The 9 Highest-Paying Jobs for Millennials To many people, money isn't everything. But that's not how millennials see it.

By Tanza Loudenback

This story originally appeared on Business Insider

To many people, money isn't everything.

But that's not how millennials see it -- at least when it comes to their career.

According to U.S. News & World Report's latest ranking of the highest-paying jobs for millennials, more than 1,000 surveyed Americans aged 20 to 34 said salary is the most important factor in making career decisions, followed by work-life balance and stress level.

U.S. News used this information -- as well as future job prospects, unemployment rates and upward mobility -- to identify the best jobs for millennial workers right now. Only jobs requiring a bachelor's degree or less were included in the ranking.

Since millennials value salary above all else, U.S. News broke out the list to rank the best jobs with the highest pay. They included both average and median salaries in their ranking. Average salaries typically skew higher, due to higher incomes earned by top employees or those at better-paying companies, whereas the median salary is representative of what the majority of people in that position make.

Below, check out the nine highest-paying jobs for millennials right now. All job descriptions come from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET), a U.S. Department of Labor database that compiles detailed information on hundreds of jobs.

Accountant

Accountants analyze and record financial information to prepare and maintain a record of assets, liabilities, profit and loss, and tax liability for an individual or organization.

  • Unemployment rate: 2.5 percent
  • Median salary: $67,190
  • Average salary: $75,280

Operations research analyst

Operations research analysts apply mathematical modeling and other methods to develop and interpret information to assist management with decision-making, policy formulation or other managerial functions.

  • Unemployment rate: 2.6 percent
  • Median salary: $78,630
  • Average salary: $84,180

Radiation therapist

Radiation therapists provide radiation therapy to patients and may review prescriptions and diagnoses, act as a liaison with physicians, prepare equipment and maintain records, reports and files.

  • Unemployment rate: 1.7 percent
  • Median salary: $80,220
  • Average salary: $84,460

Environmental engineer

Environmental engineers research, design, plan or perform engineering duties in the prevention, control and remediation of environmental hazards.

  • Unemployment rate: 0.8 percent
  • Median salary: $84,560
  • Average salary: $88,040

Mechanical engineer

Mechanical engineers plan and design tools, engines, machines and other mechanically functioning equipment, and oversee installation, operation, maintenance and repair of equipment.

  • Unemployment rate: 1.6 percent
  • Median salary: $83,590
  • Average salary: $88,190

Computer systems analyst

Computer systems analysts work on science, engineering, business and other data processing problems to implement and improve computer systems.

  • Unemployment rate: 2.4 percent
  • Median salary: $85,800
  • Average salary: $90,180

Software developer

Software developers research, design, develop and test operating systems-level software, compilers and network distribution software.

  • Unemployment rate: 2 percent
  • Median salary: $98,260
  • Average salary: $102,160

Actuary

Actuaries analyze statistical data, such as mortality, accident, sickness, disability and retirement rates and forecast risk and liability for payment of future benefits.

  • Unemployment rate: 0.8 percent
  • Median salary: $97,070
  • Average salary: $110,560

Financial adviser

Financial advisers help clients devise financial plans using knowledge of tax and investment strategies, securities, insurance, pension plans and real estate.

  • Unemployment rate: 2 percent
  • Median salary: $89,160
  • Average salary: $118,050
Tanza writes for the lists team at Business Insider. She recently graduated from Elon University with a degree in print and online journalism and a minor in Italian studies. 

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Side Hustle

'I Was Called Crazy': This 27-Year-Old's Side Hustle Hit $30,000 a Month in Under a Year — Now It's Worth Millions

Changing regulations forced Angel Rodriguez's jet ski rental company to shut down, and the young entrepreneur had to figure out his next move — fast.

Business News

'How Vulnerable Senior Investors Are': Morgan Stanley Was Ordered to Pay $843,000 to an Elderly Widow Who Was Scammed Out of Millions (and Not By Them)

The scheme involved multiple criminals who pretended to be technical support staffers, employees at the bank, and even government workers.

Side Hustle

This 31-Year-Old Spends 2 Hours Per Week On His $3,000-a-Month Passive Income Side Hustle: 'Trust Your Vision'

Hansel Moore's home office "wasn't cutting it" — so he found another place to be creative.

Marketing

Beyond Likes and Shares — How to Leverage Influencer Partnerships in the New Era of Social Media

Social media is evolving, and traditional marketing tactics are no longer enough. Learn how to leverage influencer partnerships, build authentic connections and navigate dark social to create impactful marketing campaigns that drive real engagement and trust.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.