The Fourth Best Job In America

That's 'human resources manager' - in case you're wondering - according to the Money magazine and Salary.com list of 50 Best Jobs in America.

The survey of about 250 of the best-paid jobs in 19 industries, mostly requiring higher education, found that software engineers have the best jobs in the US, with college professors second and (the much better compensated) financial advisors placed third. Online surveys were completed by 26,000 people to rank the best jobs.

The HR profession is rated well on:

• flexibility
• overall compensation
• opportunity for growth
• level of stress

Additionally, the survey highlights a trend toward outsourcing operational and administrative tasks, freeing HR to concentrate on a strategic role, adding to the challenge and interest in the profession.

"We're not surprised to see HR rank so highly. We couldn't agree more that HR is a great profession," said Susan R. Meisinger, SPHR, president and CEO of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). "The profession is rapidly evolving where HR executives are playing a much larger role in determining the overall direction of their organization. These developments add to the vibrancy of the profession as more organizations look to HR for strategies to align their workforce with the goals of the business."

"HR is an exciting profession, and with the projected growth and competitive salaries, there will be many opportunities available for bright new HR professionals who want to play a critical role in shaping the success of organizations," added Meisinger.

Following HR came physician's assistant, market research analyst, computer/information technology analyst, real estate appraiser, pharmacist and psychologist.