WASHINGTON, Jan. 26, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As the U.S. job market improves, U.S. News & World Report today released the 2016 Best Jobs rankings to help job seekers at every level take advantage of new opportunities and make smarter career decisions. Health care related jobs dominate the list of the 100 Best Jobs due to a combination of high salaries, low unemployment rates and better work-life balance. For the first time, orthodontist tops the list while dentist moves to the No. 2 spot. Computer systems analyst is No. 3 followed by nurse anesthetist at No. 4.
In 2016, health care related jobs also top the list of the Best Paying Jobs. With an average salary of $246,320, anesthesiologist is the No. 1 Best Paying Job, followed by surgeon and oral maxillofacial surgeon. While these jobs require advanced degrees, not every highly ranked job involves extensive schooling or work experience.
"Health care support occupations, for which demand is expected to grow as Baby Boomers age, are great opportunities for entry-level job seekers or those making a mid-career change," said Susannah Snider, careers editor at U.S. News. "These positions offer robust job growth and relatively low-stress without requiring an expensive postgraduate degree."
Jobs in the technology sector, one of the fastest growing industries, also remain valuable. Computer systems analyst leads intechnology, followed by software developer at No. 2 and web developer at No. 3. For individuals interested in pursuing science,technology, engineering and math, also known as the STEM fields, U.S. News ranks the Best STEM Jobs.
"An improving economy and increasing employment rate means Americans should have more career options," said Brian Kelly, editor and chief content officer at U.S. News. "Best Jobs allows individuals to search and compare professions to find opportunities that suit their specific career goals and lifestyle needs."
The U.S. News Best Jobs features rankings and information on more than 100 jobs in 12 sectors. New this year, U.S. News added six industry specific rankings: engineering, science, maintenance & repair, education, health care support and sales & marketing.
The methodology for 2016 Best Jobs is comprised by data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to identify jobs with the greatest hiring demand. Jobs were then scored using seven component measures including 10-year growth volume, 10-year growth percentage, median salary, employment rate, future job prospects, stress level and work-life balance.
2016 U.S. News Best Jobs Rankings
*See the full list of the Best Jobs here.
1. Orthodontist
2. Dentist
3. Computer Systems Analyst
4. Nurse Anesthetist
5. Physician Assistant
1. Anesthesiologist
2. Surgeon
3. Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon
4. Obstetrician & Gynecologist
5. Orthodontist
1. Orthodontist
2. Dentist
3. Nurse Anesthetist
4. Physician Assistant
5. Nurse Practitioner
1. Occupational Therapy Assistant
2. Dental Hygienist
3. Orthotist & Prosthetist
4. Physical Therapist Assistant
5. Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
