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.

Business News

A New Hampshire City Was Named the Hottest Housing Market in the U.S. This Year. Here's the Top 10 for 2024.

Zillow released its annual lists featuring the top housing markets, small towns, coastal cities, and geographic regions. Here's a look at the top real estate markets and towns in 2024.

Business News

'We're Not Allowed to Own Bitcoin': Crypto Price Drops After U.S. Federal Reserve Head Makes Surprising Statement

Fed Chair Jerome Powell's comments on Bitcoin and rate cuts have rattled cryptocurrency investors.

Business Ideas

Is Your Business Healthy? Why Every Entrepreneur Needs To Do These 3 Checkups Every Year

You can't plan for the new year until you complete these checkups.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Science & Technology

This AI is the Key to Unlocking Explosive Sales Growth in 2025

Tired of the hustle? Discover a free, hidden AI from Google that helped me double sales and triple leads in a month. Learn how this tool can analyze campaigns and uncover insights most marketers miss.