The 12 Best Jobs in America Today

While it might seem obvious to name jobs that are lucrative, a new report byGlassdoor, an online job review website, ranked the best jobs for 2015 — and money is just one factor of many. The report identifies 25 jobs with the highest overall Glassdoor job score as measured by earnings potential (average annual base salary), career opportunities and number of open job listings over the past three months on Glassdoor.

The results may surprise you. For instance, while finance managers had the highest average annual base pay at $122,865, the position ranked No. 5 on Glassdoor’s list. Meanwhile, software engineer, ranked No. 2 on the list because it had the most current job openings, 104,828 in total. Here are the top 12 jobs in 2015.

12. Mechanical Engineer

A mechanical engineer is responsible for designing, developing and testing mechanical and thermal devices, which can includes machines, engines and other tools and devices.

• Job score: 4.4.
• Number of job openings: 16,065.
• Average base salary: $73,015.
• Career opportunities rating: 3.3.

11. Solutions Architect

A solutions architect is responsible for designing and organizing computer systems and custom applications used by companies. While similar to information technology consultants, this role is more focused on the development and implementation of an interface that any employee can use to make their job easier and more efficient.

• Job score: 4.4.
• Number of job openings: 3,982.
• Average base salary: $121,657.
• Career opportunities rating: 3.4.

10. Sales Manager

A sales manager is responsible for management and leadership of a team of employees who sell and promote a company’s product or services to increase revenue.

• Job score: 4.4.
• Number of job openings: 26,193.
• Average base salary: $76,556.
• Career opportunities rating: 3.3.

9. Data Scientist

A data scientist creates data sets and leverage existing data sets to analyze and make processes more effective and efficient for business. They also leverage large amounts of data to help guide business and other important decisions.

• Job score: 4.4.
• Number of job openings: 3,449.
• Average base salary: $104,476.
• Career opportunities rating: 3.8.

8. Product Manager

A product manager works closely with engineering, sales, marketing and all relevant teams to ensure a product meets overall strategy and goals, including maximizing business value and user experience.

• Job score: 4.5.
• Number of job openings: 10,294.
• Average base salary: $113,363.
• Career opportunities rating: 3.3.

7. Database Administrator

A database administrator is an IT professional responsible for maintaining and monitoring the database.

• Job score: 4.5.
• Number of job openings: 9,790.
• Average base salary: $97,835.
• Career opportunities rating: 3.4.

6. Marketing Manager

A marketing manager is responsible for planning the marketing strategy and programs for companies, which can include product development, trend monitoring, customer targeting and acquisition, email marketing, and advertising, among other duties.

• Job score: 4.6.
• Number of job openings: 14,647.
• Average base salary: $100,130.
• Career opportunities rating: 3.4.

5. Finance Manager

A finance manager is responsible for managing the finances of companies. Regular duties include producing financial reports, budgets and profit projection.

• Job score: 4.6
• Number of job openings: 9,728
• Average base salary: $122,865
• Career opportunities rating: 3.4

4. Human Resources Manager

A human resources manager oversees recruiting, interviewing, hiring and all employee-related needs within an organization.

• Job score: 4.6.
• Number of job openings: 8,073.
• Average ase salary: $96,443.
• Career opportunities rating: 3.6.

3. Business Development Manager

A business development manager works on strategic partnerships to help an organization improve its market position and financial growth.

• Job score: 4.6.
• Number of job openings: 11,616.
• Average base salary: $94,907.
• Career opportunities rating: 3.5.

2. Software Engineer

A software engineer applies the principals of software engineering to the design, development, maintenance, testing and evaluation of the software, applications or systems that make software work.

• Job score: 4.6.
• Number of job openings: 104,828.
• Average base salary: $98,074.
• Career opportunities rating: 3.3.

1. Physician Assistant

A physician assistant is a certified medical professional who practices on a team under the supervision of a physician. They are educated to examine and diagnose patients and provide treatment.

• Job score: 4.8.
• Number of job openings: 45,484.
• Average base salary: $111,376.
• Career opportunities rating: 3.5.

[source : dailyfinance.com]