The best jobs in America in 2023

The U.S. economy should see 8.3 million jobs added over the next 10 years, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics projections, particularly in the leisure and hospitality and health care and social assistance sectors.

This year, expect leisure and hospitality, which saw large job losses in the early years of the COVID-19 pandemic, to see the fastest job growth of all sectors. Health care and social support should also be boosted due to increased demand for elder care in the growing 65-and-older population, while the tech industry will see greater demand for telework support such as computing infrastructure and IT security.

U.S. News & World Report ranks jobs using BLS data and in-house reporting. Read more about how we keep the best jobs here. Did your dream job make the cut? Find out which 25 jobs topped the list. You can also browse the full rankings.

25. Nurse Anesthetist

Nurse anesthetists administer anesthesia and communicate with patients to ensure they receive anesthesia safely before procedures to find out what medications they are taking, or what diseases or allergies they may have. These workers also provide some emergency services and pain management services to patients.

Nurse anesthetists need a master’s degree in an advanced practice medical nurse role, must be licensed by the state and pass a national certification exam. Nurse anesthetists spend much of their time on their feet, and the job can be stressful when making critical decisions about patient care.

24. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons perform surgery on the mouth, jaw, teeth, gums, neck, and head or remove teeth.

States have different licensure requirements, but oral and maxillofacial surgeons generally require a Doctor of Medicine/Dental Medicine degree in dental surgery or dentistry and must pass clinical exams. Maxillofacial surgeons undergo four to six years of additional residency training. A final specialty exam may also be required, and some graduates pursue fellowships in areas such as head and neck cancer or cosmetic facial surgery.

23. Financial Analyst

Financial analysts help businesses develop a profitable financial strategy by reviewing the performance of stocks, bonds, investment portfolios, and other investments. Buy-side analysts assist companies with investments, while sell-side analysts advise financial services sales agents. Some financial analysts travel to meet with client companies.

Financial analysts need a bachelor’s degree, and a license is required to sell financial products. Most employers will sponsor a financial analyst who receives their license or recommends certification on the job.

22. Data Scientist

Data scientists review data for meaningful insights. They also develop algorithms for machine learning and present their findings to technical and non-technical audiences. Data scientists can work in business, conduct research for academic journals, or develop systems using a strong coding or engineering background.

Data scientists must have a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, statistics, computer science, or a related field. Some employers require a master’s or doctoral degree.

21. Financial Adviser

Financial advisors meet with clients to discuss their financial goals related to investments, insurance, mortgages, estate planning, taxes, and retirement. Personal financial advisors typically work in office settings, teach workshops and seminars, or may travel to attend conferences and other events to network with potential clients.

This job sometimes requires working more than 40 hours a week, including evenings and weekends. Personal financial advisors require a bachelor’s degree in business, social science, mathematics or another related field. On-the-job training is also required. To advance in the field, financial advisors may find a master’s degree or certification helpful.

20. Computer Systems Analyst

Computer systems analysts or systems architects improve computer systems for companies by consulting with managers and reviewing the efficiency of information technology structures. They may work directly for companies or as independent contractors.

Computer systems analysts may have a degree in computer science or a related information systems field, or a degree in business or the liberal arts with related job skills. Some firms prefer candidates with a master’s degree in business administration and a focus on information systems. Some roles require a master’s degree in computer science.

19. Occupational Therapy Assistant

Occupational therapy assistants and aides help patients in recovery resume daily routines at home and work. They guide patients through therapeutic routines, and they also help children with developmental disabilities with coordination and socialization.

Occupational therapy assistants set up equipment and may sometimes help lift patients. A job as an occupational therapy assistant requires an associate’s degree from an accredited occupational therapy assistant program and a high school diploma or equivalent with on-the-job training.

18. Management Analyst

Management analysts or management consultants suggest ways for companies to improve efficiency and become more profitable. They observe and investigate operational issues within companies and review financial data and employment reports.

Management analysts may focus on a particular industry. A bachelor’s degree is required, but some firms prefer candidates with a master’s degree in business administration. Management analysts work in an office or travel to client headquarters. As it is important to meet client deadlines, this can be a stressful role.

17. Registered Nurse

Registered nurses assess patients’ health conditions, manage care, and provide emotional support to patient families in hospitals, medical facilities, or other medical settings. Nurses may work in teams with other healthcare specialists and doctors. Some nurses may not actively work with patients and instead serve as nurse educators, health care consultants, or hospital administrators.

Nurses can earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing, an associate degree in nursing, or a diploma in the nursing program, depending on how early they want to enter the field and if they eventually want to pursue higher roles. Registered nurses must also be licensed. Nurses spend time in the presence of dangerous diseases or substances and must follow protocols to ensure their own safety. Nurses also spend a lot of time on their feet and may need to lift or move patients.

16. Logistics Specialist

Logisticians oversee the supply chain of a company from supplier to customer through delivery. Logisticians identify areas for improvement, including cost and program streamlining.

Stress levels can be high in a logistician’s fast-paced work environment, which requires rapid response to supply chain issues. Sometimes, the job involves traveling to places along the supply route, such as factories. The role may involve overtime work.

15. Market Research Analyst

Market research analysts assess the potential sales performance of products or services by evaluating market trends and guiding companies with suggested strategies. Market research analysts analyze competitors and try to gauge a company’s position in the market.

Market research analysts need a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as market research, communications, or social science. They can pursue voluntary certification to enhance their career prospects.

14. Orthodontist

Orthodontists examine teeth and can diagnose tooth misalignment and anomalies in the oral cavity. Orthodontists use appliances to reconstruct teeth and jaws to improve the function and appearance of teeth. Orthodontists may work alone, with staff, or with partners in a dental practice.

Orthodontists must have a Doctor of Dental Surgery or a Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry/Doctor of Dentistry. Orthodontists must also pass a national board exam and complete a residency.

13. Physician

Physicians diagnose and treat medical problems and help patients maintain their health, prescribe medications, and perform and interpret medical tests. Those with osteopathic medicine degrees also focus on the musculoskeletal system of the body. Education requirements for physicians with a medical doctor degree or DO degree include a four-year undergraduate degree and another four years of medical school, with an additional three to nine years of residency programs or internships for specialization or subspecialization.

Physicians work in clinical and nonclinical settings such as government agencies, nonprofits, and insurance companies. Physicians typically work long shifts, which may include overtime, or they may work overnight.

12. Veterinarian

Veterinarians diagnose and treat animals, including both pets and livestock. They also research veterinary conditions and diseases, dress animal wounds, perform surgeries, and test and vaccinate animals against diseases. Veterinarians can work in private animal clinics or animal hospitals, as well as travel to zoos, and farms, or work in laboratories or classrooms. Veterinarians can also work outdoors and perform animal care duties in remote areas. Some work in food safety and inspection at farms, slaughterhouses or food processing plants to inspect for animal health and ensure protocols are followed for facility safety.

Veterinarians can work more than 40 hours a week, including nights and weekends. Veterinarians run the risk of being kicked, scratched, or bitten by injured or distressed animals. There is also a risk of getting infected by diseased animals. Veterinarians need a doctor of veterinary medicine and a state license to work.

11. Lawyer

Lawyers take on the role of advocate or advisor. As advocates, lawyers present evidence to support their clients at trial. In an advisory role, lawyers advise clients about their legal rights and suggest how they should handle personal or business concerns. This includes the investigation of laws and the application of those laws.

Lawyers may work at the state, federal, or local levels, in private practice, or even in law firms. Lawyers work full-time and may put in more than 40 hours a week. They work primarily in an office but may visit clients and attend court in various locations.

10. Dentist

Dentists take care of a patient’s oral health by diagnosing and treating problems with the teeth, gums, and other parts of the mouth. They remove tooth decay, fill cavities, repair or remove damaged teeth, place sealants, whiten teeth, perform X-rays and advise patients on flossing and other aspects of oral health.

Dentists also supervise receptionists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, and dental laboratory technicians in private practice settings. Hours of work may vary and may include weekends to accommodate patient needs. Dentists typically earn a DDS or DMD degree beyond a bachelor’s degree. Some programs may prefer a bachelor’s degree in science. To specialize in dentistry, dentists must complete a two- to four-year residency for additional training. They may also pursue postdoctoral education or other advanced training to teach or conduct research.

9. Web Developer

Web developers produce and test website layouts and navigation to improve usability and functionality. These workers meet with clients and modify web pages and content to meet their specific needs. This is done with a good understanding of HTML or other programming languages such as XML, JavaScript, or SQL.

Web developers can have different educational backgrounds depending on where they work. Specific education may not be necessary if qualifications can be demonstrated through previous work experience.

8. IT Manager

Information technology managers or computer and information systems managers are responsible for setting the organization’s information technology priorities and seeing that those goals are met. They accomplish this by overseeing the maintenance of hardware and software, ensuring the security of the organization’s network, and making key recommendations to executives.

IT managers may need to work more than 40 hours a week to address issues. To get a job, potential IT managers need a degree in computer or information science and related work experience, and some even have a bachelor’s degree.

7. Financial Manager

Financial managers prepare statements and reports and review financial activities to ensure organizations are thriving financially. Other duties include ensuring that organizations comply with financial regulations, supervising staff working in finance, and collaborating with top executives.

Financial managers typically have a bachelor’s degree and five or more years of experience as an accountant, mortgage sales agent, financial analyst, or another area of business or finance. Some financial managers obtain certification, but it is not a requirement.

6. Physical therapist

Physical therapists help patients rehabilitate by reviewing their medical history and referral notes from doctors and surgeons before developing specific plans to reach their healthcare goals. Physical therapists observe patients’ movements, walking or standing before diagnosing them. They may be vulnerable to back injuries because they lift and move patients as part of rehabilitation.

Physical therapists are required to be licensed in all states and have a doctor of physical therapy degree. These degree programs may cover biomechanics, neuroscience, pharmacology, and clinical work.

5. Information Security Analyst

Information security analysts monitor security and secure computer networks for an organization, investigate security breaches, and investigate them. This work includes the maintenance of software, firewalls, data encryption programs, and other efforts to protect against vulnerabilities in computer networks. Information security analysts also research the latest information technology trends in security.

Information security analysts sometimes work more than 40 hours a week. Occasionally, analysts must be on call for security emergencies. Some workers enter the field with a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as computer and information technology, engineering, or mathematics. Others may start with a high school diploma with related industry certifications and training.

4. Physician Assistant

Physician assistants work under the supervision of a physician to examine, diagnose, and treat patients. The job involves assessing patients and making rounds, which can involve standing for long periods of time. The work schedule may include nights, weekends, holidays, and on-call periods for emergency care.

Physician assistants must have a master’s degree from an accredited program, and they must be licensed. It is also possible for physician assistants to pursue a specialty in a specific area of health care.

3. Medical and Health Services Manager

Medical and healthcare managers coordinate the business activities of healthcare providers. They manage to improve the effectiveness and quality of health services, in a medical facility or for a specific department in a range of settings. In a healthcare setting, medical and healthcare managers may have to work weekends, and evenings, or be on call for emergencies.

At least a bachelor’s degree is required to enter the profession. Common degrees include health administration, nursing, and other allied health fields, as well as public policy and social services.

2. Nurse Practitioner

Nurse practitioners coordinate patient care and may provide health care directly to patients. They work in hospitals, doctor’s offices, and clinics. The job can be physically and emotionally demanding, as nurse practitioners spend most of their workday on their feet and are physically required to lift or move patients. Stress is another consideration, as nurses must make decisions that affect patient health. Nurse practitioners may work full-time in hospitals and other healthcare facilities, or they may work shifts that may include nights, weekends, and holidays. Sometimes, they may need to be on call.

Nurse practitioners must have at least a master’s degree in their specialty role. Other requirements include obtaining a state-specific license and passing a national certification exam.

1. Software Developer

High average salaries, strong job growth potential over the next 10 years, and high current employer satisfaction scores make software developer the No. 1 best job for 2023. Software developers design computer applications or programs. Their duties include analyzing user needs, recommending software upgrades, working closely with programmers, and ensuring that the program continues to function normally.

Software developers work in teams to design, develop and program. They usually have a bachelor’s degree in computer and information technology or a related field such as engineering or mathematics. For many software developers, working in a constantly evolving field is a welcome challenge. There are many opportunities to train developers and innovate where they work.