According to a 2007 study by the University of Chicago, the happiest occupations are those which focus on helping others and that emphasise technical and scientific expertise or creativity.
Here's a look at the happiest occupations in the world:
Clergy
Median salary: $45,440
Education requirements: Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience and/or training.
Firefighters
Median salary: $44,260
Education requirements: Most firefighters obtain high school diplomas. As a rule, entry-level firefighters are trained for several weeks by the department's academy.
Transportation ticket and reservation agents
Median salary: $31,070
Education requirement: A high school diploma or equivalent is the typical requirement for most workers in this occupation.
Architects
Median salary: $70,320
Education requirement: Architects must earn their professional degrees in architecture from a school that's accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board. All states require architects to earn their licenses.
Special Education teachers
Median salary: $50,020
Education requirement: Many schools offer programs in education in the undergraduate, master's and doctoral degree levels. Special ed teachers often have more training than general education teachers. All states require special education teachers to be licensed.
Actors and directors
Median salary, actors: $16.59/hour
Median salary, directors: $64,430/year
Education requirement: Although actors may pursue formal dramatic training through a conservatory or academic program or a director's program, some actors/directors enter the field without formal training.
Science technicians
Median salary, biological technician: $18.46/hour
Education requirements: Most employers prefer applicants who have at least two years of specialised postsecondary training or an associate's degree in applied science or science-related technology.
Mechanics and repairers
Median salary: $16.88/hour
Education requirements: Most employers require the completion of a vocational training program.
Industrial engineers
Median salary: $73,820
Education requirements: A bachelor's degree in engineering is required for almost all entry-level engineering jobs. Licensure is required for engineers who offer their services directly to the public.
Airline pilots and navigators
Median salary: $111,680
Education requirements: Most entrants to this occupation have earned their college degrees. To qualify for FAA licensure, applicants must be at least 18 years old and have at least 250 hours of flight experience.
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Source: Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 edition. Salaries based on data from May 2008
