While the class of 2016 prepares for graduation, according to Glassdoor.com, one thing remains clear: The future shines brightest where employee satisfaction thrives.
In a report released today, careers site Glassdoor ranked the top 25 jobs according to pay scale, by considering median base salaries and number of job openings. Glassdoor conducted the survey using information with 75 salary reports or more shared by U.S.-based employees from Jan. 24, 2015 to Jan. 23, 2016, and excluded C-suite level jobs.
While physicians took the top spot with a median base salary of $180,000 and 2,064 job openings, lawyers nabbed second place at $144,500, with 995 job openings. Third place went to a research and development manager, with a median base salary of $142,120 and 112 job openings.
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Even though the “usual suspects” took the top spots, there was some wiggle room for other jobs. For example, creative directors clocked in at No. 18, with a median base salary of $115,000 and 696 job openings. Data scientists and data architects ranked No. 16 and No. 20, with base salaries of $115,000 and $113,000 and 1,985 and 762 openings, respectively.
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Despite the salary rankings being key to the methodology, the survey had some interesting findings. In a statement, Glassdoor chief economist Dr. Andrew Chamberlain said, “Our research shows that a big paycheck isn’t necessarily tied to long-term satisfaction in your job. Instead, when we dig deeper into what keeps employees satisfied once they’re in a job and with a company, we find that culture and values, career opportunities, and trust in senior leadership are the biggest drivers of employee satisfaction.”
The full list can be found below:
1. Physician
- Median Base Salary: $180,000
- Number of Job Openings: 2,064
2. Lawyer
- Median Base Salary: $144,500
- Number of Job Openings: 995
3. Research & Development Manager
- Median Base Salary: $142,120
- Number of Job Openings: 112
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4. Software Development Manager
- Median Base Salary: $132,000
- Number of Job Openings: 3,495
5. Pharmacy Manager
- Median Base Salary: $130,000
- Number of Job Openings: 1,766
6. Strategy Manager
- Median Base Salary: $130,000
- Number of Job Openings: 701
7. Software Architect
- Median Base Salary: $128,250
- Number of Job Openings: 655
8. Integrated Circuit Designer Engineer
- Median Base Salary: $127,500
- Number of Job Openings: 165
9. IT Manager
- Median Base Salary: $120,000
- Number of Job Openings: 3,152
10. Solutions Architect
- Median Base Salary: $120,000
- Number of Job Openings: 2,838
11. Engagement Manager
- Median Base Salary: $120,000
- Number of Job Openings: 1,452
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12. Applications Development Manager
- Median Base Salary: $120,000
- Number of Job Openings: 263
13. Pharmacist
- Median Base Salary: $118,000
- Number of Job Openings: 4,502
14. Systems Architect
- Median Base Salary: $116,920
- Number of Job Openings: 439
15. Finance Manager
- Median Base Salary: $115,000
- Number of Job Openings: 2,582
16. Data Scientist
- Median Base Salary: $115,000
- Number of Job Openings: 1,985
17. Risk Manager
- Median Base Salary: $115,000
- Number of Job Openings: 1,137
18. Creative Director
- Median Base Salary: $115,000
- Number of Job Openings: 696
19. Actuary
- Median Base Salary: $115,000
- Number of Job Openings: 175
20. Data Architect
- Median Base Salary: $113,000
- Number of Job Openings: 762
21. Tax Manager
- Median Base Salary: $110,000
- Number of Job Openings: 1,495
22. Product Manager
- Median Base Salary: $107,000
- Number of Job Openings: 7,758
23. Design Manager
- Median Base Salary: $106,500
- Number of Job Openings: 510
24. Analytics Manager
- Median Base Salary: $106,000
- Number of Job Openings: 988
25. Information Systems Manager
- Median Base Salary: $106,000
- Number of Job Openings: 147