The 15 Happiest Jobs Across Industries

When you’re looking for job that makes you happy, it helps to consider what careers other people find happiness in. Some jobs offer happiness in the form of flexible scheduling, while other job seekers find that a highly meaningful job is the most important factor to make them happy at work.

No matter what you’re looking for in a job that makes you happy, we’ve gathered the 15 happiest jobs, ranging between entry-level, high-paying, and work-from-home positions.

Key Takeaways:

• When looking for a job that makes you happy, look for companies that value life satisfaction and employee wellbeing.

• Think about what you’re passionate about when you set out to look for a job that makes you happy.

• Location should also be considered when looking for a new job; you won’t be happy if you hate where you live.

5 High-paying jobs that make people happy

Having a job that you find happiness in doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your salary. After all, people tend to be happiest when they have enough money to support themselves and their families.

There are many high-paying jobs that also offer work-life balance, opportunities for career growth, and high employee satisfaction levels. Here are a few of the best-paying jobs that have been linked to the highest levels of worker’s happiness:

1. Human Resources Manager
   Average Annual Salary: $80,000

   Human resource managers play a big role in molding a company’s work environment, so it’s no surprise that they rank among America’s happiest employees.

   Human resource managers are in high demand in almost all professional industries. No matter the line of work, companies need employees who can handle all administrative functions when it comes to recruiting, interviewing, and retaining employees.

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2. Engineer
   Average Annual Salary: $78,000

   Engineers working in a variety of specialties and professional disciplines routinely rank among the country’s happiest employees. According to a few studies, people working in engineering roles are actually the happiest people in the world.

   Engineers find joy in using state-of-the-art technology to develop designs and offer practical solutions to the biggest problems facing the world. Network engineers, software engineers, and environmental engineers, in particular, have even higher than average work satisfaction levels.

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3. Physical Therapist
   Average Annual Salary: $69,000

   Physical therapists get the chance to form close relationships with their clients, which creates a fun work environment. It’s a low-stress job with good work-life balance, which is why it’s ranked number three on the happiest jobs list.

   Working as a successful physical therapist is not only extremely rewarding, it also comes with a real opportunity to earn the big bucks. According to labor statistics, physical therapists make an average of nearly $90,000 per year. This makes physical therapy one of the best industries for happiness and high salaries.

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4. Construction Manager
   Average Annual Salary: $81,000

   Construction managers, contractors, and construction workers have some of the highest reported levels of on-the-job happiness. Some of the best perks of working as a construction manager are spending time in the fresh air and the satisfaction of seeing the physical results of building something from scratch.

   If you’re looking for happiness, having a job that allows you to work outside might be the best option for you.

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5. Finance Manager
   Average Annual Salary: $105,000

   Being a finance manager is very rewarding, and workers report high levels of positivity and happiness, despite the stress of the job.

   If you’re good with numbers, then a job as a finance manager can help you realize your biggest career goals and help you in your pursuit of happiness.

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5 Entry-level jobs that make people happy

Entry-level jobs are great for prioritizing happiness. Focusing on what you’re passionate about at work is a great opportunity to realize your career goals and be truly happy in your job and your life.

These jobs are also a great option for young people, graduates looking for their first job, professionals looking to change careers, or people who want to gain on-the-job experience.

Here are the top entry-level jobs that are meaningful and lead to increased happiness:

1. Internship
   Average Annual Salary: $31,000

   Working as an intern is an exciting opportunity that brings young people and entry-level applicants a lot of happiness. There are opportunities to learn new things, gain hands-on experience, and figure out the best career path.

   Getting an internship in an industry you’re interested in is the one of the best ways to gain work experience and break into your dream career. Compensation is typically low for interns across various occupational fields, and sometimes the positions are unpaid or for school credit.

   Working as an intern is a great opportunity for students and young adults. The work environment is structured like a professional position while also fostering learning, making it a good gig for college grads or a great first job for teenagers.

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2. Teaching Assistant
   Average Annual Salary: $32,000

   Time and time again, teaching assistants rank as one of the happiest jobs in America. It’s not the highest-paying job, but the work is rewarding, and some entry-level positions only require a high school diploma; although a college degree with coursework in child development could open more doors.

   Working as a teaching assistant is also a great way to gain experience while completing education requirements to have your own classroom. Working as a full-time teacher is meaningful work where you can help others.

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3. Nurse
   Average Annual Salary: $59,000

   Helping people and working to make a real positive impact in the lives of patients directly contributes to the high job satisfaction rates nurses routinely report. That’s why nursing is among the top three happiest professions in the world.

   In addition to rewarding work, nurses have good job security and earn above-average salaries. You’ll need a bachelor’s and associate’s degree in nursing, a diploma from an approved nursing program, and/or a nursing license to land an entry-level role as a nurse.

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4. Marketing Specialist
   Average Annual Salary: $52,000

   Not only is a career as a marketing specialist fulfilling, but it also allows employees to think freely, implement new ideas, and work in a creative and artistic environment. Even better, marketing specialists are some of the happiest people in the country.

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5. Athletic Trainer
   Average Annual Salary: $42,000

   Athletic trainers consistently report high levels of happiness and life satisfaction. And it makes sense — exercising is scientifically proven to release endorphins and make people happy, so it makes sense that athletic trainers are so happy at work.

   A career in athletic training requires a passion for fitness and nutrition and a desire to help others reach their personal health goals. After obtaining a bachelor’s degree and required state athletic trainer certifications and licenses, finding an entry-level position as an athletic trainer can help job-seekers live a happy life.

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5 Work-from-home jobs that make people happy

Being able to work from home makes a lot of people happy. A flexible workday schedule and the eliminated commute are some of the top reasons why work-from-home are so sought after.

Here are a few of the top work-from-home jobs that spark happiness:

1. Realtor
   Average Annual Salary: $36,000

   Real estate brokers and sales agents lead happy lives, thanks to an extremely flexible work schedule that allows for the ability to work from home or in a real estate office. Most realtors are also self-employed, so they have a great work-life balance and a high employee satisfaction rate.

   To work from home as a real estate broker or a real estate sales agent, you’ll need a high school diploma and a real estate license.

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2. Information Technology Consultant
   Average Annual Salary: $73,000

   Information technology consultants find a lot of happiness in a job that’s often exciting, challenging, and rewarding. It’s a great job for individuals who are good at solving problems and want to take on any challenge.

   Computer and information technology occupations are in high demand, and they come with lots of employee perks. One of which is the ability to work from almost anywhere in the world. All you usually need is a working computer and a good WiFi connection.

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3. Virtual Assistant
   Average Annual Salary: $24,000

   Personal virtual assistants are among some of the happiest employees in the country, thanks to a low-stress work environment and a highly flexible schedule. It’s also a great job for people whose highest level of education is a high school diploma, since many entry-level positions are typically available.

   A personal virtual assistant is a perfect work-from-home job for detail-oriented professionals. The gig requires job-seekers to perform routine administrative duties and have high-level interpersonal and computer skills.

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4. Writer
   Average Annual Salary: $57,000

   Writers are among the happiest professionals on the market since they have the flexibility of setting their own hours and working from wherever they want.

   If you have a knack for the written word, pursuing a career as a writer might be right up your alley. Today, companies and even individuals are always in the market for top-notch writing, whether it’s writing instruction manuals, technical guides, grants, blog posts, news articles, books, resumes, or online profiles.

   Chasing a career as a writer is a great way to turn your hobby into a career.

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5. Web Developer
   Average Annual Salary: $72,000

   A job as a web developer allows you to work from virtually anywhere, as it can usually be done entirely online. This high level of flexibility contributes to excellent employee satisfaction, a good work-life balance, and happier employees.

   Careers in the tech and information technology field are fast-growing and in high demand across the country. That job security also contributes to higher levels of happiness reported among web developers.

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What to look for in jobs that make people happy

Whatever specific job qualities it is you’re searching for, balance is essential in all of the top jobs that are linked to improved employee happiness. If you’re looking for the key to happiness, finding a job with a positive work-life balance is the first step to achieving authentic and long-term happiness.

While you’re searching for a job that makes you happy, keep the below tips in mind:

1. Find companies that value life satisfaction and employee wellbeing. Switching careers is a great way to attain happiness, but you have to be selective and only apply to job openings that will make you happy.

   Workplace happiness is very closely correlated to a positive work-life balance, good relationships with coworkers, a warm and welcoming work environment, attractive job resources and employee benefits, competitive compensation, opportunities for career growth, and constructive company culture.

2. Consider what you are passionate about. To be happier at work, you have to find a process that you actually enjoy. If you find a career you love, you won’t be stressed about problems; you’ll be excited for new challenges.

3. Look for a job that will both promote overall happiness and closely align with your talents, hobbies, and professional skills. Thinking about what you value most in a job will help you find a new career and happy life.

   The perfect job isn’t always one size fits all. For some job seekers, a fulfilling and happy career is one that pays well and has a good job outlook with ample professional opportunities and stable job security. For others, it may be less about salary and security and more about helping people, giving back to their community, or simply doing something they love.

4. Keep location in mind. If you’re thinking about relocating, it’s important to consider the area before jumping to any final decisions. Being happy in the place you live will translate to being happier at work.

   Looking for a job in one of the ten happiest states in America could help you land a great career and attain happiness even faster. Living and working in states where people are the happiest can have a major positive impact on your overall quality of life.

Jobs that make people happy FAQ

1. Should your job make you happy?

   Yes, your job should make you happy. A job that makes you unhappy can lead to more stress and burnout. Being happy at your job can help you focus more and be more productive. A job that makes you happy will also have a more positive work environment which helps create a healthy work environment.

2. What do you need to be happy at work?

   To be happy at work you need to feel accomplished and you need positive reinforcement. Other things that can make you happy at work is being friendly with and liking your coworkers. You should also be doing something that you enjoy and makes you proud.

3. What does it mean to be happy at work?

   When you are happy at work, it means that you enjoy what you do and you are satisfied with your job. Being happy work also leads to being more collaborative with your colleagues. This results in having a better professional and, possibly, personal relationship with your coworkers.

Final Thoughts

Say goodbye to the days of being unhappy at work and, instead, hit the job market to find a career path that improves your overall happiness and wellbeing. There are plenty of jobs in a variety of professional industries that can help you live a happy life without sacrificing a fulfilling occupation.

There’s no point in being miserable in your occupation when there are so many career paths that can improve your levels of happiness and make you feel fulfilled and valued by employers. Your professional pursuit of happiness can also be a great way to pursue positive career development and push your negative thoughts away for good.

As the saying goes: if you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life. In fact, finding a job you love is the key to happiness.

References

1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Human Resources Manager Occupational Outlook

2. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Registered Nurse Occupational Outlook

3. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Real Estate Agent Occupational Outlook

Author

Elsie Boskamp

Elsie is an experienced writer, reporter, and content creator. As a leader in her field, Elsie is best known for her work as a Reporter for The Southampton Press, but she can also be credited with contributions to Long Island Pulse Magazine and Hamptons Online. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from Stony Brook University and currently resides in Franklin, Tennessee.