Editorial ranking
Top Ranked Careers
Sorted by ROI score — mid-career pay vs. time and money invested, weighted by demand growth.
Updated
Q1 2026
01
Cloud Engineer
Technology
Mid pay
$130k
Growth
+15%
79
02
DevOps Engineer
Technology
Mid pay
$135k
Growth
+22%
79
03
Mobile Developer (iOS/Android)
Technology
Mid pay
$118k
Growth
+25%
78
04
Software Developer
Technology
Mid pay
$115k
Growth
+25%
77
05
Cybersecurity Analyst
Technology
Mid pay
$105k
Growth
+32%
77
06
Project Manager (PMP)
Business & Banking
Mid pay
$92k
Growth
+7%
77
07
Data Analyst
Technology
Mid pay
$82k
Growth
+23%
76
08
Commercial Drone Pilot (UAS)
Aviation & Aerospace
Mid pay
$70k
Growth
+20%
74
09
Product Manager
Technology
Mid pay
$130k
Growth
+8%
74
10
Border Patrol / CBP Agent
Public Safety & Government
Mid pay
$95k
Growth
+3%
73
11
Flight Attendant
Aviation & Aerospace
Mid pay
$65k
Growth
+11%
73
12
Mediator / Arbitrator
Law
Mid pay
$72k
Growth
+5%
72
13
Compliance Analyst
Law
Mid pay
$82k
Growth
+5%
72
14
Commercial Airline Pilot
Aviation & Aerospace
Mid pay
$175k
Growth
+5%
71
15
Personal Trainer / Fitness Coach
Health & Beauty
Mid pay
$55k
Growth
+14%
70
16
Help Desk Technician
Technology
Mid pay
$58k
Growth
+6%
70
17
Police Officer
Public Safety & Government
Mid pay
$78k
Growth
+3%
70
18
Powerline Technician (Lineman)
Skilled Trades
Mid pay
$88k
Growth
+6%
70
19
Air Traffic Controller
Aviation & Aerospace
Mid pay
$138k
Growth
+1%
70
20
Real Estate Agent
Business & Banking
Mid pay
$65k
Growth
+3%
70