The 8 most underrated jobs of 2016

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As it turns out, some of the highest-paying, fastest-growing, most rewarding jobs in America are underrated.

Perhaps this is because they're not the most glamorous professions or they don't seem exciting. Or maybe it's because they haven't always been associated with fat paychecks and phenomenal growth opportunities. But, if you're looking to change careers, you could be doing yourself a huge disservice by failing to consider these jobs.

To identify which professions are most underrated in the US right now, researchers from job site CareerCast.com analyzed BLS data and used their own judgment to determine high-paying, low-stress jobs with strong employment outlooks that are also undervalued.

"I'd attribute some of these careers as being underrated to just a lack of awareness about what goes into the field, and how to get started," says Kyle Kensing, CareerCast.com's online content editor. 

CareerCast.com also rounded up the most overrated jobs in America, which includes event coordinator, stock broker, and author. (See the complete list here.)

Here are the eight most underrated jobs in America in 2016, listed in alphabetical order:

Computer systems analyst

What they do: They analyze science, engineering, business, and other data processing problems to implement and improve computer systems. 

Median annual salary: $85,800

Growth outlook (through 2020): 21%

Diagnostic medical sonographer

What they do: They operate special imaging equipment to create images or to conduct tests. The images and test results help physicians assess and diagnose medical conditions. 

Median annual salary: $63,630

Growth outlook (through 2020): 24%

Dietitian

What they do: As experts in the use of food and nutrition to promote health and manage disease, they advise people on what to eat in order to lead a healthy lifestyle or achieve a specific health-related goal.

Median annual salary: $57,910

Growth outlook (through 2020): 16%