When I Grow Up
grownupjobs.com
Reality-checked ranking

Highest Expected Value Careers

Most career sites rank by salary. We multiply ROI by Attainability — the realistic probability you'll actually reach the outcome.

Formula
ROI × Attainability ÷ 100
EV answers a different question: not “what pays the most?” but “what's most likely to work out for a motivated person?” A career with a $200K ceiling but 5% acceptance rate scores lower than one with a $90K ceiling and a 90% completion rate. See the methodology for the math.
01

Cybersecurity Analyst

Technology
77
78
60
02

Cloud Engineer

Technology
79
75
59
03

Help Desk Technician

Technology
70
84
59
04

Commercial Drone Pilot (UAS)

Aviation & Aerospace
74
79
58
05

DevOps Engineer

Technology
79
71
56
06

Medical Coder / Biller

Healthcare
67
83
56
07

Project Manager (PMP)

Business & Banking
77
73
56
08

Postal Worker (USPS Career)

Public Safety & Government
67
84
56
09

Data Analyst

Technology
76
72
55
10

Electrician

Skilled Trades
65
84
55
11

HVAC Technician

Skilled Trades
65
84
55
12

Software Developer

Technology
77
70
54
13

Solar Panel Installer

Skilled Trades
66
82
54
14

Powerline Technician (Lineman)

Skilled Trades
70
77
54
15

Legal Secretary / Assistant

Law
67
80
54
16

Compliance Analyst

Law
72
75
54
17

Personal Trainer / Fitness Coach

Health & Beauty
70
77
54
18

Plumber

Skilled Trades
64
85
54
19

Carpenter

Skilled Trades
62
86
53
20

Mobile Developer (iOS/Android)

Technology
78
68
53
21

Insurance Claims Adjuster

Business & Banking
68
76
52
22

Police Officer

Public Safety & Government
70
75
52
23

Paramedic / EMT

Public Safety & Government
68
76
52
24

Pharmacy Technician

Healthcare
65
80
52
25

Border Patrol / CBP Agent

Public Safety & Government
73
70
51

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