Ten Most Popular Jobs and What They Pay

Could it be? That some people actually like what they do for a living and enjoy going to work every morning? PayScale conducted a survey earlier this year asking workers how satisfied they were with their job, and compiled a list of the top 10 most popular jobs and what they pay. Check to see if your occupation made the list: (Reuters)

Operating Room Registered Nurse These nurses play a key role in helping save lives on the operating room table and top the list of most satisfied. Median annual salary: $61,000 Percentage of respondents who are satisfied: 81% (Reuters)

Physical Therapist Physical therapists get the gratification of helping people recover from surgeries, injuries and all sorts of ailments. Median annual salary: $69,000 Percentage of respondents who are satisfied: 80% (Reuters)

Environmental Engineer Environmental engineers get the satisfaction of working to develop methods and best practices to keep maintain clean air, water and land. Median annual salary: $63,000 Percentage of respondents who are satisfied: 80%

Athletic Trainer Athletic trainers are highly-skilled professionals that help people prevent and recover from injuries and help athletes become powerhouses. Median annual salary: $39,000 Percentage of respondents who are satisfied: 79% (Reuters)

Dietitian Dietitians work to help people improve their health through nutrition and meal plan assistance and aid people dealing with diabetes, weight maintenance and other dietary issues. Median annual salary: $49,000 Percentage of respondents who are satisfied: 78% (Getty Images)

Elementary School Teacher What is more satisfying than inspiring young people and challenging them to learn and shaping our future leaders? Median annual salary: $41,000 Percentage of respondents who are satisfied: 78%

Intelligence Analyst Intelligence analysts research, collect and analyze data to assist clients such as the police or armed forces to protect the homeland. Median annual salary: $69,000 Percentage of respondents who are satisfied: 76%

Computer Networking/IT Systems Engineer Computer network engineers spend their days trouble shooting and solving IT problems as well as designing, setting up and improving computer networks for organizations. Median annual salary: $70,000 Percentage of respondents who are satisfied: 75%

Dental Hygienist Dental hygienists teach patients better oral care and give people a brighter, healthier smile. And we all know smiles are contagious. Median annual salary: $68,000 Percentage of respondents who are satisfied: 74%

Technical Writer Technical writers can work in a variety of fields and are tasked with taking complicated topics and making it understandable for a general audience. Median annual salary: $56,000 Percentage of respondents who are satisfied: 71% (Damir Cudic)