The 10 Happiest Jobs You Might Not Expect

Only about half of U.S. workers say they are extremely or very satisfied with their job overall, according to a 2023 Pew Research Center survey.

Most correlate job satisfaction and happiness with factors such as a low-stress atmosphere, a competitive salary, supportive co-workers, and a healthy work-life balance.

So what are the happiest jobs? While happiness varies depending on your interests and skills, we compiled a list of 10 surprisingly satisfying jobs.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

We analyzed several careers using data from Payscale and Bamboo HR, considering factors such as salary, satisfaction levels, and the likelihood of employees recommending their organization as a place to work.

Construction was rated as the happiest industry in the first two quarters of 2023 by Bamboo HR. High demand for construction work and rising wages are potential factors contributing to high levels of happiness.

Being a construction manager requires a bachelor’s degree and previous construction experience. Typically, construction managers possess a degree in business, engineering, or construction before venturing into this field. You should also have organizational, customer service, and budgeting skills.

Computer and information research scientists use technology to solve problems and make our lives easier. Happiness in this field may be attributed to a high projected job growth rate and an average annual salary of over $150,000.

To enter the field, you first will need a bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field, such as computer science or computer engineering. You will also need to gain relevant job experience and certifications. A master’s degree, at the minimum, is typically required to work as a computer and information research scientist.

Actuaries use statistics and mathematics to calculate the economic impact of risks. They often work for insurance companies or government agencies. The field’s high levels of happiness could be linked to an average salary of over $100,000 and strong projected job growth.

You must have a bachelor’s degree in actuarial science or a related field and complete a lengthy certification process before becoming an actuary. Earning your master’s in actuarial science may boost your career prospects in the field as well.

Social and community service managers are committed to improving the well-being of under-resourced individuals and those who face social obstacles. According to Payscale data, 82% of respondents in this field say their job has high meaning.

To pursue a career in social work and community service, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as social work, public administration, or public health. Depending on your specialization, earning a master’s degree, such as a master of social work or a master of public health, may also be beneficial.

Agricultural and food scientists conduct research to enhance the safety of agricultural operations and products. This career path includes animal, plant, and social scientists, as well as food technologists.

A bachelor’s degree in agricultural science or a related field, such as biology or chemistry, is typically required to enter this field. Specialized scientist positions may also require master’s degrees, specific licenses, or certifications.

After the relaxation of COVID-era restrictions and with more people traveling again, airline and commercial pilots are experiencing an increase in job happiness. Despite early predictions of a large pilot shortage, recent Bamboo HR data indicates a smaller shortage than those initial estimates due to better salaries and working conditions.

To enter the field, you should have at least a bachelor’s degree in aeronautics or a related field, flight training, and extensive flight experience if you want to pursue a career as an airline or commercial pilot.

Education administrators, especially at the elementary and secondary school levels, rank as the fifth most meaningful job, according to Payscale data. The field garnered high ranks for job meaning (95%) and job satisfaction (88%). Job opportunities in this field include principals, vice principals, school directors, and superintendents.

To pursue a career as an education administrator, you will need a master’s degree in education administration or educational leadership. Some schools may also require you to have teaching experience or a school administrator license.

Pediatricians are doctors who specialize in the care of children. According to Payscale, 88% of pediatricians said their job had high meaning, which could be attributed to their ability to help children, competitive salaries, and a flexible schedule.

To become a pediatrician, you must first earn a bachelor’s degree in a medical-related field and attend medical school. After medical school, you will need to complete a residency and fellowship program and pass a pediatric board certification exam.

Top executives oversee and lead companies and organizations. They often report high levels of job satisfaction due to their higher average annual salary. However, job growth in the field remains on par with the average rate for all occupations.

To be a top executive, you will need a bachelor’s or master’s degree related to your field, such as business, engineering, public administration, or law. Many top executives advance to their positions by internal promotions, although some are hired externally.

Librarians oversee library programs, collections, and operations. They can assist you with research, answer your questions, and help you make the most of the library’s resources. Despite not always having high salaries, librarians find happiness in the communities they serve and report an 81% job satisfaction rate, according to Payscale data.

You will need a master’s degree in library science to qualify for most librarian jobs. You may also need a teaching certificate for any school-related positions.