Here Are the Most Fulfilling Careers in the U.S. Guess what? They all lend well to entrepreneurship.

By Rose Leadem

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Shutterstock.com

Do you feel fulfilled with your job? If you're a chef, real estate agent or doctor, then you likely answered "yes."

LinkedIn released its Workplace Satisfaction Survey yesterday, revealing the most fulfilling cities to work and the most fulfilling careers, taking into account factors such as age group and workplace satisfaction.

Related: Here Are the Top 10 Places to Work in 2017

Turns out being a 20-something-year-old chef in Charlotte is the perfect scenario for living a fulfilled life. The study reveals that, at 84 percent job satisfaction, chefs are the most fulfilled with their work. (I know I'd be happy working with food all day.) Three-fourths of real estate agents -- who often get to make their own hours and hefty commissions -- are the second most fulfilled workers. Doctors, IT consultants and support and architects round out the top five fulfilled career paths.

From a pool of more than 1,000 survey participants, Charlotte, Boston and Indianapolis were found to be the most fulfilling cities to work in the U.S., with New York and Denver following. It turns out East Coasters are feeling more fulfilled at work than other professionals around the country.

Related: Work Hard, But Don't Lose Your Sense of Fulfillment and Empowerment

So who are these people and why are they happy? For the most part, it's youngsters who carry this sense of career fulfillment, with 58 percent of 16 to 25 year olds and 54 percent of 25 to 34 year olds feeling satisfied. It's no surprise that salary is the driving force behind job fulfillment, while positive work relationships, meaningful work, work-life balance and being challenged coming into play as well.

The most fulfilling careers in the U.S., according to LinkedIn:

  1. Chef -- 84 percent fulfilled
  2. Real Estate Agent -- 75 percent
  3. Doctor -- 68 percent
  4. IT Consultant and Support -- 59 percent
  5. Architect -- 58 percent
Rose Leadem is a freelance writer for Entrepreneur.com. 

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

Editor's Pick

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.

Business News

Zillow Predicts These 10 Places Will Have the Hottest Housing Markets in 2025

Zillow predicted that the hottest housing market of 2025 will be Buffalo, New York. Here's why.

Growing a Business

AI Adoption Doesn't Have to Be Daunting Anymore — Here's How to Choose the Right AI Tools For Your Small Business

As 2025 begins, AI adoption may still feel daunting for many business owners — but it doesn't have to be. Here's how to pick the best AI tools for your needs and integrate them wisely into your existing systems.

Business News

These Are the 10 Highest-Paying Jobs That Only Require a 2-Year Degree — With Some Around $100,000 and Higher

People with two-year degrees may see career growth in the healthcare, aviation, and technology industries over the next 10 years, according to a new report.

Leadership

Hard and Soft Skills Go Hand-in-Hand — These Are the Ones You Need to Sharpen This Year

The coming year promises to be one of change, which can be daunting and exciting. While it's important to stay on top of new technologies, the key will be sharpening those soft skills.

Science & Technology

5 AI Books Top Entrepreneurs Are Reading in a Rush for 2025

Entrepreneurs must embrace AI or risk falling behind. Discover 2025's top 5 AI books to gain a competitive edge, featuring insights from "The Wolf is at the Door" and a free AI Success Kit.