Are you a recent grad looking for a solid job where you also might actually be happy? Well look no further. CareerBliss recently released a list of the top jobs for new grads that took into account the current number of openings, projected salary and the happiness (Bliss Score) for each position. Here are CareerBliss’ rankings for the top 20 hot jobs for recent graduates. (Reuters)
Software Engineer
Software engineers can earn up to $71,916 a year, according to CareerBliss, and job duties can include creating coding for computer applications and updating and developing solutions to software problems. Scoring 7.86 on the happiness scale and having the highest number of job openings, computer geeks will be delighted to know they can make cash doing what they love.
Sales Representative
Despite having the lowest salary of $47,629, a sales representative position ranks high on the list with a bliss rating of 7.78. With an abundance of sales representative industries out there ranging from pharmaceutical to insurance, companies are always looking for new recruits in a variety of cities. (Reuters)
Business Analyst
Ensuring that a business or organization runs smoothly allots a business analyst $72,773 a year and a 7.85 on the happiness scale. Business analysts follow trends and provide solutions for managing businesses and more technical analysts use web technologies (HTML, XML, CSS), so only the truly tech-savvy should apply.
Sales Representative
Despite having the lowest salary of $47,629, a sales representative position ranks high on the list with a bliss rating of 7.78. With an abundance of sales representative industries out there ranging from pharmaceutical to insurance, companies are always looking for new recruits in a variety of cities. (Reuters)
Product Manager
Generally speaking, a product manager essentially controls everything about a product, including branding and marketing. With an annual salary of $72,717, being a product manager scores a 7.40 on the happiness scale. (Reuters)
Financial Analyst
A financial analyst may work at a variety of funds, banks, insurance companies and usually provides investment advice for individual customers or companies. Scoring fairly high on the scale with 8.06, analysts can expect to make around $61,517 per year.
Physical Therapist
As licensed professionals working to restore strength and agility in individuals needing physical rehabilitation, a physical therapist can expect to make $57,000 annually and have a happiness level of 7.25. (Reuters)
Network Engineer
Much like a plumber, a network engineer connects offices with Internet lines and configures internal systems, such as firewalls and routers. Although the pay is on the higher end of the scale at $69,079 and has a 7.75 on the happiness scale, network engineers often work odd hours so as not to disturb the productivity of a work place.
Occupational Therapist
Similar to a physical therapist, an occupational therapist helps patients recover from an event or condition that requires rehabilitation. An OT specializes more in assisting in day-to-day tasks in working and living environments and earns $66,923 per year and a 7.42 on the bliss scale.
Registered Nurse
While specific job duties depend on which area a registered nurse works, RN’s make up the largest health care occupation with 2.6 million jobs, according to the Department of Labor. As an RN, expect to earn an average of $61,707 and a 7.76 on the happiness scale.
Quality Engineer
A quality engineer usually works in some sort of manufacturing plant and manages the daily nuances of product quality at the plant or with the suppliers. Quality engineer positions can net $65,952 a year in salary and score a 7.41 on the bliss scale. (Reuters)
Systems Engineer
A systems engineer designs and gets the kinks out of computer programming and applications. Scoring 7.67 on the happiness scale, a systems engineer can expect to make $75,970 annually. (Reuters)
Systems Administrator
Computer and information systems administrators are responsible for planning and researching computer-related issues in an organization. Netting around $63,161 in salary each year, a systems administrator scores 7.71 on the happiness scale.
Electrical Engineer
Who knew that working with wires and potential fire hazards could be so fulfilling? Ranking high on the happiness scale at 8.10, an electrical engineer can expect to make $70,079 annually. (Reuters)
Loan Officer
Loan officers help people apply for loans for things like a house, a car or college. While it might not seem exciting, the position earns an 8.00 on the bliss scale. Approving (or denying) loans will earn you $51,117 a year.
Speech and Language Pathologist
Helping to diagnose and treat language and speech disorders in both adults and children scores the lowest on the bliss scale at 6.89, but they earn an average of $66,471 a year. (Reuters)
Mechanical Engineer
The mechanical area is one of the broadest in the field of engineering, according to the Department of Labor (http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos027.htm). A mechanical engineer works in designing, building and manufacturing machinery, engines and other mechanical devices and earns $69,369 in salary per year and a 7.61 on the happiness scale. (Reuters)
Manufacturing Engineer
Professionals in this field work in a wide variety of industries including oil, plastics and pharmaceuticals. Manufacturing engineers are responsible for monitoring and improving production and manufacturing materials and make $66,121 with a happiness score of 7.77.
Project Engineer
As the leader or designer of a project, a project engineer relies on their training in specific areas of engineering to make decisions and manage other colleagues. An engineer in this position can expect to earn $70,551 and be pretty happy with their job, earning a 7.78 on the bliss scale. (Reuters)
Quality Assurance Analyst
People in this occupation are responsible for making sure products and services meet customer standards and uses data collected from inspections to determine any issues. Although this is the lowest-paying position on the list at $56,520 per year, a quality assurance analyst position also ranks the highest on the bliss scale with a happiness level of 8.14.