The 10 best jobs for people who want to change the world

firefighter
Elvert Barnes/flickr

If you're trying to make a difference in the world, you may want to pursue a job in education, healthcare, or public safety.

Advertisement

PayScale recently analyzed thousands of job titles to identify the best gigs for do-gooders.

People in these roles were most likely to say that their jobs "make the world a better place," and they typically earn more than the average US worker. 

Advertisement

10. Certified nurse midwife

midwife
Sandor Weisz/flickr

Median pay: $87,700

Number who said this job is meaningful: 93%

Education required: Specialized, graduate nursing education

Sources: PayScale, BLS.gov

Advertisement

9. Director of program management, human services

boss, meeting, success
University of Exeter/flickr

Median pay: $53,600

Number who said this job is meaningful: 94%

Education required: Bachelor’s degree

Sources: PayScale, BLS.gov

Advertisement

8. Behavior analyst

Therapy Psychology Psychiatry Couple Counseling
Via Flickr

Median pay: $56,400

Number who said this job is meaningful: 94%

Education required: Master's degree, and sometimes a doctorate

Sources: PayScale, BLS.gov

Advertisement

7. Chiropractor

chiropractor
Christian Science Monitor / Contributor / Getty Images

Median pay: $59,500

Number who said this job is meaningful: 94%

Education required: Doctoral or professional degree

Sources: PayScale, BLS.gov

Advertisement

6. Fire captain

fire captain
Public Affairs Office Fort Wainwright/flickr

Median pay: $60,200

Number who said this job is meaningful: 94%

Education required: High school; must also complete intensive training programs

Sources: PayScale, BLS.gov

Advertisement

5. Executive director, non-profit organization

collaborating on a project
Sebastiaan ter Burg/Flickr

Median pay: $61,000

Number who said this job is meaningful: 95%

Education required: Bachelor’s degree

Sources: PayScale, BLS.gov

Advertisement

4. Senior pastor

Pastor Will Garrett
Flickr/Scott Schram

Median pay: $56,400

Number who said this job is meaningful: 98%

Education required: Typically requires a Master's degree

Sources: PayScale, BLS.gov

Advertisement

3. Elementary school principal

6100550338_c65d0a5145_b
Fort George G. Meade Public Affairs Office/flickr

Median pay: $80,000

Number who said this job is meaningful: 98%

Education required: Master’s degree

Sources: PayScale, BLS.gov

Advertisement

2. Police chief

cops sf bay bridge
Reuters/Robert Galbraith

Median pay: $63,100

Number who said this job is meaningful: 100%

Education required: High school diploma or equivalent; some agencies require a Bachelor's degree

Sources: PayScale, BLS.gov

Advertisement

1. Orthopedic surgeon

surgeon, doctor, OR
Phalinn Ooi/flickr

Median pay: $337,800

Number who said this job is meaningful: 100%

Education required: Doctoral degree

Sources: PayScale, BLS.gov

Advertisement

Now see the best jobs for people who like to work alone:

artist
Jordan Fischer/flickr

The 10 best jobs for introverts

Read next

Jobs Doctors Police
Advertisement
Close icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. It indicates a way to close an interaction, or dismiss a notification.