New Delhi: The start of a new year is the right time to begin looking for a new job as you're bursting with enthusiasm from making new year's resolutions and are ready to make changes to improve your life. If you think you are stuck in the wrong or lackluster job that just isn't working for you, then it is the right time to seize the opportunity to focus more clearly on where you are heading career-wise in 2014. According to U.S. News & World Report's ranking of the 100 best jobs, you can get the best salary, job security and work-life balance if you're in the tech or health care industries. In fact, the top 10 jobs on the list are all in those two fields. Software developers, who might “design games” or “be systems-focused developers,” come in at the top of the list.U.S. News said the job of software developer rose to the top spot due to a combination of “a perfect storm of excellent job prospects, faster than average job growth, a good salary and a low unemployment rate.”As per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average software developer earns a little over than $93,000 (approximately Rs 58 lakh) and they make almost double the annual income of the average American worker.However, despite losing the top spot, health care jobs still dominate the overall Best Jobs of 2014 rankings. Seven of the top 10 jobs are from the health care sector, including registered nurse, dentist and dental hygienist."In this economy, it's important to look for a job that offers long-term growth and stability," said Jada A. Graves, senior career editor for U.S. News. "The Best Jobs of 2014 were developed to help job-seekers identify occupations within an industry that most suits their needs and talents – and also offer a good salary and opportunity for advancement."To come up with its ranking, U.S. News & World Report crunched data on projected job growth, median salary, future job prospects, and overall job satisfaction.Read on to find out the complete list: 15. Market research analystEducation requirements: A Bachelor's degree; a math background can be advantageousMarket research analysts study the habits of consumers to inform companies on how to package, brand and sell products. 14. Occupational TherapistEducation requirements: A Master's degree or higher in occupational therapyOccupational therapists work in rehabilitation centers, hospitals, schools, medical offices, and patients' homes. They help patients with physical, mental and developmental disabilities to assimilate in society.13. Physician's AssistantEducation requirements: A two-year Master's degree from an accredited program, hundreds of hours of training, and a license to practiceHe/she work under doctor to interpret test results, record patients' progress, conduct routine exams and treat a range of ailments. 12. Database AdministratorEducation requirements: A Bachelor's degree in a computer-related field, such as management information systems or computer science, and sometimes a Master's degree in business administrationThe person is responsible for setting up databases to fit a company's need, then maintaining those database's operations. 11. Information Security AnalystEducation requirements: A Bachelor's degree in computer science, programming, or engineering, or a Master's in business administrationSuch a professional works for companies and the government to plan and monitor security of computer networks.10. Dental HygienistEducation requirements: An Associate's degree in dental hygiene, followed by on-the-job training and a license to practiceBesides educating patients to clean teeth, dental hygienists educate patients on proper oral hygiene. 9. Web DeveloperEducation requirements: A Bachelor's degree in a computer-related field, such as computer science, or another degree supplemented by practical experienceWeb developers design, code, and streamline the web pages you see online every day.8. PhysicianEducation requirements: Four years of medical school, followed by a specialized internship and residency program, and a license to practice in the U.S.They are responsible to diagnose and treat patients, and instruct on proper diet, hygiene and disease prevention. 7. Physical TherapistEducation requirements: A Master's degree or doctor of physical therapy degree, and a state license to practiceA physical therapist may help a paralytic regain mobility or a cancer survivor renew his or her strength.6. Registered NurseEducation requirements: A Bachelor's or Associate's degree in nursing, or a diploma from a hospital-administered program, and a passing score on the national licensing examRegistered nurses, or RNs, can offer basic medical care to specific treatments, depending on their specialty.5. PharmacistEducation requirements: A four-year professional degree (Pharm.D.) and licensePharmacists use their technical, organizational and people skills to serve customers everyday.4. Nurse PractitionerEducation requirements: A graduate degree in nursing and clinical experience, in addition to general certification as a registered nurseA nurse practitioner can work independently of physicians when treating patients. They are allowed to take patient histories, write prescriptions, and order and analyze labs, among other things.3. DentistEducation requirements: A degree from a dental school, completion of a residency program, and a state-specific license to practiceThe role of a dentist is to prevent and preserve oral diseases of the gum, teeth, jaws and the supporting structures.2. Computer Systems AnalystEducation requirements: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (i.e. computer science), and a Master's for more advanced positionsA computer systems analyst works to solve problems related to computer technology. Many analysts set up new computer systems, both the hardware and software, add new software applications to increase computer productivity. They also make recommendations to organizations for the best operations systems to use.1. Software DeveloperEducation requirements: Bachelor's degree and hands-on experienceAs a software developer you'll play a key role in the design, installation, testing and maintenance of software systems. The programs you create are likely to help businesses be more efficient and provide a better service. Based on your company's particular requirements, you might be responsible for writing and coding individual programmes or providing an entirely new software resource. The specifications you'll work on will often come from IT analysts. Software developers are employed across virtually all industry sectors, from finance and retail to engineering, transport and public organisations, so the projects you work on can be highly varied.
