The year 2011 is the best of times for software engineers and the worst of times for roustabouts, according to a survey of the nation's best and worst jobs released on Wednesday.

根据本周三发布的2011年度最佳和最差职业调查，软件工程师获评最佳职业，而石油钻台工人则排名垫底。

Software engineers have the top jobs, thanks to the exploding demand for high-tech gadgets and the appetite for applications for iPods, tablets and other devices, said the survey by online jobs site CareerCast.com.

开展此项调查的招聘网站CareerCast.com表示，由于对高科技产品的需求呈爆炸式增长，以及人们对iPod、平板电脑、和其它科技产品应用软件的喜好，软件工程师被评为最佳职业。

Software engineers enjoy a strong outlook for employment, low stress, few physical demands and good wages, it said.

调查称，软件工程师的就业前景一片大好，压力小，体力消耗低，还能赚得高薪。