America's Best Careers 2009

By U.S. News Staff

Posted: August 28, 2009

U.S. News has plowed through hundreds of careers, looking for the jobs with the best outlook in this recessionary economy (and beyond), the highest rates of job satisfaction, the least difficult training necessary, the most prestige, and the highest pay. These careers have staying power: They're smart moves now, and they'll be smart moves for years to come.

Overrated Careers

It looks glamorous on TV. Or you've got an uncle who loves it. Or you heard you could earn a lot of money at it. People pick careers for many reasons, including some bad ones. So in addition to identifying the Best Careers for 2009, U.S. News has also highlighted 13 occupations with a mystique that exceeds reality.

Full list of overrated careers

 

Ahead-of-the-Curve Careers

Cutting-edge careers are often exciting, and they offer a strong job market. Alas, the cutting edge too often turns out to be the bleeding edge, so here are some careers that, while relatively new, are already viable and promise further growth. They emerge from six megatrends.

Full list of ahead-of-the-curve careers

 

Best-Kept-Secret Careers

Job seekers have it tough in these troubled times, especially in going after big-name careers. It's a great time to consider these hidden gems, which score well on the Best Careers 2009 selection criteria.

Full list of best-kept-secret careers

HealthCare and Educational Opportunities

The humbling of the economy for most of us have enabled us to look inward and get back to basics. When we take personal responsibility and begin to embrace our own mental, physical and personal health- we will unify and stand together. Consider new ways to earn a living and live a comfortable life. Perhaps we are coming full circle when becoming teachers and medical professionals is more about personal responsibility v. the high dollar, stressed out career tract.

Melissa of GA @ Nov 21, 2009 10:12:18 AM

Generalist Available

Is there a market for generalists these days? Everyone's looking for specialists. I am the complete generalist. I know a lot about everything, but not enough to make a good living at anything.

Robert J. Seyko of MD @ Nov 13, 2009 16:09:46 PM

jeffandkim of NJ

This is a pipe dream. These companies get you hyped up and interested and then tell you what it is going to COST you to start. They do not risk any thing, the risk is all yours. If you have to depend on them to do any thing after you PURCHASE whatever they are selling you may as well just open a window and throw your money out it as the company has gone on to their next victim. I hate to rain on your parade but in my opinion and experience IF IT LOOKS AND SOUNDS TO GOOD......................IT DANG SURE IS.

Darrell

Darrell of WA @ Nov 09, 2009 15:11:43 PM

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