Careers
Plain-language guides to what people in a career do, the skills it asks for and how to get there. Careers with a bright outlook are marked.
Accountants and Auditors
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
- Numerous Job Openings
Examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice, or audit and evaluate statements prepared…
Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree
Actors
Play parts in stage, television, radio, video, or film productions, or other settings for entertainment, information, or instruction.
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
Actuaries
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Analyze statistical data, such as mortality, accident, sickness, disability, and retirement rates and construct probability tables to…
Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree
Acupuncturists
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Diagnose, treat, and prevent disorders by stimulating specific acupuncture points within the body using acupuncture needles.
Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher
Acute Care Nurses
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
- Numerous Job Openings
Provide advanced nursing care for patients with acute conditions such as heart attacks, respiratory distress syndrome, or shock.
Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree
Adapted Physical Education Specialists
Provide individualized physical education instruction or services to children, youth, or adults with exceptional physical needs due to…
Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree
Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders
Operate or tend bonding machines that use adhesives to join items for further processing or to form a completed product.
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers
Conduct hearings to recommend or make decisions on claims concerning government programs or other government-related matters.
Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher
Administrative Services Managers
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Plan, direct, or coordinate one or more administrative services of an organization, such as records and information management, mail…
Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree
Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors
Teach or instruct out-of-school youths and adults in basic education, literacy, or English as a Second Language classes, or in classes for…
Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree
Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
- Numerous Job Openings
Assess, diagnose, and treat individuals and families with mental health or substance use disorders or the potential for such disorders.
Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher
Advertising Sales Agents
Sell or solicit advertising space, time, or media in publications, signage, TV, radio, or Internet establishments or public spaces.
Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree
Advertising and Promotions Managers
Plan, direct, or coordinate advertising policies and programs or produce collateral materials, such as posters, contests, coupons, or…
Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Operate, install, adjust, and maintain integrated computer/communications systems, consoles, simulators, and other data acquisition, test…
Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree
Aerospace Engineers
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Perform engineering duties in designing, constructing, and testing aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft.
Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree
Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Represent and promote artists, performers, and athletes in dealings with current or prospective employers.
Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree
Agricultural Engineers
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Apply knowledge of engineering technology and biological science to agricultural problems concerned with power and machinery…
Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree
Agricultural Equipment Operators
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Drive and control equipment to support agricultural activities such as tilling soil; planting, cultivating, and harvesting crops; feeding…
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
Agricultural Inspectors
Inspect agricultural commodities, processing equipment, and facilities, and fish and logging operations, to ensure compliance with…
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
Teach courses in the agricultural sciences. Includes teachers of agronomy, dairy sciences, fisheries management, horticultural sciences…
Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher
Agricultural Technicians
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Work with agricultural scientists in plant, fiber, and animal research, or assist with animal breeding and nutrition.
Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree
Agricultural Workers, All Other
All agricultural workers not listed separately.
Air Crew Members
Perform in-flight duties to ensure the successful completion of combat, reconnaissance, transport, and search and rescue missions.
Air Crew Officers
Perform and direct in-flight duties to ensure the successful completion of combat, reconnaissance, transport, and search and rescue…
Air Traffic Controllers
Control air traffic on and within vicinity of airport, and movement of air traffic between altitude sectors and control centers, according…
Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree
Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Supervise and coordinate the activities of ground crew in the loading, unloading, securing, and staging of aircraft cargo or baggage.
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
Aircraft Launch and Recovery Officers
Plan and direct the operation and maintenance of catapults, arresting gear, and associated mechanical, hydraulic, and control systems…
Aircraft Launch and Recovery Specialists
Operate and maintain catapults, arresting gear, and associated mechanical, hydraulic, and control systems involved primarily in aircraft…
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul aircraft engines and assemblies, such as hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree
Aircraft Service Attendants
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Service aircraft with fuel. May de-ice aircraft, refill water and cooling agents, empty sewage tanks, service air and oxygen systems, or…
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
Assemble, fit, fasten, and install parts of airplanes, space vehicles, or missiles, such as tails, wings, fuselage, bulkheads…
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
Airfield Operations Specialists
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Ensure the safe takeoff and landing of commercial and military aircraft.
Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing aircraft, usually on scheduled air carrier routes, for the transport of passengers and cargo.
Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree
Allergists and Immunologists
Diagnose, treat, and help prevent allergic diseases and disease processes affecting the immune system.
Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher
Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians
Drive ambulance or assist ambulance driver in transporting sick, injured, or convalescent persons. Assist in lifting patients.
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
Amusement and Recreation Attendants
- Bright Outlook
- Numerous Job Openings
Perform a variety of attending duties at amusement or recreation facility.
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
Anesthesiologist Assistants
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Assist anesthesiologists in the administration of anesthesia for surgical and non-surgical procedures.
Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher
Anesthesiologists
Administer anesthetics and analgesics for pain management prior to, during, or after surgery.
Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher
Animal Breeders
Select and breed animals according to their genealogy, characteristics, and offspring.
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
Animal Caretakers
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Feed, water, groom, bathe, exercise, or otherwise provide care to promote and maintain the well-being of pets and other animals that are…
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
Animal Control Workers
Handle animals for the purpose of investigations of mistreatment, or control of abandoned, dangerous, or unattended animals.
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
Animal Scientists
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Conduct research in the genetics, nutrition, reproduction, growth, and development of domestic farm animals.
Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher
Animal Trainers
Train animals for riding, harness, security, performance, or obedience, or for assisting persons with disabilities.
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
Anthropologists and Archeologists
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Study the origin, development, and behavior of human beings. May study the way of life, language, or physical characteristics of people in…
Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher
Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary
Teach courses in anthropology or archeology. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of…
Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher
Appraisers and Assessors of Real Estate
Appraise real estate, exclusively, and estimate its fair value. May assess taxes in accordance with prescribed schedules.
Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree
Appraisers of Personal and Business Property
Appraise and estimate the fair value of tangible personal or business property, such as jewelry, art, antiques, collectibles, and equipment.
Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree
Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Facilitate negotiation and conflict resolution through dialogue. Resolve conflicts outside of the court system by mutual consent of…
Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher