Methodology

For the 2026 list, U.S. News first identified jobs with the largest number and percentage of projected openings between 2024 and 2034, as determined by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. These jobs were then ranked in several categories, including an overall top 100 list, a best-paying list, and industry-specific lists.

Each job was ranked based on its overall score, which combined multiple metrics into a single weighted average between 0 and 10. The metrics used to calculate this year's rankings included:

• Future prospects, which represent the amount of sustained growth a job is expected to see over the next few years (30%)
• Wage potential, which considers the median wage, wage range, and wage growth of a job (25%)
• Employment, which examines employment/unemployment rates, people who are working part-time because full-time work is unavailable, and the amount of on-the-job training required (20%)
• Job safety and stability, which evaluates factors that can contribute to employees' safety and well-being, both on and off the job (15%)
• Work/life balance, which considers full-time work hours and other factors, such as work pace and telework availability (10%)

The best jobs in healthcare

According to U.S. News, the 10 best jobs in healthcare for 2026 are:

1.       Nurse practitioner

2.       Physician assistant

3.       Speech-language pathologist

4.       Respiratory therapist

5.       Nurse anesthetist

6.       Occupational therapist

7.       Dental hygienist

8.       Psychiatrist

9.       Ophthalmic medical technician

10.   Oral and maxillofacial surgeon

Multiple healthcare professions also made the top 10 of U.S. News' "100 Best Jobs" list, including:

• Nurse practitioner (No. 1)
• Physician assistant (No. 5)
• Medical and health services manager (No. 6)
• Speech-language pathologist (No. 9)

"After a year of cross-industry layoffs and job market uncertainty, the 2026 Best Jobs rankings offer a resource for consumers to plan the best career moves for them," said Carly Chase, VP of careers at U.S. News. "Careers in STEM remain strong in the 2026 rankings due to the persistent need for medical professionals. Nurse Practitioner maintains its No. 1 spot, due to immediate need, flexibility and strong 10-year outlook."