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Happiest Jobs with the Highest Salaries
Find your happy place (and paycheck) at work!
Who says you can’t have a job that pays well and makes you happy?
This week, we’re breaking down the top careers that check both boxes, because life’s too short for Sunday scaries!
Keep scrolling to see what these roles pay, and what makes them so fulfilling ⬇️
Seasonal Trailer Mechanic Journeyman, UPS: Starts at $33/hr (Ontario, CA)
Executive Assistant, Hawthorne Lane: $75K-$95K (Washington DC)
Quality Engineering Intern, Boeing: $42K-$88K (Many locations)
Event Planner (Onsite Concierge), The Standard: $64K-$94K (Portland, OR)
Portfolio Manager (Commercial Real Estate), BMO: $88K-$165K (Many locations)
Can money really buy happiness? Maybe not entirely…but the right job sure can!
In today’s “eggshell economy,” where job security feels shaky and AI’s moving in fast, finding work that’s both stable and satisfying is the dream. Luckily, they exist! We dug into data from Career.io, Payscale, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (and even chatted with real pros) to find the top 9 happiest jobs that deliver both joy and a solid paycheck.
Let’s see which ones might make you smile 😊👇
1. Surgeon
Surgeons top nearly every list for job meaning and satisfaction. Sure, it’s stressful, but it’s also one of the most impactful (and best-paying) jobs in healthcare.
Median salary: $371,280
Job growth (2024-2034): 3%
Required education: Bachelor’s degree in a science field, Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathy (OD), plus a 3–9 year residency
Learn the skills for this job: Human Anatomy and Medical Terminology Fundamentals
Anesthesiologists rank among the most fulfilled doctors, often citing strong work-life balance despite long hours.
Median salary: $336,640
Job growth (2024-2034): 3%
Required education: Bachelor’s degree in a science field, a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathy (OD) from medical school, and a 3 to 4-year residency. There are also other roles available in the anesthesia area that pay well and don’t require a doctoral degree, like certified anesthesiologist assistants!
Learn the skills for this job: Vital Signs: Understanding What the Body Is Telling Us
Data scientists enjoy creative freedom, can work remotely, and their expertise is continually in demand, especially amid the AI boom.
Median salary: $112,590
Job growth (2024-2034): 34%
Required education: Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in computer or data science (or alternative paths through certifications and portfolios)
Learn the skills for this job: Foundations of Data Science
From managing schools to shaping children’s futures, education administrators find joy in making a difference. Many feel underpaid (we agree), but the meaning behind the work is unmatched.
Median salary: $103,960
Job growth (2024–2034): 2%
Required education: Master’s degree in educational administration
Learn the skills for this job: Transforming Education in an Interconnected World
Helping people heal never goes out of style. Physical therapists report high satisfaction and job meaning, plus solid pay and demand growth.
Median salary: $101,020
Job growth (2024–2034): 11%
Required education: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, typically following a 4-year undergrad degree and 3 years of physical therapy school
Learn the skills for this job: Science of Exercise
They design the world we live in (roads, bridges, buildings) and love seeing their work take physical form.
Median salary: $99,590
Job growth (2024–2034): 5%
Required education: Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering
Learn the skills for this job: The Engineering of Structures Around Us
The happiest professionals in Career.io’s data set! Real estate pros love the flexibility, independence, and people-focused work, and you don’t need a degree to start.
Median salary: $72,280
Job growth (2024–2034): 4%
Required education: High school diploma or GED (brokers need a broker license)
Learn the skills for this job: The Principles of Real Estate
This is a creative career that pays well and keeps stress low. Interior designers rate their happiness 3.9 out of 5, and love turning ideas into reality.
Median salary: $63,490
Job growth (2024–2034): 3%
Required education: Bachelor’s degree in interior design (Associate’s degree or having a strong portfolio also works).
Learn the skills for this job: MAYA Architecture – Setting Up Interior Floor Map
9. Firefighter
Physically demanding? Yes. But also one of the most fulfilling jobs out there. Firefighters value their tight-knit crews, great benefits, and purpose-driven work.
Median salary: $62,290
Job growth (2024–2034): 3%
Required education: High school diploma or GED
Learn the skills for this job: National Fire Academy Online Courses
How to Find Your Happiness
Finding a job that pays well and brings joy might take some exploration, so it’s best to start by talking to people already doing it. Ask them: What do you love about your work? What would you change? How much do you make, and do you feel well compensated? Tell them we sent you 😉
Need a little more help finding your career happiness? Our free guides can help:
Want the full breakdown, real worker interviews, and how to get started in each career? Read the full guide here!
Did you know a third of Americans couldn’t cover a $400 emergency without borrowing or selling something? 😲 Let’s fix that.
In this Two Cents LIVE episode, Hannah and James sat down with Adam Davis, Head of Financial Health at Capital One, to share practical advice on building savings, setting clear financial goals that align with your values, and identifying unnecessary expenses.
Adam also shares more about helpful Capital One tools, such as the free Money & Life Program, recurring transfers, and the new autopilot feature, to make saving easier. Plus, audience questions dive into saving on a tight budget and teaching kids about money.
If you want to finally feel in control of your savings and tackle those “what if” moments with confidence, this one’s for you!
Tune in on YouTube above, or on your preferred podcast platform here, and redeem a free handcrafted drink at your local Capital One Café using this link!
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Need more financial relief? 📦 Relocating might be the answer
Same time next week? Until then, ask, share, and never settle for less. 💚
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