Need a Change? Here Are 25 of the Happiest Jobs That Make Over $50K  (2024)

It’s well-known that job productivity and overall happiness are inextricably linked, as studies have shown. After all, our jobs are where most of us spend 40 or more hours a week. If we’re unhappy with our work, it creates a negative ripple effect in other areas. Essentially, when you have high job satisfaction, you’re more likely to perform better, which creates greater opportunities and overall happiness.

Jobs that make people happy are about more than just productivity levels, however. Living a truly happy life means sharing your unique skills with those who benefit from them the most. By living in this way, life and work become more purposeful, versus being bound to tasks that hold no meaning to you. Growing evidence supports that those who live with purpose have better overall mental and physical health.

As author and psychologist Tal Ben Shahar explains, “We experience freedom when we choose a path that provides us both meaning and pleasure.”

This concept is especially critical since 2022 data by Mental Health America revealed that nearly 50 million Americans are currently struggling with mental illness. Furthermore, of those nearly 50 million, more than 27 million are not seeking treatment.

For this reason, having a job you’re happy in is crucial to your health. In this article, discover 25 of the happiest careers that may help you break the chains of job dissatisfaction and move toward a life of meaning.

What Creates Happiness in a Job?

A 2022 Workplace Culture Report reveals that 61% of employees report that their work makes them irritable at home. Another study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology, further shares that adults employed in jobs they’re dissatisfied with have worse mental health than those with no job. For these reasons, understanding what cultivates the happiest jobs is critical for employees and employers.

Factors that drive the happiest professions:

• Utilization of unique skills and talents: According to a recent engagement report on Gallup, 53% of employees fall into the category of “not engaged.” The main cause of disengagement is a lack of emotional connection to their work. Using the unique skills one has to offer fosters a sense of meaning and purpose. This, in turn, drives happiness.
• Great corporate culture: A study showed that 35% of job seekers will refuse a job offer if the company’s corporate culture is poor. Further, 58% of employees quit their jobs because of their managers.
• Shared vision: Living with purpose requires aligning your vision with that of your company. If your job isn’t projected to take you in the direction of your heart’s desire, personal investment will plateau, and you won’t feel fulfilled.
• Work-life balance: A great deal of employee misery stems from having little time for personal activities outside of work. Experiencing burnout is a common issue among employees. For instance, a Workplace Burnout Survey by Deloitte revealed that 77% of respondents reported experiencing burnout at their current job.
• Fair compensation: According to a report by PayScale, fair compensation (or lack thereof) is one of the reasons employees quit their jobs. Of course, the highest-paying jobs aren’t always the happiest ones, but fair compensation is important in driving high job satisfaction.
• Employee recognition: A report by McKinsey revealed that up to 55% of improvement in employee engagement can be achieved through nonfinancial employee recognition. Simply expressing gratitude for work well done, celebrating individuality, and empowering your team to recognize one another can positively affect one’s engagement and job satisfaction.

25 of the Happiest Jobs With a Good Starting Salary

1. Entrepreneur

Average Salary: The average salary for an entrepreneur is almost $71,000 per year.

Job Description: Someone that goes out on their own to start and run a business based on an idea is an entrepreneur. This is one of the happiest careers because it allows one to explore and develop a business based on their unique interests, passions, and talents.

Degree and Training Required: Depends on the role and industry.

2. Human Resources Manager

Average Salary: The average salary for a human resources manager is $111,975.

Job Description: Human resource managers manage the programs and policies that support a company’s employees. This is one of the happiest jobs in America for those who are people-oriented because it places you directly in line to serve and support others.

Degree and Training Required: HR managers typically need a bachelor’s degree in human resources or business administration.

3. Graphic Designer

Average Salary: The average salary for a graphic designer is $56,954.

Job Description: Graphic designers generate graphic and digital designs using images, sounds, text, and video programming. These graphics are often used in company marketing materials, special promotions, and informative initiatives. This is one of the happiest jobs for creative people.

Degree and Training Required: Graphic designers typically need a bachelor’s degree in graphic design and 2–4 years of hands-on experience to advance in their careers.

4. Real Estate Agent

Average Salary: The average salary for a real estate agent is $107,512.

Job Description: Real estate agents manage all aspects of buying, selling, and renting property, either with a brokerage firm or independently. This is one of the happiest jobs for those who enjoy working closely with clients, managing contracts, and helping people find their dream homes and properties.

Degree and Training Required: You do not need a bachelor’s degree or a formal college education. However, obtaining your license will require completing your state’s real estate license exam.

5. Nurse Practitioner

Average Salary: The average salary for a nurse practitioner is $116,877.

Job Description: Similar to a physician, nurse practitioners can treat, prescribe, and order patient diagnostic tests. This is a great role for those looking to advance their nursing career.

Degree and Training Required: Nurse practitioners must have a master’s degree and an RN (Registered Nurse) certification. Additionally, nurse practitioners must complete the Advance Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) exam.

6. Physician Assistant

Average Salary: The average salary for a physician assistant is $113,998.

Job Description: Physician assistants help to assess and care for patients under a physician’s supervision. This is one of the happiest careers for those who enjoy closely assisting doctors for every step of a patient’s care.

Degree and Training Required: Physician assistants must have a master’s degree in health sciences, the National Commission onCertificationofPhysician Assistants(NCCPA) certification, and a state license to practice.

7. Veterinarian

Average Salary: The average salary for a veterinarian is $102,334.

Job Description: Veterinarians treat pets and animals for various diseases, injuries, and behavioral conditions. They can conduct diagnostic tests, prescribe medications, and educate pet owners about vaccines, diets, and other pet care insights. Providing care and treatment for furry friends makes this role one of the happiest professions.

Degree and Training Required: Veterinarians must have a doctorate degree in veterinary medicine and a state license to practice.

8. Fashion Designer

Average Salary: The average salary for a fashion designer is $58,651.

Job Description: Fashion designers work to design and create clothing based on a company’s needs and branding. Using various styles, materials, colors, and consumer insights, fashion designers develop design strategies to help bring new products through the funnel from ideation to manufacturing.

Degree and Training Required: Fashion designers typically need a bachelor’s degree in fashion design or similar. Additionally, up to two years of hands-on experience is favorable to move forward in this role.

9. Physical Therapist

Average Salary: The average salary for a physical therapist is $90,887.

Job Description: Physical therapists treat and provide recovery plans for patients suffering from physical injury, surgery, and other ailments. Providing care as a physical therapist means helping patients to find ways to alleviate their pain and gain mobility so they can live without restriction. For this reason, being a physical therapist can be one of the happiest careers.

Degree and Training Required: Physical therapists need a doctorate in physical therapy and a state license to practice.

10. Firefighter

Average Salary: The average salary for a firefighter is $50,690.

Job Description: In addition to fighting fires, firefighters are responsible for responding to medical emergencies, hazardous situations, rescue missions, and fire alarms. While being a firefighter can be dangerous, it can also be incredibly rewarding.

Degree and Training Required: At a minimum, becoming a firefighter requires having a high school diploma or GED. Some firefighters may also want to obtain an EMT certification to be more competitive, and some departments require a paramedic’s license.

11. Interior Designer

Average Salary: The average salary for an interior designer is $65,054.

Job Description: Interior designers work with clients to develop plans and designs for the interiors of residential and commercial buildings. Those in this profession decide wall colors, furniture, layouts, fixtures, and more. This can be one of the happiest professions for those who love decorating and designing interior spaces.

Degree and Training Required: Being an interior designer typically requires having a bachelor’s degree in an area of specialty, like architecture.

12. Data Scientist

Average Salary: The average salary for a data scientist is $74,335.

Job Description: Data scientists examine trends and anomalies found in large data sets to develop insights businesses can use. Data scientists collaborate with other team members through data mining, analysis, and aggregation processes to extract information that can drive business success.

Degree and Training Required: Data scientists typically need a master’s degree in computer science, mathematics, engineering, or similar.

13. Software Developer

Average Salary: The average salary for a software developer is $74,590.

Job Description: Software developers are responsible for designing and developing software programs people use for work and life. From ideation to coding, debugging, testing, and implementation, software developers carry a software program from start to finish before working in a supportive role.

Degree and Training Required: A bachelor’s degree in computer science or similar is typically required. To succeed, software developers must also be able to work in a fast-paced environment while having a deep knowledge of the software development life cycle.

14. Dentist

Average Salary: The average salary for a dentist is $177,158.

Job Description: Sitting in a brightly-lit chair while someone works at our teeth with a drill-like tool is what most of us think when we think of dentists. However, a dentist’s role in the health of our tooth and gum care is instrumental. Dentists provide care from every aspect, from preventative treatment to corrective procedures.

Degree and Training Required: To become a dentist, you must acquire a degree in dentistry and have a state license.

15. Speech-Language Pathologist

Average Salary: The average salary for a speech-language pathologist is $88,077.

Job Description: A person that treats speech disorders and impairments is a speech-language pathologist. By conducting evaluations, developing treatment plans, and working with other healthcare professionals, speech-language pathologists help patients to overcome speech challenges.

Degree and Training Required: Speech-language pathologists need a master’s degree in speech pathology, an ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence, and a state license.

16. Ethical Hacker

Average Salary: The average salary for an ethical hacker is $104,741.

Job Description: An ethical hacker specializes in computer security and can mimic the actions of a malicious hacker to reveal vulnerabilities within a company’s system. Sometimes referred to as “white hats,” ethical hackers “hack” into systems with good intentions, unlike traditional “black hat” hackers. Ethical hacking is one of the best jobs that make people happy because it stops virtual crimes from happening before they start.

Degree and Training Required: Ethical hackers need a bachelor’s degree in information technology or computer science and advanced knowledge of security software.

17. Chiropractor

Average Salary: The average salary for a chiropractor is $158,539.

Job Description: Chiropractors provide patient care for those dealing with neuromusculoskeletal problems. This can include any issues involving bones, muscles, nerves, and tendons. Spinal adjustments are one of the most common treatments chiropractors provide to alleviate neuromusculoskeletal symptoms.

Degree and Training Required: To become a chiropractor, you must obtain a Doctor of Chiropractic degree, which takes about four years to complete. Additionally, you’ll need a state license to practice.

18. Electrician

Average Salary: The average salary for an electrician is $62,430.

Job Description: Electricians are responsible for installing and maintaining all the wiring and electrical circuits within a building. When new buildings are built, electricians come in and install the equipment necessary for transmitting electricity. Additionally, electricians are hired to update old wiring for renovation projects. Those who enjoy working with their hands can find high job satisfaction with electrical work.

Degree and Training Required: A high school diploma followed by a four- to five-year apprenticeship program is required to become an electrician. Electricians must also complete a journeyman exam and obtain a state license to work.

19. Insurance Agent

Average Salary: The average salary for an insurance agent is $53,443.

Job Description: Insurance agents are licensed professionals who help individuals be financially protected in emergencies or accidents. Insurance agents work by negotiating coverage and policies with insurance companies to best fit the needs of their clients.

Degree and Training Required: A college degree isn’t necessary to be an insurance agent, but state licensure is typically required.

20. Social Media Director

Average Salary: The average salary for a social media director is $87,286.

Job Description: Social media directors work with a company’s goals and branding to develop strategies for connecting with consumers through social media platforms. This includes managing content creators, content schedules, and social media metrics. Social media director and manager roles can be one of the happiest careers for socially-minded individuals.

Degree and Training Required: Undergraduate degrees in business, marketing, communications, and public relations would all serve well for this job.

21. Registered Dietitian

Average Salary: The average salary for a registered dietitian is $66,772.

Job Description: Registered dietitians evaluate patients and develop nutritional care plans based on individual diets and deficiencies. By implementing strategies that target a patient’s nutritional concerns, registered dietitians help others to lead healthier lives.

Degree and Training Required: Registered dietitians need a bachelor’s degree in human nutrition, dietetics, or similar. Additionally, at least 900 hours of supervised training and completion of the registered dietitian examination are required to practice.

22. User Experience (UX) Designer

Average Salary: The average salary for a UX designer is $95,667.

Job Description: A professional who is trained to optimize digital programs for a user’s best possible experience is a user experience (UX) designer. UX designers study user preferences and experiences to find ways to improve digital assets. An optimal user experience can positively impact a company’s reputation, consumer base, and bottom line.

Degree and Training Required: Specialized training in UX is required, and a skill base in web design, market research, and marketing is helpful, too.

23. Brand Strategist

Average Salary: The average salary for a brand strategist is $64,563.

Job Description: Brand strategists use market research, consumer insights, and expert recommendations to help a brand create and maintain a positive public image. Brand strategy is necessary for many initiatives, from new product launches to market expansions. Those who love marketing and strategy will find job satisfaction as a brand strategist.

Degree and Training Required: A degree in economics, design, or marketing is helpful, and previous work with a distinct brand provides a competitive advantage.

24. Occupational Therapist

Average Salary: The average salary for an occupational therapist is $94,333.

Job Description: Similar to physical therapists, occupational therapists (OT) help ill or injured patients live and work normally through daily therapy. OTs perform physical assessments, develop personalized treatment plans, and make supportive recommendations for home and work environments.

Degree and Training Required: A master’s or doctoral degree in occupational therapy is required to be an occupational therapist. OTs must also have passed the exam administered by the NBCOTand be licensed in their state.

25. Freelancer

Average Salary: Varies by field and individually set rates.

Job Description: While traditional employees work under a supervisor or company, freelance workers work for themselves. Whatever a freelance worker offers, freelancers must deliver the service, set their hours, bill clients, and file their own business taxes. While it may be more work in that regard, freelancing allows many to work on their own terms. There are currently about 70.4 million U.S. freelancers, according to Zippia.

Degree and Training Required: Varies by role.