26 Careers With the Most Job Security
Dodge unemployment with these careers.
Talk about job security. Some fantastic careers offer rock-bottom unemployment rates and robust job growth. In fact, 26 jobs among U.S. News 2017 Best Jobs rankings reported 2015 unemployment rates of 1 percent or lower and are set to experience generous job growth between 2014 and 2024. If you want to dodge unemployment in your future career, click forward for the 26 best jobs for job security.
26. Database Administrator
Median Salary: $81,710
Unemployment Rate: 1 percent
Expected Job Openings: 13,400
DBAs set up databases according to a company's needs and ensure that they operate efficiently and securely.
Learn more about database administrators.
25. Patrol Officer
Median Salary: $58,320
Unemployment Rate: 1 percent
Expected Job Openings: 34,200
Patrol officers protect people and their property by monitoring local areas, writing reports and responding to incidents.
Learn more about patrol officers.
24. Mathematician
Median Salary: $111,110
Unemployment rate: 0.8 percent
Expected Job Openings: 700
Mathematicians crunch numbers and analyze outcomes while working in a range of math-related jobs, including teaching and research.
Learn more about mathematicians.
23. Actuary
Median Salary: $97,070
Unemployment Rate: 0.8 percent
Expected Job Openings: 4,400
These numbers experts measure and analyze the financial consequences of risk.
Learn more about actuaries.
22. Environmental Engineer
Median Salary: $84,560
Unemployment Rate: 0.8 percent
Expected Job Openings: 6,800
These engineers use their training to solve environmental problems, including issues with recycling, waste disposal and pollution.
Learn more about environmental engineers.
21. Chiropractor
Median Salary: $64,440
Unemployment Rate: 0.8 percent
Expected Job Openings: 7,900
These health care workers treat patients with problems relating to their musculoskeletal systems, including bones, ligaments, muscles, nerves and tendons.
Learn more about chiropractors.
20. Statistician
Median Salary: $80,110
Unemployment Rate: 0.8 percent
Expected Job Openings: 10,100
Statisticians work with businesses, health care organizations, engineering firms and other collaborators, using data to make decisions.
Learn more about statisticians.
19. Nurse Midwife
Median Salary: $92,510
Unemployment Rate: 0.7 percent
Expected Job Openings: 1,300
These trained medical specialists diagnose and coordinate the birthing process for their patients. They may also provide gynecological checkups for clients.
Learn more about nurse midwives.
18. Nurse Anesthetist
Median Salary: $157,140
Unemployment Rate: 0.7 percent
Expected Job Openings: 7,400
These registered nurses specialize in anesthesiology, administering drugs to minimize the pain of procedures.
Learn more about nurse anesthetists.
17. Nurse Practitioner
Median Salary: $98,190
Unemployment Rate: 0.7 percent
Expected Job Openings: 44,700
Nurse practitioners treat patients for a variety of issues and ailments and may be able to work independently from a physician.
Learn more about nurse practitioners.
16. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
Median Salary: >$187,199
Unemployment Rate: 0.6 percent
Expected Job Openings: 1,200
These medical professionals perform surgeries on the face, mouth and jaw.
Learn more about oral and maxillofacial surgeons.
15. Occupational Therapy Aide
Median Salary: $27,800
Unemployment Rate: 0.6 percent
Expected Job Openings: 2,700
These aides typically assist occupational therapists by performing administrative duties, cleaning or other tasks.
Learn more about occupational therapy aides.
14. Pediatrician
Median Salary: $170,300
Unemployment Rate: 0.6 percent
Expected Job Openings: 3,600
Pediatricians are the doctors who diagnose and treat babies, children and young adults.
Learn more about pediatricians.
13. Obstetrician and Gynecologist
Median Salary: >$187,199
Unemployment Rate: 0.6 percent
Expected Job Openings: 4,300
OB-GYNs specialize in women's reproductive health, managing everything from contraception to childbirth.
Learn more about obstetricians and gynecologists.
12. Marriage and Family Therapist
Median Salary: $48,600
Unemployment Rate: 0.6 percent
Expected Job Openings: 5,000
These professionals diagnose and treat mental and emotional conditions related to marital and family relationships.
Learn more about marriage and family therapists.
11. Physician
Median Salary: >$187,199
Unemployment rate: 0.6 percent
Expected Job Openings: 5,100
These highly trained professionals diagnose, treat and monitor a variety of health conditions.
Learn more about physicians.
10. Surgeon
Median Salary: >$187,199
Unemployment Rate: 0.6 percent
Expected Job Openings: 9,100
Scalpel, please. Surgeons operate on patients to help treat diseases, injuries and other issues.
Learn more about surgeons.
9. Computer Network Architect
Median Salary: $100,240
Unemployment Rate: 0.6 percent
Expected Job Openings: 12,700
These technology professionals build, design and maintain data communication networks, including local area networks, called LANs, wide area networks, called WANs, and intranets.
Learn more about computer network architects.
8. Occupational Therapy Assistant
Median Salary: $57,870
Unemployment Rate: 0.6 percent
Expected Job Openings: 14,100
Patients may require occupational therapy to manage a lifelong medical condition or the effects of a stroke, accident or other physical trauma. OTAs help these patients live as independently as possible, teaching them to perform daily tasks such as brushing their teeth and getting dressed.
Learn more about occupational therapy assistants.
7. Respiratory Therapist
Median Salary: $57,790
Unemployment Rate: 0.6 percent
Expected Job Openings: 14,900
These medical professionals provide care and treatment for patients with heart and lung problems, including those with asthma, chronic bronchitis and sleep apnea.
Learn more about respiratory therapists.
6. Physician Assistant
Median Salary: $98,180
Unemployment Rate: 0.6 percent
Expected Job Openings: 28,700
PAs coordinate with physicians and other health care workers to treat patients.
Learn more about physician assistants.
5. Veterinarian
Median Salary: $88,490
Unemployment Rate: 0.4 percent
Expected Job Openings: 6,900
These animal health experts diagnose, research and treat medical conditions related to pets, livestock and other animals.
Learn more about veterinarians.
4. Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Median Salary: $68,970
Unemployment Rate: 0.4 percent
Expected Job Openings: 16,000
These health care specialists use sonography equipment to capture images for a number of medical purposes, from finding out the gender of a baby to imaging tumors.
Learn more about diagnostic medical sonographers.
3. Prosthodontist
Median Salary: $119,740
Unemployment rate: 0.1 percent
Expected Job Openings: 100
Prosthodontists specialize in restoring and replacing teeth to improve function and appearance.
Learn more about prosthodontists.
2. Orthodontist
Median Salary: >$187,199
Unemployment Rate: 0.1 percent
Expected Job Openings: 1,500
Anyone with a mouth full of braces can tell you about orthodontists. These professionals straighten teeth and align bites.
Learn more about orthodontists.
1. Dentist
Median Salary: $152,700
Unemployment Rate: 0.1 percent
Expected Job Openings: 23,300
Open wide. These professionals diagnose and treat issues of the teeth and gums.
Learn more about dentists.
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