41,570

Also ranked in: Best Technology Jobs

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6 Web Developer

Salary: $43,190-$119,940

Also ranked in: Best Technology Jobs

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7 Computer Systems Analyst

Salary: $48,360-$119,070

Also ranked in: Best Technology Jobs

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8 Physical Therapist

Salary: $53,620-$107,920

Also ranked in: Best Healthcare Jobs

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9 Computer Programmer

Salary: $40,820-$114,180

Also ranked in: Best Technology Jobs

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10 Occupational Therapist

Salary: $48,920-$102,520

Also ranked in: Best Healthcare Jobs

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11 Maintenance and Repair Worker

Salary: $20,800-$56,090

Also ranked in: Best Social Services Jobs

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12 Elementary School Teacher

Salary: $34,390-$80,140

Also ranked in: Best Social Services Jobs

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13 Clinical Laboratory Technician

Salary: $24,210-$56,040

Also ranked in: Best Healthcare Jobs

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14 Speech-Language Pathologist

Salary: $42,970-$103,630

Also ranked in: Best Social Services Jobs

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15 Paramedic

Salary: $19,710-$51,370

Also ranked in: Best Healthcare Jobs

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16 Meeting, Convention & Event Planner

Salary: $27,090-$76,840

Also ranked in: Best Business Jobs

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17 School Counselor

Salary: $31,630-$86,250

Also ranked in: Best Social Services Jobs

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18 Social Worker

Salary: $26,170-$68,030

Also ranked in: Best Social Services Jobs

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19 Sports Coach

Salary: $16,380-$63,720

Also ranked in: Best Social Services Jobs

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20 Sales Representative

Salary: $26,970-$108,750

Also ranked in: Best Business Jobs

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21 Accountant

Salary: $38,940-$106,880

Also ranked in: Best Business Jobs

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22 Receptionist

Salary: $17,560-$36,910

Also ranked in: Best Business Jobs

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23 Financial Adviser

Salary: $32,660-$166,400

Also ranked in: Best Business Jobs

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24 Customer Service Representative

Salary: $19,550-$49,320

Also ranked in: Best Business Jobs

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25 HR Specialist

Salary: $31,110-$89,490

Also ranked in: Best Business Jobs