‘Pharmacist’ best healthcare job for 2015

That’s according to Forbes, which picked pharmacist as the top healthcare job for 2015 because of average annual salaries of more than $116,000 and a projected growth rate of 14% by 2022.

Forbes’ list was partially based on a list produced by CareerCast, a job search website that recently released its own list of the 10 top jobs in healthcare. The CareerCast list did not rank the occupations, which also included audiologist, dental hygienist, dietitian, medical lab technician, medical technologist, optician, physical therapist, physiologist, and podiatrist.

Pharmacists among most-trusted professionals

There was no mention by Forbes or CareerCast of the growing concern among many pharmacists that a glut of pharmacy schools and job projections that are too-rosy might lead to widespread joblessness, especially for older pharmacists.

According to CareerCast Publisher Tony Lee, more than 200 healthcare occupations were evaluated according to five different criteria. Lee said the highest ratings were given to healthcare occupations with promising income and job-growth projections. Points were also given for pleasant work environments, low stress, and modest physical demands. Lee said pharmacists have “a lot of freedom and flexibility” and that most get satisfaction from helping patients.

Data from Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and the American Dental Hygienist’s Association was also used.