The 20 college majors that lead to the most satisfying careers

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20. Athletic training

20. Athletic training

Common jobs: Athletic Trainer, physical therapist, assistant athletic trainer

People who find their job meaningful: 76%

Starting median pay: $36,000

Mid-career median pay: $51,900

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19. Human Services

19. Human Services

Common jobs: Medical case manager, social worker, program coordinator, non-profit organization

People who find their job meaningful: 78%

Starting median pay: $34,000

Mid-career median pay: $44,600

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18. Social work

18. Social work

Common jobs: Social worker, medical case manager, social services director

People who find their job meaningful: 78%

Starting median pay: $33,800

Mid-career median pay: $46,700

17. Medical laboratory technology

17. Medical laboratory technology

Common jobs: Medical/clinical laboratory technologist, clinical laboratory scientist, medical/clinical laboratory supervisor

People who find their job meaningful: 78%

Starting median pay: $48,500

Mid-career median pay: $64,000

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16. Foods & nutrition

16. Foods & nutrition

Common jobs: Dietitian, nutrition services director, certified diabetes educator

People who find their job meaningful: 79%

Starting median pay: $40,900

Mid-career median pay: $58,700

15. Health

15. Health

Common jobs: Registered nurse, respiratory therapist

People who find their job meaningful: 79%

Starting median pay: $35,700

Mid-career median pay: $60,700

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14. Dental hygiene

14. Dental hygiene

Common jobs: Dental hygienist

People who find their job meaningful: 79%

Starting median pay: $65,400

Mid-career median pay: $74,900

13. Environmental health and safety

13. Environmental health and safety

Common jobs: Safety manager, environmental health and safety specialist, health and safety coordinator

People who find their job meaningful: 79%

Starting median pay: $51,200

Mid-career median pay: $89,800

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12. Community health education

12. Community health education

Common jobs: Patient/health educator, program manager, non-profit organization, wellness coordinator

People who find their job meaningful: 80%

Starting median pay: $37,200

Mid-career median pay: $55,200

11. Dietetics

11. Dietetics

Common jobs: Dietitian, certified diabetes educator (cde), nutrition services director

People who find their job meaningful:80%

Starting median pay: $44,300

Mid-career median pay: $60,500

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10. Therapeutic recreation

10. Therapeutic recreation

Common jobs: Recreation therapist, activities director, life enrichment coordinator

People who find their job meaningful: 81%

Starting median pay: $35,200

Mid-career median pay: $47,700

9. Exercise physiology

9. Exercise physiology

Common jobs: Exercise physiologist, physical therapy assistant, personal trainer

People who find their job meaningful: 83%

Starting median pay: $38,400

Mid-career median pay: $60,300

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8. Respiratory therapy

8. Respiratory therapy

Common jobs: Respiratory therapist, respiratory therapy manager

People who find their job meaningful: 83%

Starting median pay: $46,200

Mid-career median pay: $62,900

7. Diagnostic medical sonography

7. Diagnostic medical sonography

Common jobs: Ultrasound technologist, echocardiographer, vascular technologist

People who find their job meaningful: 83%

Starting median pay: $57,700

Mid-career median pay: $71,100

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6. Nursing

6. Nursing

Common jobs: Registered nurse, registered emergency-room nurse, nurse practitioner

People who find their job meaningful: 83%

Starting median pay: $57,500

Mid-career median pay: $74,100

5. Physician assistant studies

5. Physician assistant studies

Common jobs: Physician assistant, orthopedic physician assistant, cardiothoracic physician assistant

People who find their job meaningful: 86%

Starting median pay: $85,200

Mid-career median pay: $103,000

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4. Practical nursing

4. Practical nursing

Common jobs: Registered nurse, licensed practical nurse

People who find their job meaningful: 88%

Starting median pay: $45,300

Mid-career median pay: $58,100

3. Physical therapy

3. Physical therapy

Common jobs: Physical therapist, rehabilitation services director, director of physical therapy

People who find their job meaningful: 89%

Starting median pay: $60,300

Mid-career median pay: $86,600

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2. Pastoral ministry

2. Pastoral ministry

Common jobs: Pastor, youth pastor

People who find their job meaningful: 93%

Starting median pay: $32,800

Mid-career median pay: $50,500

1. Medical laboratory science

1. Medical laboratory science

Common jobs: Medical/clinical laboratory technologist, clinical laboratory scientist, laboratory manager

People who find their job meaningful: 93%

Starting median pay: $47,900

Mid-career median pay: $61,500

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