The best job for 2014 is “mathematician,” according to CareerCast’s 2014 Jobs Rated Report. The median annual pay scale for mathematicians in 2013 was $101,360, and the occupation has a projected growth rate of 23 percent by 2022.

“In today’s data-driven economy, math skills unlock a world of career opportunities,” said Tony Lee, publisher, CareerCast. “In fact, the outlook for all STEM careers is very positive, as evidenced by many of this year's best jobs — mathematician, statistician, actuary, software engineer and computer systems analyst.”

Healthcare careers are also strong, with audiologist, dental hygienist, occupational therapist and speech pathologist ranking among CareerCast’s best jobs in 2014.

On the flip side, newspaper reporter and lumberjack garnered the last spots on the list, in part due to dwindling hiring prospects and falling pay. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a 9 percent drop in logging positions by 2022, and a 13 percent decline in reporter jobs.

Best jobs of 2014 and midlevel income:

1. Mathematician, $101,360
2. Tenured University Professor, $68,970
3. Statistician, $75,560
4. Actuary, $93,680
5. Audiologist, $69,720
6. Dental Hygienist, $70,210
7. Software Engineer, $93,350
8. Computer Systems Analyst, $79,680
9. Occupational Therapist, $75,400
10. Speech Pathologist, $69,870

Worst jobs of 2014 and midlevel income:

1. Lumberjack, $24,340
2. Newspaper Reporter, $37,090
3. Enlisted Military Personnel, $28,840
4. Taxi Driver, $22,820
5. Broadcaster, $55,380
6. Head Cook, $42,480
7. Flight Attendant, $37,240
8. Garbage Collector, $22,970
9. Firefighter, $45,250
10. Corrections Officer, $38,970

The report utilizes a range of criteria such as income, outlook, environmental factors, stress and physical demands to rank 200 U.S. jobs annually.