Pilot ranked as one of Top 100 Best Jobs of 2021

U.S. News recently debuted its Top 100 Best Jobs of 2021 rankings, with pilot coming in at spot 26.

U.S. News identifies the top professions by looking at jobs with the largest projected number and percentage of openings from 2019 to 2029, as determined by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Not surprisingly, at a time when health care is more critical than ever, jobs from the sector dominate the list, with 42 of the 100 Best Jobs in health care or health care support roles.

Where each of the top jobs was ranked depending on a number of factors:

• They pay well
• Challenge us year after year
• Match our talents and skills
• Aren’t too stressful
• Offer room for advancement
• Provide a good work-life balance.

Demand is also a consideration. While the aviation industry is reeling from the lack of travel during the COVID pandemic, most industry analysts say the demand for pilots — and other industry professionals — will pick up once the pandemic lessens.

Additionally, ambulance services is expected to be a large area of growth among commercial pilots in the next decade, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as pilots will be hired to transport patients to hospitals and other health care facilities.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 4.8% employment growth for pilots between 2019 and 2029, with an estimated 6,100 jobs expected to open during that period.

U.S. News places pilots’ median salary at $121,430, ranking the profession #14 in its Best Paying Jobs list. Pilots also ranked #3 in Best Social Services Jobs, a list made up of professions where the “job is more of a calling than a choice and helping people is one of the most rewarding parts.”