There is obviously an argument to be made for what is truly the happiest job out there. Someone who loves to write isn’t going to think being an accountant is the “happiest” job available. But based on a study by CareerBliss as pointed out on Forbes.com, which took data from more than 25 thousand people over the last two years, the top ten happiest jobs may surprise you.

CareerBliss asked people to rate their jobs on a scale of one to five based on the person one works for, the people one works with, the support one receives, the rewards one receives, the growth opportunities available, the company culture, and the way one works and handles daily tasks.

It did not take into account CEOs or high gratification jobs (like famous actors, or best-selling authors). They took into account the positions that are seen in middle-income households, and this is what they found as the top ten happiest jobs:

10. Systems Developer

By producing, installing and implementing new and modified computer systems, networks and related operating software, it gives these employees hands on experience. With no need to sit in a cubicle all day, systems developers get to explore new facets of their brain every day. They learn more about technology and software, which can tap into their creative minds as it allows them to be innovative as they grow with the rapidly expansive technological world.

9. Senior Software Engineer

Software Engineers develop information systems by studying operations, design, developing, and install software solutions as well as support and develop the software team. These employees also get to use new parts of their brain that often go unexplored for some people. By evaluating problems and coming up with solutions, they need to think and analyze critically which helps keep their minds sharp. They also get to explore their creative side by designing software.

8. Business Development Executive

A business development executive is a senior manager who helps his or her business grow to improve sales. Someone with a lot of ambition and an innovative mind would surely be happy in this job. They are challenged every day to think of new ways to help the company and its employees thrive. To diversify the clientele, there is constant face-to-face interaction and social activity assists in happiness.

7. Website Developer

Web developers design, code and modify websites to create visually appealing sites with user-friendly designs. This is also a job that constantly challenges the employees. Every client will ask for something different than the one before. The hard work that goes into tailoring each design taps into the artsy side of the brain. The awesome feeling people get when having a beautiful finished product is probably a regular sentiment for web developers.

6. Oracle Database Administrator

ODAs create and maintain all databases required for development, testing, education and production usage. With the sense of control and creativity involved, this is a job where people feel important; which in turn, attributes to their happiness in the workplace.

5. Research Assistant

By getting to assist in a work-related field, the opportunity for growth and learning new things is through the roof. Getting to assist the professionals and be in the line of work you love is surely a great feeling.

4. Automation Engineer

Automation engineers mesh engineering and information management together so they can work effectively in terms of cost of production, product quality, safety of work and ability to adjust production rates to adhere to market demands.This is another job where the people feel important due to the responsibility that lies in their power. The authority to control these attributes of a company makes you feel like you matter and do make a difference, because without these things, the company would fail.

3. Loan Officer

Loan officers need to have audit and financial skills, provide great customer service, be confident in analyzing information, and need to have excellent verbal communication. By having an effective relationship with the banks as well as the trust of the customers, loan officers hold the key to fulfilling the organization’s mission.

2. Executive Chef

Having full control in the kitchen is something any food lover would be happy with. Who doesn’t love to eat or be around food? There is no question why this is the second happiest job out there.

1. Principal

With the chance to learn from and interact with kids every day, grow with the changing social dynamics of today’s youth, and befriend your colleagues who share the same passion in educating kids, principals take the number one spot on the happiest jobs list.

Surprised? Yeah, me too. Jobs I probably would have never considered for myself made the top ten of this list. But, as previously stated, this is all subjective. However, with the amount of creativity and hands-on learning experiences that allow people in these fields to move up and grow with the company and learn new technologies, it is understandable why people with these jobs are so dang happy.