10 Most Popular Jobs and What They Pay

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Only four of the most satisfying careers have salaries topping $65,000 a year.

Could it be? That some people actually like what they do for a living and enjoy going to work every morning? PayScale conducted a survey earlier this year asking workers how satisfied they were with their job, and compiled a list of the top 10 most popular jobs and what they pay. Check to see if your occupation made the list:

Operating Room Registered Nurse

These nurses play a key role in helping save lives on the operating room table and top the list of most satisfied.

Median annual salary: $61,000

Percentage of respondents who are satisfied: 81%

Physical Therapist

Physical therapists get the gratification of helping people recover from surgeries, injuries and all sorts of ailments.

Median annual salary: $69,000

Percentage of respondents who are satisfied: 80%

Environmental Engineer

Environmental engineers get the satisfaction of working to develop methods and best practices to keep maintain clean air, water and land.

Median annual salary: $63,000

Percentage of respondents who are satisfied: 80%

Athletic Trainer

Athletic trainers are highly-skilled professionals that help people prevent and recover from injuries and help athletes become powerhouses.

Median annual salary: $39,000

Percentage of respondents who are satisfied: 79%

Dietitian

Dietitians work to help people improve their health through nutrition and meal plan assistance and aid people dealing with diabetes, weight maintenance and other dietary issues.

Median annual salary: $49,000

Percentage of respondents who are satisfied: 78%

Elementary School Teacher

What is more satisfying than inspiring young people and challenging them to learn and shaping our future leaders?

Median annual salary: $41,000

Percentage of respondents who are satisfied: 78%

Intelligence Analyst

Intelligence analysts research, collect and analyze data to assist clients such as the police or armed forces to protect the homeland.

Median annual salary: $69,000

Percentage of respondents who are satisfied: 76%

Computer Networking/IT Systems Engineer

Computer network engineers spend their days trouble shooting and solving IT problems as well as designing, setting up and improving computer networks for organizations.

Median annual salary: $70,000

Percentage of respondents who are satisfied: 75%

Dental Hygienist

Dental hygienists teach patients better oral care and give people a brighter, healthier smile. And we all know smiles are contagious.

Median annual salary: $68,000

Percentage of respondents who are satisfied: 74%

Technical Writer

Technical writers can work in a variety of fields and are tasked with taking complicated topics and making it understandable for a general audience.

Median annual salary: $56,000

Percentage of respondents who are satisfied: 71%

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[CBM 14]

I can honestly say I don't teach for the money. If I did, my plans to get rich went wrong somewhere a while back.

[sandinista! 1,816]

i had no idea so many or nurses were so happy, especially considering they have to deal with surgeons all day.

[scandal 951]

I make a 6 figure salary. And I like my job. So there.