Careers that help people

People today spend up to one-third of their lives — or 90,000 hours — working. What’s more, a growing body of evidence points to a strong connection between helping others and life satisfaction which might explain why there's a continual interest in careers that help people.

Many careers in healthcare, education, behavioral science, business and technology offer ways to spend time in a capacity that applies both your skills and knowledge for the greater good. Let’s explore some of the options.

Healthcare careers that help people

Nursing

Health information

Healthcare management or administration

Overall, a healthcare facility could not run properly without management and administration, which makes this a pivotal career for individuals who thrive in detail-oriented administrative work and who also want to have a positive influence in their community. In such a role, they help everyone from their co-workers to patients.

• Salary: In May 2024, medical and health services managers earned between $69,680 and $219,080 with a median wage of $117,960.
• Education: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), these roles typically require a bachelor’s degree, but education for particular jobs may vary. Experience in an administrative or clinical role prior to applying for these management roles is also typically helpful. An officer manager role does not necessarily require a bachelor’s degree, but an employer might prefer it.

Education and behavioral science careers that help people

Social work

Social work helps connect individuals, families and communities with a variety of assistive resources and services.

With a social work degree, professionals can contribute to implementing real change across a community. They might help keep children in school, for example, or assist parents in coping with mental health challenges.

• Salary: As of May 2023, social workers earned between $41,580 and $99,500, with a media wage of $61,330, according to BLS.
• Education: A bachelor’s degree in social work can help you learn how to work productively with families and individuals as well as understand social welfare policies

Teaching

Teaching can be enriching as you witness your students’ progress and help shape their minds to become better citizens. Teachers can also play a crucial role in helping lay the foundation for children or young adults and their social and educational skills. Many find it satisfying to help mold young minds.

You might opt to teach many subjects to one grade level, or you could pursue a specialization, such as teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) or special education students. Teaching others a new language or creative elective can also be incredibly helpful to students and satisfying for teachers if they are passionate about their specialty subject.

• Salary: As of May 2024, elementary school teachers earned between $46,440 and $102,010, with a median wage of $62,340, according to BLS.
• Education: A degree in education can help you prepare for licensure or certification while also imparting skills related to education theory, classroom management techniques and more. 

Careers in business and finance that help people

Careers in business and finance might not be the first thing that comes to mind for careers that help people. However, the right finance or business career can enable you to help others in a variety of ways. You might encourage smart financial management, ethical business practices or other decisions that help people achieve success and fulfillment.

Some examples of such careers are:

Personal financial planning

Personal financial planning help clients make decisions regarding investments for long-term goals. It can help people consider options like stocks, bonds, real estate and retirement funds.

• Salary: As of May 2024, personal financial planners earned between $49,990 and $239,200, with a median wage of $102,140, according to BLS. 

• Education: A business-related bachelor’s degree helps aspiring financial planners learn valuable skills, particularly when they want to work for a larger financial firm. To become a personal financial planner, you might also need to obtain a state license or register with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 

Accounting

Accounting includes financial record preparation and review, noting potential risks and opportunities and suggesting advice and solutions for business and individuals.

• Salary: As of May 243 accountants earned between $52,780 and $141,420, with a median wage of $81,680, according to BLS.
• Education: A bachelor’s degree in accounting helps students learn skills to be considered for hire. In addition, accountants need to obtain licensure that qualifies them for practice in a specific state.

Careers in information technology

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity keeps organizations, employees and individuals safe from cybercrime with strategies that help fortify devices, networks, servers and databases from hackers.

Cybersecurity professionals monitor an organization’s IT infrastructure and are responsible for any response to an attempted cybersecurity attack. They also help to educate employees on the best ways to keep their devices and data secure.

• Salary: As of May 2024, cybersecurity analysts earned between $69,660 and $186,420, with a median wage of $124,910, according to BLS.
• Education: If you’re looking to get into cybersecurity, a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity can help. Depending on the size and complexity of your organization’s IT department, you might also benefit from earning a master’s degree in cybersecurity.