根據US News & World Report的2010年所調查的全美各行各業報告，它選出了50個最具潛力的職業，而這些職業都有一些共通的特性: 一定的教育背景要求(例如至少碩士畢才能考執照)、薪資佳或未來兩三年需求仍高等，該報告將這50的職業歸成下五大類:

1. 科學與科技相關: (下述則與其相關的行業分類)

• Computer software engineer
• Systems analyst
• Network architect
• Biomedical engineer
• Environmental science technician
• Hydrologist
• Environmental engineering technician
• Civil engineer
• Meteorologist

2. 保健相關(醫療人員的需求在美國幾乎是不可阻擋的，但因教育背景的高要求，故真正符合的人數有限，而下述則是教育背景要求沒這麼高的保健相關職業)

• X-ray technician
• Veterinarian
• Lab technician
• Physical therapist
• Occupational therapist
• Registered nurse
• Physician assistant
• Optometrist
• Physical therapist assistant
• Dental hygienist
• School psychologist

3. 特殊教育或與公部門有關

• Firefighter
• Mediator (法庭協調)
• Clergy (教會神職)
• Urban planner
• Special-ed teacher
• Court reporter
• Medical and public health social worker
• Emergency management specialist
• Marriage and family therapist

4. 商業與金融相關

• Actuary (經算)
• Training specialist (新進人員訓練)
• Financial adviser
• Financial analyst
• Market research analyst
• Accountant
• Loan officer
• Public relations specialist
• Cost estimator
• Meeting planner
• Logistician

5. 創意與某些服務業