Best Social Services Jobs
After speaking with professionals in the social service industry, U.S. News found a reoccurring theme: Many view their job as a calling rather than a choice. From social workers to school counselors, those in the business of helping individuals find that each day presents a new opportunity to alter someone's life for the better. Others in the industry find different ways to enrich society, like the bus driver who ensures children arrive at school on time to the security guard who maintains safety at the nearby office building. All 30 of our Best Social Services Jobs share another virtue: They should match the healthcare industry in hiring opportunity for this decade. Read more on how we rank the best jobs.
Restaurant Cook
Chefs like Gordon Ramsay, Emeril Lagasse, and Jacques Pépin didn't start out as reality show competitors, but as cooks sweating, toiling, and chopping away in a restaurant kitchen. Even lowly kitchen assistants that don't ascend to celebrity status can expect to reach the master-chef level if they stick with their training. The Labor Department predicts 117,800 new openings for restaurant cooks this decade.
Child & Family Social Worker
Whether coming across a neglected child or someone battling a years-long addiction, the day-in and day-out of a child and family social worker can be an emotional grind. But knowing that your counsel profoundly improved someone's quality of life is a reward that surpasses monetary compensation.
Paralegal
Paralegals are expected to grow at a faster clip than lawyers—something to think about if you're interested in law but don't wish to undergo all the schooling (and possible school loans) required to get a law degree.
Sports Coach
Sports coach is another profession on our list that doesn't pay extremely well, but seems to fulfill the people called to do it. And given the flexible hours, this is also a job that could free you up for part-time work.
Teacher Assistant
Teacher assistants provide additional guidance and instruction in the classroom, which could be good career experience for someone hoping to lead their own class some day. According to the Labor Department, this profession will grow by 15 percent this decade, in tandem with increased enrollment in public schools.
Janitor
People who don't mind a little hard work and heavy lifting will always be needed for janitorial jobs, and this is particularly true within healthcare facilities. So submit your application fast—the Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts nearly 250,000 new janitor positions by 2020.
Delivery Truck Driver
Driving a delivery truck is a little like being Santa Claus all year. And these workers have become more important as we continue to buy more goods on the Internet that need to be transported directly from the warehouse to our front door. Expect more than 125,000 new jobs for drivers in the coming years.
Maid & Housekeeper
In this economy, you have a greater chance of finding employment as a maid if you've already got some housekeeping work beneath your apron. The Labor Department reports that companies that contract cleaning services to offices and other facilities will need to fill more positions this decade.
Security Guard
Security guards prevent fire hazards, larceny, and vandalism. They assist during emergency procedures and safeguard against possibly dangerous situations. Intrigued? You'll be pleased to know that they report high job satisfaction, and the profession is expected to grow by 18.8 percent in the next few years.
Fabricator
Constructing commercial aircraft, household appliances, automobiles, and toys is a team sport, and the players are called fabricators. Consider this occupation if you've always been curious how products are put together. Just keep in mind that some areas of this field will see greater hiring opportunity than others. Structural metal fabricators will experience 16 percent job growth from now to 2020.
- Best Jobs Rankings
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Best Jobs of 2013 — See our full list of industries and their jobs.
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Best Business Jobs — Expect nearly 4 million openings in this industry this decade.
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Best Creative Jobs — Three hot jobs where right-brain thinking truly pays off.
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Best Healthcare Jobs — The medical field is classified by good salaries and great job security.
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Best Social Services Jobs — These 30 jobs are more than a choice, they’re a calling.
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Best Construction Jobs — Ten great jobs that prove this field is coming back strong.
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Best Technology Jobs — Nine of the fastest-growing and top-paying jobs available now.
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