If you're a Georgia high school senior, you're probably considering your options right now, including the age old question, "What do I want to be when I grow up?" If you're like most of your classmates, you want a job that not only will give you a chance to grow as a person, but also provide a good income and a positive outlook for the future.
A career choice is a difficult decision to make, but fear not – CareerCast.com has issued its annual Jobs Rated report that ranks approximately 200 jobs on four criteria: environment, income, outlook and stress.
This year's 28th annual Jobs Rated report shows students may get a leg up on competition by pursuing studies in science, technology, engineering and math; four of the 10 top jobs for 2016 are math related.
Top 10 jobs for 2016
1. Data scientist
Although a data analyst and a data scientist are sometimes used interchangeably to describe this job position, a data scientist's job is actually to not only analyze big data, but to also evaluate it and look for strategic opportunities. It is considered one of the most lucrative jobs for 2016 with an annual median salary of $128,400 and has a job growth outlook of 16 percent.
2. Statistician
Statisticians work to collect and analyze data, which is used to solve problems in a variety of fields, including healthcare, engineering and other types of business. The future looks bright for statisticians with a growth outlook of 34 percent, which is higher than all other jobs in the top 10. Statisticians can also expect an annual median salary of approximately $79,990.
3. Information security analyst
Considered one of the best jobs for 2016, information security analysts look for online security issues and work with organizations to keep their networks and systems safe. The annual median salary for an information security analyst is $88,890 and has a growth outlook of 18 percent.
4. Audiologist
Audiologists work with patients who have hearing or balance related disorders. They are in one of the highest growing occupations this year because of the aging Baby Boomer population and their healthcare needs. The job growth outlook is 29 percent and audiologists typically receive an annual median salary of $73,060.
5. Diagnostic medical sonographers
Diagnostic medical sonographers use special imaging equipment to create images that help physicians diagnose and treat a variety of medical conditions. Job growth in this medical field is expected to continue growing at 24 percent. Annual median salary for a diagnostic medical sonographer is $62,540.
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6. Mathematician
Interestingly, although the current number of mathematicians is relatively low, researchers found that there is an expected growth in this field due to a need for mathematical analysts in the private sector. Expect high competition for jobs in this profession, however, since it is one of the highest paying careers in this year's report. Although the annual median salary of $103,720 for a mathematician is not quite as much as that of a data scientist, they do have a slightly higher job growth outlook at 21 percent.
7. Software Engineer
Software engineers typically are responsible for anything software related from computer design to development and maintenance. They are primarily responsible for insuring that computer software works. Since computer technology continues to rapidly increase, job opportunities should continue to abound for those who are trained as software engineers for this industry. Software engineers have an annual median salary of $97,990 and a growth outlook of 17 percent.
8. Computer Systems Analyst
Computer systems analysts typically oversee an organization's current computer system and help to keep it running both smoothly and efficiently. Those seeking a job as a computer systems analyst can expect a job growth outlook of 21 percent and an annual median salary of $82,710.
9. Speech Pathologist
Sometimes known as speech therapists, speech pathologists work with patients to diagnose and treat speech and swallowing disorders in patients. Speech pathologists typically earn an annual median salary of $71,550 and the job growth outlook is 21 percent.
10. Actuary
Actuaries are a type of professional who use a combination of math, statistic analysis, and the theory of finances to look for potential risks and uncertainties. An actuary typically applies these methods to look for possible insurance and pension concerns. The fourth of the math related jobs in the Top 10 for 2016, actuaries have an growth outlook of 18 percent and an annual median salary of $96,700.
*Annual median salary and growth outlooks are based on Department of Labor statistics as of May 2016.
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