A Paleontologist at Field Museum Voted Illinois’ ‘Coolest Career’.

• Survey of 3,002 respondents, asking them to name the coolest jobs in every state.
• Scientist at Fermilab (Batavia) + Engineer at John Deere (Moline) also cited.
• Infographic showing the coolest careers across the country.

From animators crafting iconic Pixar characters in California to marine biologists diving with sea turtles in Hawaii, America is full of dream jobs that seem plucked straight from a movie script. While many careers can be found coast to coast, each state offers up its own unique and envy-inducing roles—often rooted in local industries, natural wonders, or iconic brands.

To uncover which gigs people envy most, career.io, an all-in-one platform for career guidance and success, surveyed 3,002 respondents, asking them to name the coolest jobs in every state. The results paint a vivid picture of ambition, adventure, and some seriously cool roles.

Nationally, the the top 5 coolest careers in the U.S. are:

#1 Animator – Pixar Animation Studios (Emeryville, CA)
Bring beloved characters like Buzz Lightyear and Joy to life at Pixar’s Emeryville studio, earning $73,000 to $124,000. Pixar animators create scenes that become part of pop culture history while collaborating in a whimsical, high-energy workspace. For creative storytellers with a tech edge, it’s the ultimate blend of art and innovation.

#2 Paleontologist – Field Museum (Chicago, IL)
Paleontologists unearth fossils and curate exhibits at Chicago’s famed Field Museum, with salaries around $85,000. One week might put you on a dig; the next, prepping a T. rex skeleton for display. It’s a hands-on role steeped in science, storytelling, and Jurassic-sized excitement.

#3 Research Scientist – The Hershey Company (Hershey, PA)
Research scientists at Hershey invent the next Reese’s variation or perfect a new chocolate bar in its confectionery labs, earning between $90,000 and $110,000. It’s part chemistry, part creativity—and yes, their office really does smell like chocolate.

#4 Wildlife Biologist – Yellowstone National Park (Yellowstone, WY)
Tracking wolves, monitoring trout, and helping preserve the planet’s first national park while earning $70,000 to $90,000. It’s fieldwork with a backdrop of geysers and bison—science meets wonder in its purest form.

#5 Marine Biologist – NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (Honolulu, HI)
Marine biologists dive into coral reefs and tag endangered species like monk seals while working in a tropical paradise. With salaries ranging from $65,000 to $100,000, it’s meaningful ocean conservation wrapped in an aloha spirit.

The top 2 other coolest careers in Illinois are:

#2 Scientist – Fermilab (Batavia)
At Fermilab in Batavia, scientists earn $100,000 to $142,000 smashing particles to probe the universe’s secrets. You’d guide protons through underground accelerators and hunt elusive neutrinos-big science with even bigger implications. Set on a campus where bison graze near cryogenic labs, it’s pure physics magic. For those chasing the building blocks of reality, this Illinois role is high-energy discovery wrapped in quirky charm.

#3 Engineer – John Deere (Moline)
Engineers at John Deere in Moline earn $94,000 to $141,000 designing advanced tractors and harvesters for modern farming. You’d integrate AI into autonomous machines, test gear in Midwest fields, and refine tools that feed millions. It’s tech with traction-equal parts rugged and smart. For makers who love machines, agriculture, and engineering that touches real lives, this job plants the seed and drives the harvest.

Infographic showing the 10 coolest careers in America

“These roles aren’t just jobs—they’re the kind of careers that spark imagination and shape industries,” says Amanda Augustine, career expert at career.io. “From spaceflight to chocolate science, this list shows how passion, science, and the right employer can create opportunities that truly excite people.”