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)