Software developers took the top spot on US News & World Report's list of the best jobs in 2023, up from fifth place last year — despite big staff cuts at major tech companies like Meta Platforms , Salesforce and Amazon.com.
US News analyzed data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics to rank occupations based on demand, growth opportunities, average salary, employment rate, future job prospects, stress level and work-life balance.

Safety at work is one of the main requirements for 2023.
At a time when fears of a recession are growing and the threat of further layoffs is ever-present, careers in big tech companies have lost their former luster, for those seeking more stable sectors.
According to a recent survey by ZipRecruiter, over a quarter of tech workers who have left their jobs moved to another industry.
For those who want to stay in the tech sector, competition is increasing as candidates vie for fewer and fewer open positions.
Although the outlook may have worsened somewhat for software developers in the technology sector, opportunities still abound in other companies.

Unable to compete with Silicon Valley wages, businesses in traditional industries ranging from finance to retail have long suffered from a shortage of software engineers and are now eager to hire top talent.
For those looking for maximum job security, US News singles out an obvious winner.
According to the report, 13 of the 20 best and safest professions in the workplace are in the health sector, where jobs such as nurses or managers of medical and health services are listed.