The 200 Best and Worst Jobs of 2012

Career Cast recently ranked 200 jobs based on physical demands, work environment, income, stress and hiring outlook. The information is taken from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (and various other US government agencies).

Salary and other factors are calculated based on US standards, but Canada and US are quite close in many aspects.

I looked up the ranks for music/arts related careers, and here’s what came up:

Musical Instrument Repairer: 171
Artist (Fine Arts): 101
Elementary School Teacher (assuming it includes music/arts): 92
High School Teacher (assuming music/arts included): 137
Child Care Worker: 159

Arts Related Jobs

Architect: 56
Industrial Designer: 76
Set Designer: 91
Cosmetologist: 100
Hair Stylist: 105
Architectural Drafter: 110
Film/Video Editor: 121
Choreographer: 131
Fashion Designer: 133
Jeweler: 142
Photographer: 147
Photojournalist: 166
Painter: 168
Actor: 178
Dressmaker/Tailor: 181

The Top 10 Jobs of 2012

Software Engineer
Actuary
Human Resources Manager
Dental Hygienist
Financial Planner
Audiologist
Occupational Therapist
Online Advertising Manager
Mathematician
Speech Pathologist

The Worst 10 Jobs of 2012

Broadcaster
Butcher
Dishwasher
Meter Reader
Waiter/Waitress
Reporter (Newspaper)
Oil Rig Worker
Enlisted Military Soldier
Dairy Farmer
Lumberjack

Choosing a Job

Skilled trades and jobs requiring lots of education are closer to the top. (Not a big surprise.)
Music educators and performers would be near the top, considering the different factors above.

When to Take the Leap?

So, how do you decide that a career in music is right for you? Or how do you decide it’s time to leave your career in music, if ever?

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