We take a closer look at jobs that offer the highest levels of employee satisfaction in 2021
Jobseekers have shifted their perspective on what the ideal job looks like after the COVID-19 pandemic forced workplaces to go virtual almost overnight. Now, the “new normal” has led jobseekers to value flexibility and a healthy work environment over high salaries and other perks.
In this light, we take a closer look at jobs that offer the highest levels of employee satisfaction and quality of life in 2021.
Read more: Cyber threats at home? Remote workers may be using 'rogue' apps
Job satisfaction and other metrics for ranking
Job satisfaction broadly refers to an employee’s perception of the quality of their work environment. According to Glassdoor, these perceptions rely heavily on a company’s culture and values, the strength of its senior leadership, and the range of its internal career opportunities.
While putting emphasis on job satisfaction, Glassdoor’s job satisfaction ranking also considers the annual median salary and number of job openings by the end of 2020, which is an indicator of job demand and security.
Considering these criteria, it’s no surprise that most entries in this list are roles in information technology (IT) that can be performed remotely. Having a more flexible schedule is considered a great benefit by most employees, despite the tendency of remote workers to long longer hours.
The scores on this list are based on a nationwide survey conducted in 2020. These are given on a scale of 1.0 to 5.0, with 1.0 being the poorest and 5.0 being the highest satisfaction rating.
1. Java developer
Java developers are responsible for designing, developing, and managing Java-based apps. The job usually requires a bachelor’s degree in software engineering or computer science.
Java is a powerful computer language used in creating web, desktop, and mobile products that are needed in various industries. As a software developer, you are also responsible for identifying and debugging application issues.
While the main role of a Java developer is not writing code, you will still be required to have a background in computer programming.
Job satisfaction rating: 4.2/5.0
Median annual income: $90,830
Number of job openings: 10,100
States with most demand: California, Virginia
Top companies hiring: Accenture, Uline, MAP Communications
Read more: The 25 most lucrative jobs of 2020
2. Data scientist
Companies that deal with big data, statistics, finance, and operational research need data scientists now more than ever. This profession may cover a wide range of roles such as database creation, research, management, extraction, and presentation.
Data scientists have a wide range of options in terms of specialization and industry. After all, big data management is an indispensable aspect of marketing, sales, transportation, finance, education, and many other fields.
You’re not required to have a degree in computer science to get the job, but it’s a plus if you have extensive experience in using data analysis tools in your prospective industry.
Job satisfaction rating: 4.1/5.0
Median annual income: $113,740
Number of job openings: 5,970
States with most demand: Washington, Delaware
Top companies hiring: Amazon, Google, Apple, IBM
3. Product manager
Product managers are involved in conceptualizing, creating, and launching new products or services. You may be assigned to one or more aspects of the product lifecycle, from running pilot programs to researching customer satisfaction.
The roles in this profession include logistics and strategic planning, quality control, product development, and distribution. In information and technical industries, the job may include engineering and testing electronic or digital products.
In most cases, companies will require you to have an MBA or an equivalent business degree. Meanwhile, technical product management requires a corresponding engineering or software degree.
Job satisfaction rating: 3.9/5.0
Median annual income: $121,100
Number of job openings: 14,515
States with most demand: Washington, New York, California
Top companies hiring: Amazon, Magic Lab, HSBC, PayPal
4. Enterprise architect
An enterprise architect (EA) ensures that the information technology structure of a company aligns with the business’ goals, making the job vital for any data-driven organization.
Instead of creating the information management applications, EAs are in charge of implementing and optimizing them. They also develop guidelines and standards for using their organization’s Information Technology (IT) assets.
EAs are also responsible for training employees on best practices for using IT solutions and products within the company. As such, they need to have strong communication and leadership skills in addition to technical know-how.
Job satisfaction rating: 4.0/5.0
Median annual income: $131,360
Number of job openings: 10,070
States with most demand: District of Columbia, California, New Jersey
Top companies hiring: Salesforce, Dell, Blue Yonder
Read more: 11 of the most in-demand old and new careers in 2021
5. DevOps engineer
People working in DevOps perform roles related to software development (Dev) and IT operations (Ops). In other words, they aim to unify, speed up, and automate various IT processes within a company.
You can think of them as software generalists that bridge the gap between IT professionals and developers. They use DevOps tools like GitHub, Selenium, and Jenkins to reduce the number of software failures and shorten the lead time between software development cycles.
In most cases, you need to have a bachelor’s degree in computer science to qualify for the job. Having a background in app development or data center migrations is also a plus.
Job satisfaction rating: 4.0/5.0
Median annual income: $110,000
Number of job openings: 6,900
States with most demand: Washington, Delaware, California
Top companies hiring: Google, Adobe, SAP, Guidewire
6. Information security engineer
This job has some similarities with an enterprise architect but it’s specialized in safeguarding a company’s computer network and systems.
Information security engineers use software such as encryption programs and firewalls to protect an organization from cyber-attacks and data theft. They are also responsible for conducting cybersecurity training for employees.
As such, an applicant must have an IT-related bachelor’s degree and direct experience working on security or computer forensic tools.
Job satisfaction rating: 4.0/5.0
Median annual income: $110,000
Number of job openings: 5,620
States with most demand: District of Columbia, New Jersey, Maryland
Top companies hiring: Cisco, Dell, Leidos, Verizon
7. Business development manager
This is one of the best jobs in terms of employment opportunities and employee satisfaction rating. The role entails finding new business opportunities, building relationships with potential clients, and researching leads.
Being a business development manager requires good interpersonal and communication skills. You have to maintain good working relationships with your contacts and effectively pitch your company’s goods or services.
There’s no specific educational requirement for the role but most employers prefer applicants with a bachelor’s degree in business management, marketing, business administration, communication, or other related fields.
Job satisfaction rating: 4.1/5.0
Median annual income: $82,180
Number of job openings: 8,830
States with most demand: Washington, New York, Minnesota
Top companies hiring: Oracle, Hubspot, Microsoft
Read more: The enigma of employee satisfaction
8. Mobile engineer
Mobile engineers design and develop software applications for smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices. If you want to become one, you will likely specialize in an operating system like Android or iOS.
Mobile engineers also propose program specifications, write codes, oversee testing, and lead the implementation of mobile apps.
With these roles in mind, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in an IT-related course. They must also have extensive experience in using iOS development tools, Android Studio, Javascript, SWIFT, and other related mobile development platforms.
Job satisfaction rating: 4.1/5.0
Median annual income: $94,300
Number of job openings: 4,630
States with most demand: District of Columbia, Oregon, California
Top companies hiring: Hyperlink InfoSystem, Algoworks, Mercury Development
9. Software engineer
Like mobile engineers, software engineers also design, develop, and implement applications – but they do it for larger computer systems.
They may work as employees or contractors for software companies, government agencies, businesses, and non-profit organizations with specific computer application needs. Typical software products include games, business apps, and computer operating systems themselves.
These roles require an extensive understanding of operating systems and programming languages like Python, Java, and C++. Most employers also require applicants to have a degree in computer science or other related disciplines.
Job satisfaction rating: 3.8/5.0
Median annual income: $110,250
Number of job openings: 40,560
States with most demand: Washington, California, Oregon
Top companies hiring: Procore Technologies, Salesforce, Blizzard Entertainment.
10. Dentist
Dentistry is the only medical profession that made it to this list. BLS data indicates that dentists have a high median salary, excellent work-life balance, and a consistently low unemployment rate.
It usually takes eight years of education to become a dentist in the United States – four years as an undergraduate and another four to finish dental school.
Dental students must pass several exams to get their license and they may need to study several years more if they want to specialize.
Job satisfaction rating: 4.0/5.0
Median annual income: $134,120
Number of job openings: 4,320
States with most demand: Massachusetts, Connecticut, California
Top companies hiring: Smile Brands, Dental Care Alliance
