WASHINGTON – Many Americans like their jobs, but U.S. News and World Report has determined the reason behind the top 25 great career choices.

At the highest pay scale on the list, pharmacists take home $111,000 on average. Careers in computing and in the medical field lead the group. Jobs in software development, computer systems analysis and physical and occupational therapy also received high scores for job satisfaction, industry growth and low unemployment.

Job satisfaction is not always tied to income. Some of the more modest salaries report high job satisfaction. Elementary school teachers, social workers, sports coaches and receptionists made the list of best jobs. Most of these professionals say they thrive when helping others and interacting with people throughout their day.

Here are the top 10 jobs:

1. Registered nurse
2. Software developer
3. Pharmacist
4. Medical assistant
5. Database administrator
6. Web developer
7. Computer systems analyst
8. Physical therapist
9. Computer programmer
10. Occupational therapist

To see each career’s job satisfaction, unemployment, median salary and growth, and for a full list of the top 25 jobs go to U.S. News’ website.

Follow WTOP on Twitter.

(Copyright 2012 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)