US & World News Report 2014 Top Jobs

PITTSBURGH (NewsRadio 1020 KDKA) - U.S. News and World Report released its list of the 100 best jobs in 2014. This was the first year the number one spot didn't go to a job in the healthcare industry, but instead to a software developer that jumped seven slots from last year.

Senior Career Editor for U.S. News Jada Graves joined KDKA Radio's Bill Rehkopf on the KDKA Afternoon News to talk about the list.

"The large majority of our list is actually healthcare and technology. They are the best paying and also they are the top ranking for this year but, we also have great standouts in social services, construction, business, creative - and one job that I'm particularly excited about - its not a career, more of a job, nail technician is on our list. We have a few personal care jobs such as massage therapist, hairdresser, those are some really great standouts on our list," Graves said.

Looking at the lists, it's clear that healthcare is the big winner occupying so many different positions and rankings. However, Graves said that is what really shocked her the most.

"For the healthcare sector, one thing that is really great is that you have the usual suspects these traditional dentist, physician, pharmacist type medical jobs but then there is a lot of healthcare support positions that are hiring," said Graves.

There are plenty of jobs openings out there , they are just looking for the people to fill them. But what if you have a criminal record? That used to be a huge deterrent for some people, a criminal past could be difference between one person and another candidate. Is that still held true today?

"No, not at all actually. I think that what is most important is to be upfront if you have some sort of criminal record, and of course, to be realistic if you are trying to go into a job that is related to something you have gotten into trouble with the law in the past then that might not actually work out for you. But if you go into an interview and you are upfront with what happened in the past then you turn the focus back to your qualifications then you might be all right," Graves said.

The list of jobs is a huge help to those who are currently searching for that career that's right for them. It also helps employees in these fields size of their job value against others. But to really make good money in your career, Graves suggests you pack up and move to California.

"Cities like San Jose, Salinas, Calif., Los Angeles a little bit, San Francisco, definitely, Oakland these are great areas for a lot of our jobs," said Graves.

For the complete list, check US & World News Report online!

You can hear the whole interview here:

Also you can listen to the Afternoon News weekdays 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

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