If you're considering your career options, why not look at job security? Above all other factors, job security reflects the likelihood that you'll last within your chosen occupation for a long period of time.
According to 24/7 Wall Street, these 10 careers represent the lowest rates of unemployment, using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
This list features a variety of industries and positions, so check it out if you need a nudge in the right direction.
1. Chiropractors
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, chiropractors enjoy one of the highest rates of job security with a 0.1% unemployment rate in 2014. Chiropractors specialize in treating pain in joints, muscles and nerves by taking a holistic approach. The typical treatment employed by these professionals is specific, localized manipulation of the body. They also tend to shun the use of any treatments involving medication.
- Average salary: $66,160
2. Dentists
Not only do dentists tend to earn large incomes, they also have high job security. It takes a long time to become a dentist, and the path includes a college degree as well as dental school and a residency. It's also possible for dentists to specialize and become orthodontists, endodontists, etc. This job requires a strong grasp on biology and medicine, as well as strong interpersonal skills.
- Average salary: $149,310
3. Physician Assistants
Physician assistants perform a broad range of tasks, and the specific work varies by position and location. In general, the fewer doctors that are available, the more work physician assistants will need to do. These duties include taking blood, setting bones and taking X-rays.
The duties don't end at providing these services, either; physician's assistants also need to interact with patients by tracking their progress and providing counseling and treatment.
- Average salary: $90,930
4. Aerospace Engineers
Becoming an aerospace engineer requires exceptional skills in math and science, but the reward is job security and a high salary. Many of these positions involve working on government contracts and, therefore, require security clearances.
Job security in this sector is high due in part to the ever-evolving needs of governments and private companies, as well as a large backlog of orders to fill.
- Average salary: $103,720
5. Physicians and Surgeons
If you have a knack for medicine and feel up to the challenge of enduring nearly 10 years of education and training, these careers pay well and are generally very secure. It can't be overstated that these positions come with some intense prerequisites.
The work is demanding, and space is limited. Physicians and surgeons work directly with patients to understand their ailments and plan appropriate treatments.
- Average salary: $187,200
6. Medical, Dental and Ophthalmic Lab Technicians
Although paid less than average salaries, medical, dental and ophthalmic laboratory technicians typically enjoy strong job security. Duties for these professionals typically include servicing and producing prosthetics like dentures and eyeglasses. This type of work does not usually require a degree or any other type of higher education.
- Average salary: $33,070
7. Detectives and Criminal Investigators
Professionals in this field strongly benefit from experience in the military and typically don't need a degree or other forms of higher education. They enjoy fairly large salaries -- these are higher for federal employees -- as well as relative job security.
Working in law enforcement requires a large amount of time and energy and should be treated as a serious, long-term commitment. If you want to protect and serve when you're finished defending the nation, this is a strong career choice to make.
- Average salary: $74,300
8. Speech Language Pathologists
Speech is an integral part of functioning in modern society, and the professionals who specialize in mitigating speech impairments serve a critical function. The work of these professionals is never straightforward.
There are a variety of possible causes for communication disorders, and it's the pathologist's job to identify the source and plan a course of action.
- Average salary: $69,870
9. Postal Service Mail Carriers
It's not frequently at the top of a jobs list, but postal service mail carriers enjoy solid paychecks and job security. Despite predicted job losses and a net loss of $5.3 billion for the U.S. Postal Service, very few mail carriers are unemployed. If you can stand nonstop driving and walking throughout your day, this might be a strong candidate among your employment options.
- Average salary: $56,490
10. Farmers, Ranchers and Other Agricultural Managers
Working in the agricultural industry can be somewhat lucrative and stable, but there are a few cons to consider before jumping in. Agriculture requires high investments in terms of machinery and raw resources. Because of this, leaving the job would mean cutting out years of projected revenue to recoup losses on the initial investment.
Farming also is subject to a sometimes fickle environment. Although there are systems in place within the U.S. to help farms stay viable, there's never a guarantee that the rain and snow will cooperate.
- Average salary: $69,300
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