11 Meaningful Jobs for People Who Want to Make a Difference

Looking for more meaning at work? These jobs will give you - and even your wallet - a higher sense of fulfillment.

By Venus Gentile, Monster Contributor

For most of us, going to work can sometimes feel like a drag. But then there are those others who wake up each day excited to return to the grind. Why? Because they’re the ones who have meaningful jobs that give them a deep sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Jobs with purpose are those where you can make a real impact in the world, whether by saving lives, educating the minds of the future, or helping people find fulfilling careers (like us!). And don’t think you won’t get paid well for your work. While some might believe that the more meaning your job has, the more you’ll get stiffed come payday, that’s not always true.

For example, surgeons, psychiatrists, and anesthesiologists not only get to leave work feeling good about themselves, but they also get to take home a six-figure salary. Talk about a win-win situation. So, if you want to help make the world a better place, browse our list to see which jobs can turn into rewarding careers.

New Priorities

As more and more employees feel like their work is pointless, searching for fulfilling and purposeful work is becoming more of a priority for many. A Monster survey highlights that 69% of employees across all working generations believe work should have a greater purpose. That figure peaks at 74% in the youngest generation, Gen Z.

Since much of our identity is tied to our work, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that people want jobs with purpose, fueling long-term satisfaction and improving overall happiness. It’s true, that our definitions of “meaningful” can vary. In most cases, though, it refers to making a real impact in your community or the world.

What are the Benefits of Meaningful Jobs?

A meaningful job can be a game-changer in multiple dimensions of your life, bringing a cascade of benefits extending far beyond the workplace. Let's dive into some of these perks:

  • Increased job satisfaction. When your job aligns with your values and passions, you're more likely to enjoy your work. This satisfaction can make even the tough days more manageable and enhance your overall well-being.
  • Reduced stress and burnout. Meaningful jobs that give you a sense of purpose often serve as a natural buffer against work-related stress and burnout. You're more willing to tackle challenges when you know your efforts contribute to something bigger than a paycheck.
  • Improved mental health. Doing work that you find meaningful can be a strong protective factor against depression and anxiety. The sense of accomplishment and purpose can serve as a psychological uplift.
  • Career longevity. When engaged in meaningful work, you're more likely to stick with it for the long haul. This continuity can provide a stable foundation for personal and professional growth, not to mention financial security.
  • Greater work-life balance. When your job feels like an extension of your personal values, achieving a good work-life balance becomes more natural. You're likely to manage your time and commitments better because your work is something you care about.
  • Legacy and impact. Last but not least, meaningful work often leaves a lasting impact, whether on other people, communities, or even entire industries. The sense that you've made a difference can be one of the most rewarding aspects.

11 Meaningful Jobs Where You Can Make Your Mark

We've compiled a list of some of the top meaningful jobs that could be an excellent match for you. When looking at the median salaries for each job, it's crucial to factor in elements such as your experience level and the location in which you work to get a better idea of what you can earn. In this list, you’ll also find plenty of meaningful jobs that pay well if you want to bring home a substantial paycheck while making an impact.

1. Clergy

Clergy members conduct religious worship and other spiritual functions related to a specific faith or denomination. They provide pastoral care, spiritual guidance, counseling, and support to congregants during times of celebration, crisis, or everyday life. Additionally, many clergy are also involved in broader community outreach, education, and social justice initiatives.

What you need: A bachelor’s degree in theology, religious studies, or a related field. However, the requirements will vary widely depending on the religious organization and denomination.

Median salary: $60,180 per year.

Find all clergy jobs on Monster.

2. Director of Religious Activities and Education

These directors manage religious education programs offered at churches or schools. They create and maintain curricula, staff, budgets, and education functions. They also work closely with congregants to provide pastoral care, spiritual counseling, and guidance to nurture a deep and meaningful connection among community members.

What you need: A bachelor's degree in religious education or a related field.

Median salary: $60,540 per year.

Find all religious director jobs on Monster.

3. Surgeon

When a person suffers from injury or disease to the extent that they need an operation, surgeons are the ones who do the job. From minor procedures (such as a routine appendectomy) to complex undertakings (like a heart transplant), surgeons have the training to see the operation through from start to finish. This is an excellent match if you’re looking for meaningful jobs where you can use your strategic foresight and problem-solving skills.

What you need: A bachelor's degree, followed by four years of graduate school for a degree in medicine (M.D.) or osteopathy (D.O.), and three to seven years in a residency program, depending on your specialty.

Median salary: $229,300 per year.

Find all surgeon jobs on Monster.

4. Radiation Therapist

Often part of a larger treatment team, a radiation therapist administers radiation treatments to cancer patients. Beyond the technical aspects, radiation therapists also provide emotional support and education to patients, helping them understand the treatment and cope with the emotional challenges often associated with a cancer diagnosis.

What you need: An associate or a bachelor’s degree in radiation therapy. In most states, radiation therapists must be licensed or certified.

Median salary: $89,530 per year.

Find all radiation therapist jobs on Monster.

5. Chiropractor

When back and neck pain interferes with your quality of life, you may visit a chiropractor for spinal adjustments and manipulation. Chiropractors treat patients with injuries to the neuromusculoskeletal system, which includes nerves, bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons.

What you need: A Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree and a state license.

Median salary: $75,380 per year.

Find all chiropractor jobs on Monster.

6. Psychiatrist

These doctors diagnose the type and extent of mental illness in a patient, as well as formulate a treatment plan, which may include prescribing psychotropic medications. In this role, you might work in a private practice, hospital, or mental health clinic. If you’re looking for meaningful jobs where you can use your analytical thinking and active listening skills, this could be the perfect fit.

What you need:A bachelor's degree, followed by four years of graduate school for a degree in medicine (M.D.) or osteopathy (D.O.), followed by (typically) four more years in a psychiatric residency.

Median salary: $249,760 per year.

Find all psychiatrist jobs on Monster.

7. Anesthesiologist

Anesthesiologists administer anesthetics before, during, and/or after a person has surgery or other medical procedures. They evaluate a patient's medical history and current health status to determine the most appropriate type of anesthesia monitoring vital signs and consciousness levels to ensure safety and comfort.

What you need: A bachelor's degree, followed by four years of graduate school for a degree in medicine (M.D.) or osteopathy (D.O.), followed by four more years in an anesthesiology residency.

Median salary: $302,970 per year.

Find all anesthesiologist jobs on Monster.

8. Rehabilitation Counselor

When people suffer physical or mental disabilities, they need help to get their lives back so they can live independently. That’s where a rehab counselor comes in. You’ll work with clients to overcome the hurdles to effectively manage daily life. It’s no surprise that this is one of the most meaningful jobs where you can really make an impact on the lives of others.

What you need: A master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling or a related field. Some positions may require certification or a license.

Median salary: $39,990 per year.

Find all rehabilitation counselor jobs on Monster.

9. Occupational Therapist

Occupational therapists (OTs) devise and administer treatment plans composed of everyday activities (think gripping a fork and buttoning a shirt) for injured and disabled patients. This helps the patients recover and maintain these skills needed for daily living and working.

What you need: A master’s degree in occupational therapy plus a license to practice.

Median salary: $93,180 per year.

Find all occupational therapist jobs on Monster.

10. Kindergarten Teacher

In this role, you'll teach young minds the basic subjects (reading, writing, and arithmetic) to give them a healthy start on their schooling. Beyond academics, you'll focus on essential life skills such as socialization, emotional development, and behavior management, helping kids adapt to a structured learning environment.

What you need: A bachelor’s degree along with a state-issued certification or license.

Median salary: $61,620 per year.

Find all kindergarten teacher jobs on Monster.

11. Epidemiologist

As public health workers, epidemiologists investigate patterns and causes of disease and injury in humans to reduce the risk to the general population. Their work consists mainly of research, community education, and health policy.

What you need: A master’s degree in public health (MPH) or a related field. A doctoral degree in epidemiology or medicine is also common.

Median salary: $78,520 per year.

Find all epidemiologist jobs on Monster.

Find Meaningful Work Right Here on Monster

Find a career that matters to you and bring home more than a paycheck. First, create a free profile on Monster to find meaningful jobs that ignite your passion. Upload your resume, and we’ll help connect you with recruiters looking for skilled candidates. We’ll also send you job alerts and expert career advice to help you find a fulfilling career.