What Is the Best Job Ever? Top Careers Balancing High Pay, Happiness, and Work-Life Freedom in 2024-2025
No Single "Best Job Ever"--Top Careers Balancing Pay, Happiness, and Freedom
Software developers stand out as a leading contender for the "best job ever," with 87% reporting being "very happy" in their roles (historical data, Resume.io 2020). They combine strong average pay of $130,160 (Zoetalentsolutions 2024), high remote demand (Arc.dev 2024), and projected growth through 2029. Nurses and doctors follow closely for fulfillment, as 86% of Gen Z and 89% of millennials prioritize purpose in jobs (Careerwaves 2025).
If you're a recent grad, mid-career professional, or considering a switch, you're weighing options amid remote work shifts and AI growth. You want high pay with fulfillment and flexibility. Keep in mind most top roles need degrees or certifications--this won't help if you're avoiding training altogether.
We compare pay, satisfaction, balance, and flexibility using 2023-2025 surveys. Tech like software development scores high despite layoffs, thanks to remote perks.
Job satisfaction hit a record high in 2023 (Forbes 2023), but fulfillment varies by personal fit.
Defining the "Best Job Ever" Criteria from Surveys
The "best job ever" blends high pay, deep fulfillment (satisfaction + purpose + support), and balance, per recent analyses (Goodwin University 2024; UC.edu (date unknown)). Surveys show Gen Z (86%) and millennials (89%) prioritize purpose for wellbeing (Deloitte 2024 via Careerwaves 2025).
Tech excels in work-life balance (71.5 score, Immigration.ca 2024), despite long hours or layoffs in the same sector. Variability matters: recent US-specific happiness data is limited, so weigh personal factors like stress tolerance.
Fulfilling roles often involve impact, like nursing's direct patient help (Careerwaves 2025).
Happiest Professions and Employee Satisfaction Rankings
Software developers top happiness lists at 87% "very happy" (historical data, Resume.io 2020), followed by personal trainers (79%) and marketers (61%) from the same survey. Tech's high balance (71.5) holds up despite challenges (Immigration.ca 2024).
Music directors, composers, and librarians also rank high for satisfaction (Forbes 2023). Nurses thrive on visible impact in emergencies or care units (Careerwaves 2025).
Skip high-stress fields like tourism, despite strong culture scores (67.4, Immigration.ca 2024). Older data like Guardian 2015 (salaries £18k-£70k) shows trends but flag as historical.
Highest Paying Jobs with Fulfillment and Low Stress
High-pay roles like software developers ($130,160, Zoetalentsolutions 2024) and data scientists ($162,000 avg, Resume.io 2025) offer fulfillment through remote flexibility (UC.edu (date unknown)). Psychiatrists reach $217,000 (Forbes 2023); astronomers $132,170 with low stress and autonomy (Forbes 2026).
Trades provide methodical low stress but physical demands (Sonara.ai 2025). Blue-collar like mining saw 4.2% wage growth vs IT's 2.3% in 2023--white-collar edges on flexibility.
IT and AI show strong growth (UC.edu (date unknown)). Watch out for tech layoffs.
Careers with Best Work-Life Balance, Flex Time, and Vacation
Remote and flexible roles like those at KnowBe4 (90% remote, Topworkplaces 2024) top balance. Air traffic controllers get 13-26 vacation days; nurses 17-26 PTO (Getsorbet 2024). Buffer's 4-day week aids mental health (Arc.dev 2024).
US average PTO is 11 days (Forbes via Getsorbet 2024); unions add 26.6% more (historical, Timetastic 2022). Review PTO minimums, remote percentages, wellness perks (e.g., Reddit/Lyra mental health, Virtualvocations 2025).
If maximum PTO matters most, avoid non-union roles.
Remote Jobs and Professions with Ultimate Freedom (Pros vs Cons)
Remote tech like data scientists offers flexible hours and $162k pay (Resume.io 2025), with high demand (Arc.dev 2024). UX designers freelance via Upwork for location freedom (historical, Simplish 2022).
95% say remote or hybrid boosts mental health (Australian context, cautious use, Monarch 2025); Autodesk offers wellness support (Virtualvocations 2025). But 69% face burnout from "always on" pressure (Arc.dev 2024); trades demand physical presence (Sonara.ai 2025).
Tech wins on freedom but watch for overload.
Steps to Land Your "Dream Job" with Passion, Pay, and Balance
- Assess your priorities (purpose, skills, balance) (Goodwin University 2024).
- Match skills to demands like IT education (UC.edu (date unknown); Sonara.ai 2025).
- Explore via platforms (Indeed/LinkedIn for remote USA).
- Build certifications for growth fields.
- Negotiate flexibility and PTO.
Women note pay equity worries (38%, Zoetalentsolutions 2024). Be realistic: no quick fixes exist.
Evidence Pack - Career Decision Matrix
| Job | Avg Pay (Source) | Happiness/Satisfaction (Source) | PTO/Flex (Source) | Stress Level (Qualitative, Source) | Growth % (Source) | Overall Score (Weighted)* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Software Developer | $130,160 (Zoetalentsolutions 2024) | 87% very happy (hist., Resume.io 2020) | High remote demand (Arc.dev 2024) | Moderate (layoffs, Immigration.ca 2024) | Strong IT trends (UC.edu (date unknown)) | 8.7/10 |
| Nurse | $63,260 (Zoetalentsolutions 2024) | High fulfillment (Careerwaves 2025) | 17-26 days PTO (Getsorbet 2024) | High in shifts (no recent US survey) | 27.9% trends (Zoetalentsolutions 2024) | 7.9/10 |
| Data Scientist | $162,000 (Resume.io 2025) | High in tech (71.5 balance, Immigration.ca 2024) | Remote/flex high (Resume.io 2025) | Low-moderate (AI growth) | Strong IT trends (UC.edu (date unknown)) | 8.9/10 |
| Air Traffic Controller | High (PTO leader, Getsorbet 2024) | N/A (no recent US survey) | 13-26 days (Getsorbet 2024) | High responsibility, low hours | Stable | 7.5/10 |
| Psychiatrist | $217,000 (Forbes 2023) | High helping (Forbes 2023) | Variable | Moderate (no recent data) | 10% (Forbes 2023) | 8.2/10 |
| Librarian | $61,000 (Forbes 2023) | High satisfaction (Forbes 2023) | Good public sector | Low | 14% trends | 7.4/10 |
| Personal Trainer | N/A (high satisfaction) | 79% happy (hist., Resume.io 2020) | Flex high | Low-moderate | N/A | 7.6/10 |
*Weighted: 30% pay, 25% happiness, 20% balance, 15% growth, 10% stress (low=better). Data gaps: No recent US stress surveys. Top for high-pay: Data scientist, psychiatrist. Balance seekers: Software developer, librarian.
FAQ
What are the happiest professions per surveys?
Software developers lead at 87% "very happy" (historical data, Resume.io 2020), with personal trainers at 79% and tech overall high on balance (71.5, Immigration.ca 2024). Older surveys confirm trends but check current fit.
Which jobs have the most vacation time?
Air traffic controllers (13-26 days) and nurses (17-26 PTO) top lists, vs US average 11 days (Getsorbet 2024). Unions boost by 26.6% (historical, Timetastic 2022).
Are remote tech jobs low-stress high-reward?
High flexibility and demand (Arc.dev 2024), but 69% burnout risk from "always on." Rewards like $130k+ pay balance it for many.
How does tech rank for work-life balance?
71.5 score despite layoffs and long hours (Immigration.ca 2024); 90% remote at firms like KnowBe4 (Topworkplaces 2024).
What steps to find fulfilling high-pay careers?
Assess purpose and skills (Goodwin University 2024), match to IT demands (Sonara.ai 2025), explore postings.
Apply This to Your Situation
- Rate priorities: Pay (1-10), purpose (1-10), flexibility (1-10).
- Match skills to matrix (e.g., tech if analytical).
- Check lifestyle fit--50% women prefer home-based (Zoetalentsolutions 2024).
Score 3 roles from the matrix. Search LinkedIn or Indeed for "software developer remote USA."