25. Actuaries
They use advanced statistics and modeling software to forecast the cost and probability of an event.
Median annual wage (2015): $97,070
Projected job openings (through 2024): 11,700
Work experience: None
On-the-job training: Long-term on-the-job training
24. Chemical engineers
They apply the principles of chemistry, biology, physics, and math to solve problems involving the production of chemicals, fuel, drugs, food, and many other products.
Median annual wage (2015): $97,360
Projected job openings (through 2024): 10,000
Work experience: None
On-the-job training: None
23. Sales engineers
They sell complex scientific and technological products or services to businesses.
Median annual wage (2015): $97,650
Projected job openings (through 2024): 23,000
Work experience: None
On-the-job training: Moderate-term on-the-job training
22. General and operations managers
They plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations.
Median annual wage (2015): $97,730
Projected job openings (through 2024): 688,800
Work experience: 5 years or more
On-the-job training: None
21. Software applications developers
They develop, create, and modify general computer applications software or specialized utility programs.
Median annual wage (2015): $98,260
Projected job openings (through 2024): 238,000
Work experience: None
On-the-job training: None
20. Non-computer electronics engineers
They research, design, develop, or test electronic components and systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use employing knowledge of electronic theory and materials properties.
Median annual wage (2015): $98,270
Projected job openings (through 2024): 30,300
Work experience: None
On-the-job training: None
19. Computer network architects
They plan and lay out the internal computer networks used by workers in an organization.
Median annual wage (2015): $100,240
Projected job openings (through 2024): 31,500
Work experience: 5 years or more
On-the-job training: None
18. Training and development managers
They plan, direct, and coordinate programs to enhance the knowledge and skills of an organization's employees.
Median annual wage (2015): $102,640
Projected job openings (through 2024): 11,900
Work experience: 5 years or more
On-the-job training: None
17. Nuclear engineers
They research and develop the processes, instruments, and systems used to derive benefits from nuclear energy and radiation.
Median annual wage (2015): $102,950
Projected job openings (through 2024): 4,400
Work experience: None
On-the-job training: None
16. Public relations and fundraising managers
They plan and direct the creation of material that will maintain or enhance the public image of their employer or client.
Median annual wage (2015): $104,140
Projected job openings (through 2024): 27,100
Work experience: 5 years or more
On-the-job training: None
15. Human resources managers
They oversee an organization’s recruitment, interview, selection, and hiring processes.
Median annual wage (2015): $104,440
Projected job openings (through 2024): 46,600
Work experience: 5 years or more
On-the-job training: None
14. Systems software developers
They research, design, develop, and test operating systems-level software, compilers, and network distribution software for medical, industrial, military, communications, aerospace, business, scientific, and general computing applications.
Median annual wage (2015): $105,570
Projected job openings (through 2024): 107,900
Work experience: None
On-the-job training: None
13. Aerospace engineers
They design aircraft and propulsion systems, and study the aerodynamic performance of aircraft.
Median annual wage (2015): $107,830
Projected job openings (through 2024): 20,700
Work experience: None
On-the-job training: None
12. Purchasing managers
They plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of buyers, purchasing officers, and related workers involved in purchasing materials, products, and services.
Median annual wage (2015): $108,120
Projected job openings (through 2024): 17,900
Work experience: 5 years or more
On-the-job training: None
11. Compensation and benefits managers
They plan, develop, and oversee programs to determine how much an organization pays its employees and how employees are paid.
Median annual wage (2015): $111,430
Projected job openings (through 2024): 6,000
Work experience: 5 years or more
On-the-job training: None
10. Computer hardware engineers
They solve problems that arise in computer hardware.
Median annual wage (2015): $111,730
Projected job openings (through 2024): 18,400
Work experience: None
On-the-job training: None
9. Sales managers
They set sales goals, analyze data, and develop training programs for organizations’ sales representatives.
Median annual wage (2015): $113,860
Projected job openings (through 2024): 108,000
Work experience: Less than 5 years
On-the-job training: None
8. Airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers
They pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing, multi-engine aircraft, usually on scheduled air carrier routes, for the transport of passengers and cargo.
Median annual wage (2015): $117,290
Projected job openings (through 2024): 19,300
Work experience: Less than 5 years
On-the-job training: Moderate-term on-the-job training
7. Financial managers
They produce financial reports, direct investment activities, and develop strategies and plans for the long-term financial goals of their organization.
Median annual wage (2015): $117,990
Projected job openings (through 2024): 169,300
Work experience: 5 years or more
On-the-job training: None
6. Natural sciences managers
They supervise the work of scientists, direct activities related to research and development, and coordinate activities such as testing, quality control, and production.
Median annual wage (2015): $120,160
Projected job openings (through 2024): 13,300
Work experience: 5 years or more
On-the-job training: None
5. Marketing managers
They determine the demand for products and services offered by a firm and its competitors and identify potential customers.
Median annual wage (2015): $128,750
Projected job openings (through 2024): 64,200
Work experience: 5 years or more
On-the-job training: None
4. Petroleum engineersThey design equipment to extract oil and gas in the most profitable way.
Median annual wage (2015): $129,990
Projected job openings (through 2024): 13,000
Work experience: None
On-the-job training: None
3. Computer and information systems managers
They help determine the information technology goals of an organization and are responsible for implementing computer systems to meet those goals.
Median annual wage (2015): $131,600
Projected job openings (through 2024): 94,800
Work experience: 5 years or more
On-the-job training: None
2. Architectural and engineering managers
They plan, direct, and coordinate activities in architectural and engineering companies.
Median annual wage (2015): $132,800
Projected job openings (through 2024): 59,500
Work experience: 5 years or more
On-the-job training: None
1. Chief executives
They plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.
Median annual wage (2015): $175,110
Projected job openings (through 2024): 58,400
Work experience: 5 years or more
On-the-job training: None
