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What are the most overrated (and underrated) jobs in America?

10/15/2015

You don’t see many TV shows or movies about HR professionals or environmental engineers, but according to a new survey, those are some of the most underrated professions in America today.

Highly desirable jobs, such as ad account exec, broadcaster, public relations manager and event coordinator are among the most overrated jobs of 2015, according to CareerCast’s new report. Architect, attorney, management consultant and wholesale sales representative rounded out the list of overrated jobs.

“These jobs have positive public perception but a less attractive reality,” says Kyle Kensing, online content editor at CareerCast. “While the most overrated jobs may have high salary potential, excitement and glamour, there are trade-offs to working in these professions that can include long hours, high pressure and stiff competition for positions or clients.”

If you are seeking a profession with a good outlook, low stress and a stable work environment, consider one fo the “underrated” professions. Accountant, environmental engineer and human resource manager may not be among the most glamorous careers but they are fulfilling, meaningful professions, placing them on CareerCast’s 2015 most underrated jobs list. Other jobs that made the list are multimedia artist, geologist, civil engineer, physiologist and veterinarian.

“The landscape for underrated jobs points to favorable hiring outlook in the coming years,” notes Kensing. “While they may not attract much attention, these jobs are often lower stress and can be high-paying.”

The overrated professions were chosen from the Jobs Rated report’s list of 200 jobs for their inherent stress, competition and industry volatility and high job turnover. Underrated jobs were identified for their favorable income and environment, and low stress.

 

Most Overrated Jobs:

ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE: Annual Median Salary: $115,750;  Growth Outlook: 12%

ARCHITECT: Annual Median Salary: $73,090; Growth Outlook: 17%

ATTORNEY: Annual Median Salary: $113,350; Growth Outlook: 10%

BROADCASTER: Annual Median Salary: $29,790; Growth Outlook: 2%

EVENT COORDINATOR: Annual Median Salary: $45,810; Growth Outlook: 33%

MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT: Annual Median Salary: $78,600; Growth Outlook: 19%

PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGER: Annual Median Salary: $95,450; Growth Outlook: 13%

SALES REPRESENTATIVE (WHOLESALE): Annual Median Salary: $51,670; Growth Outlook: 9%

 

Most Underrated Jobs:

ACCOUNTANT: Annual Median Salary: $63,550; Growth Outlook: 13%

CIVIL ENGINEER: Annual Median Salary: $79,340; Growth Outlook: 20%

ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER: Annual Median Salary: $80,890; Growth Outlook: 15%

GEOLOGIST: Annual Median Salary: $90,890; Growth Outlook: 16%

HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER: Annual Median Salary: $99,720; Growth Outlook: 13%

MULTIMEDIA ARTIST: Annual Median Salary: $61,370; Growth Outlook: 6%

PHYSIOLOGIST: Annual Median Salary: $46,270; Growth Outlook: 19%

VETERINARIAN: Annual Median Salary: $84,460; Growth Outlook: 12%