As people are looking for a new job, they want to find one that pays well. They also want to find a job that fits their lifestyle and gives them the chance to pursue their passions.

The annual list of best jobs, compiled by U.S. News and World Report, looks at BLS data to identify fields that have the highest salaries. It also takes into account work-life balance, stress level, future job prospects and more.

Chief Executive Officer

The Chief Executive Officer, or CEO, is the highest-ranking executive in many businesses and organizations. Whether they are self-appointed business owners or appointed by a board of directors, these high-level managers make critical decisions about day-to-day and long-term business strategies and goals.

They may oversee the overall operation of a company or organization, including human resources, finance and physical assets. They collaborate with other top executives to establish and meet their organizational goals, policies and procedures.

Excellent chief executive officers also act as public representatives of the business and must be able to eradicate negative rumors about the company, keep information confidential and inspire employees at all levels to perform their best.

Often, these professionals must travel for work or spend time in different business locations. They also may need to work evenings and weekends to complete tasks or review reports from other departments.

Chief Financial Officer

CFOs are the highest-ranking financial officials in a company. They are responsible for monitoring cash flow, making decisions based on financial stability and coming up with strategic plans to improve the company’s overall financial health.

They typically work with a CEO to weigh in on high-level strategic decisions and have a direct line to the board or directors. They are a member of the C-suite and are the third highest level executive in an organization, after the CEO and COO.

CFOs are responsible for developing and implementing financial strategies, assessing financial data and reporting on finances to colleagues, investors and regulatory bodies as needed. They also oversee accounting and financial departments. An academic background in business management, accounting or finance is a plus.

Chief Information Officer

The Chief Information Officer, also known as a CIO, is the highest paying position in the technology industry. They oversee the technology that a company uses to run its operations, and they often take part in long-term business growth strategizing.

They ensure that all computer systems and digital data are secure and abide by government regulations. They also analyze and forecast trends in computing to optimize IT system usage and foster business growth.

They are responsible for developing a technology plan that supports the goals of the organization and its CEO. They have the ability to communicate with other executives and lower-level employees to find solutions to technology problems. They may also have to establish relationships with technology companies.

Chief Technology Officer

The Chief Technology Officer is responsible for examining the short-term and long-term technological needs of an organization. They then utilize capital to make investments that help the company reach its goals.

They also assess current and anticipated business needs related to technology, such as servers and software programs. They create and implement strategies that align with company goals, and they work with IT departments to improve systems.

CTOs often develop technologies that increase the speed of a business’s processes. These technologies can also improve employee productivity and customer service.

They must have a strong understanding of both existing and emerging technologies to keep up with changing trends in their industry. This enables them to provide companies with cutting-edge tech solutions that support business growth and profitability.