Are you trying to decide on a college major? Are you looking to switch to a field with more job security and a higher paycheck? Either way, it’s smart to find out which career paths offer the most stability and potential earnings.
After last year’s struggles with COVID, it’s more evident than ever that we can’t predict what the future will hold. That said, it’s worthwhile to seek out your most reliable job options for the best chance at long-term success. Keep reading for a list of some of the most secure and profitable careers out there and see what speaks to you.
Physician
Unsurprisingly, careers in medicine are often the most stable and profitable. Physicians of all types help people every day through preventative and diagnostic care. Whether they’re providing immediate treatment for sick and injured people or checking up on regulars, physicians are working around the clock to serve their patients. To balance all of the hard work, physicians have the benefits of being able to find positions anywhere in the world and earning a six-figure salary.
Speech-Language Pathologist
You may be surprised to see speech-language pathology on this list, but it is yet another career that will always be in demand. Speech-language pathologists diagnose and treat speech and language difficulties in patients of all ages, but many times they specialize in treating school-age children with stutters or language development problems. Some may even treat stroke patients or babies who have difficulty swallowing. Since speech pathologists are trained to treat all age groups, the opportunities to specialize offer even more job security.
Software Developer
Software development is popular for good reason. According to U.S. News, the occupation is the top technology career in the country. For those who enjoy working with computers and solving problems, software development offers a six-figure salary with far less schooling than most medical careers. Software developers often get to work remotely, which is a significant bonus for many job seekers.
Veterinarian
Veterinarians enjoy similar security to those in the traditional medical field. Vets treat pets and livestock with injuries and diseases, perform surgeries, offer routine checkups, and euthanize sick or dying animals when necessary. While it doesn’t offer as high of a salary as traditional medicine, veterinary science is still a highly profitable and rewarding field with lots of room for growth. Whether vets choose to run a general practice, specialize in surgery, or even conduct research to benefit pet care and livestock management, there are plenty of ways to make use of this career.
Data Scientist
Data scientists use technology to analyze information and make conclusions through statistics and quantitative reasoning. To utilize tech and manage data, data scientists need excellent computer programming skills. However, they also need communication skills to be able to translate their findings into reports that professionals in other areas can understand and use. In an increasingly tech-based world, this is a career that will see significant growth over time and the salary–which is already high–should increase as well.
Dentist
Dentists, like physicians, will always have ample work. Dentists traditionally specialize in care for the mouth, gums, and teeth, but different branches also deal with oral surgery, cosmetic procedures, and corrective treatment. Dentistry is sometimes viewed as an unpopular industry due to the widespread distaste for visiting the dentist’s office, but the field boasts a number of benefits. Dentists enjoy a high salary like many other careers in health and medicine, but they also get far more flexibility than other medical professionals. For someone who wants a stable job, a high income, and a flexible schedule, this could be the right option.
With these options laid out, you can start thinking about your personal aptitudes, interests, and timeline for career development. As shown by this list, job security and high income can be achieved through different amounts of schooling, different fields, and different levels of work. No matter what you choose, a career in any of these areas is sure to be a successful one.
