The Best 25 Jobs of 2012 Rankings

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. 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.

#1 Registered Nurse
Salary:$44,190-$95,130

#2 Software Developer
Salary: $87,790-$54,360

#3 Pharmacist
Salary: $82,090-$138,620

#4 Medical Assistant
Salary: $20,810-$40,190

#5 Database Administrator
Salary: $115,660-$41,570

#6 Web Developer
Salary: $43,190-$119,940

#7 Computer Systems Analyst
Salary: $48,360-$119,070

#8 Physical Therapist
Salary: $53,620-$107,920

#9 Computer Programmer
Salary: $40,820-$114,180

#10 Occupational Therapist
Salary: $48,920-$102,520

#11 Maintenance and Repair Worker
Salary: $20,800-$56,090

#12 Elementary School Teacher
Salary: $34,390-$80,140

#13 Clinical Laboratory Technician
Salary: $24,210-$56,040

#14 Speech-Language Pathologist
Salary: $42,970-$103,630

#15 Paramedic
Salary: $19,710-$51,370

#16 Meeting, Convention & Event Planner
Salary: $27,090-$76,840

#17 School Counselor
Salary: $31,630-$86,250

#18 Social Worker
Salary: $26,170-$68,030

#19 Sports Coach
Salary: $16,380-$63,720

#20 Sales Representative
Salary: $26,970-$108,750

#21 Accountant
Salary: $38,940-$106,880

#22 Receptionist
Salary: $17,560-$36,910

#23 Financial Adviser
Salary: $32,660-$166,400

#24 Customer Service Representative
Salary: $19,550-$49,320

#25 HR Specialist
Salary: $31,110-$89,490

By U.S. News Staff