It’s no secret that finding a job with great benefits is tough. With the cost of healthcare and other benefits on the rise, many companies may be forced to reduce or eliminate their offerings.
If you’re looking for a job with great benefits, you’ll want to target industries that are known for offering generous packages.
We’ve compiled a list of the top five industries for jobs with great benefits. Plus, we’ll take a look at some of the fringe benefits offered by certain occupations and how occupations affect insurance.
The Healthcare Industry
The healthcare industry is a sector of the economy that comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing services related to the health of individuals.
This industry includes both private and public sectors and covers a wide range of occupations, from physicians and surgeons to home health aides and dental assistants.
The healthcare industry is one of the largest employers in the United States, with over 18 million people employed in the sector as of 2019.
The nature of work in the healthcare industry tends to stretch beyond what most people may be used to. This is why the education and training requirements for healthcare professionals are as extensive as they are.
Health Insurance
Healthcare is traditionally one of the most generous industries when it comes to benefits as the typical nature of the job may not be for the faint of heart. Thus, healthcare is usually provided free-of-charge to the industry’s employees.
Employees can expect comprehensive health insurance, dental, and vision coverage.
Some employers also offer additional perks, such as flexible spending accounts, which can be used to cover out-of-pocket healthcare costs.
401k Retirement Plans
Many healthcare employers offer 401K retirement plans. Some will even match a portion of your contributions. The average employer-matching retirement contribution is about 3.5% according to The Bureau of Labor Statistics.
This is a great way to save for the future and ensure you have a comfortable retirement.
Job Stability and Growth
Another significant perk about the healthcare industry is that it offers notable job stability and growth. With an aging population, there will always be demand for healthcare workers.
And, as technology advances, there will be even more opportunities for growth in the field.
The Technology and Manufacturing Industries
The technology and manufacturing industries are other great options for those looking for jobs with great benefits.
These sectors comprise establishments primarily engaged in providing information technology (IT) services, such as software development, web design, and data processing.
Manufacturing jobs typically include occupations such as machinists, welders, and assembly line workers.
Both of these industries are growing rapidly and offer a number of great benefits to employees. According to a Glassdoor study, these two sectors ranked among the highest in overall benefits offered.
Health Insurance
Like the healthcare industry, the technology sector is known for offering comprehensive health insurance plans to its employees.
Many technology companies offer 401k retirement plans as well as matching contributions. Paid time off, or PTO, is another differentiator tech employers generally enjoy.
Paid Time Off
The technology industry is also known for offering generous paid time off packages. This benefit has shown to help business growth and improve employee retention.
Employees can expect to receive at least two weeks of paid vacation, plus additional sick days and holidays. Some employers also offer unlimited vacation days, a great perk if you love to travel.
Stock Options and More
Another benefit offered by many technology companies is stock options. This is a great way to get a piece of the company you’re working for and to profit from its success.
Many technology companies also offer other perks, such as free meals, transportation, and on-site childcare.
You also might be able to enjoy a flexible working schedule. Many technology companies offer their employees the ability to work from home or to have a flex hours schedule. This is a great perk if you have a busy lifestyle.
The Finance and Education Industries
The finance and education industries are two more great options for those looking for jobs with great benefits.
These sectors comprise establishments primarily engaged in providing financial services, such as banking, insurance, and investment management. Education occupations include teachers, professors, and librarians.
Maternity and Paternity Leave
While these two industries suffer from massively distinct pay scales, they both excel in maternity and paternity leave benefits. The finance industry offers an average of 14 weeks of paid maternity leave, while the education industry offers an average of 12 weeks.
This is a great perk for new parents: It allows them to bond with their child and take the time they need to recover from childbirth.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that only 23% of employees have access to paid family leave, making this a somewhat rare perk that each employee should take advantage of if applicable.
Education-Related Perks
The education and financial industries also offer a number of great education-focused benefits to employees. Many employers offer options like tuition reimbursement programs.
This is a great benefit if you’re looking to further your education. Some employers also offer student loan repayment assistance, a valuable perk that can help you pay off your student loans faster.
Employees in these industries can also expect to receive discounts on tuition and other education-related expenses.
How does your occupation affect your insurance rates?
Occupations affect insurance rates in a few different ways. For example, occupations that are considered high-risk, such as construction work or driving for a living, will typically have higher rates than desk jobs.
Additionally, some insurers offer discounts to occupations that are less likely to file claims, such as teachers or nurses.
Some occupations offer employer-subsidized insurance plans. This means that the company you work for will help pay for your insurance premiums, a great benefit if you’re looking to save money on your monthly expenses.
Which sector is best for you?
When it comes to finding a job with great benefits, there are plenty of options out there. Do your research and find an industry that fits your needs.
With a little effort, you’re sure to find the perfect position with the best benefits for you.
Luke Williams writes and researches for the car insurance comparison site, CarInsuranceComparison.com. His passions include insurance and helping others create successful careers.
