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.
Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Install, program, maintain, and repair security and fire alarm wiring and equipment. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes.
Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree
Semiconductor Processing Technicians
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Perform any or all of the following functions in the manufacture of electronic semiconductors: load semiconductor material into furnace…
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Clean and repair septic tanks, sewer lines, or drains. May patch walls and partitions of tank, replace damaged drain tile, or repair…
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
Shampooers
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Shampoo and rinse customers' hair.
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Drive a motor vehicle to transport passengers on a planned or scheduled basis. May collect a fare.
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
Skincare Specialists
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Provide skincare treatments to face and body to enhance an individual's appearance.
Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree
Social Science Research Assistants
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Assist social scientists in laboratory, survey, and other social science research.
Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree
Social and Community Service Managers
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization.
Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree
Social and Human Service Assistants
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Assist other social and human service providers in providing client services in a wide variety of fields, such as psychology…
Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree
Software Developers
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
- Numerous Job Openings
Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs.
Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Develop and execute software tests to identify software problems and their causes. Test system modifications to prepare for implementation.
Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree
Soil and Plant Scientists
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Conduct research in breeding, physiology, production, yield, and management of crops and agricultural plants or trees, shrubs, and nursery…
Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher
Solar Energy Installation Managers
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Direct work crews installing residential or commercial solar photovoltaic or thermal systems.
Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree
Solar Photovoltaic Installers
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Assemble, install, or maintain solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on roofs or other structures in compliance with site assessment and…
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Install or repair solar energy systems designed to collect, store, and circulate solar-heated water for residential, commercial or…
Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree
Spa Managers
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of a spa facility. Coordinate programs, schedule and direct staff, and oversee financial activities.
Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree
Speech-Language Pathologists
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Assess and treat persons with speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders.
Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher
Speech-Language Pathology Assistants
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Assist speech-language pathologists in the assessment and treatment of speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders.
Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree
Statisticians
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Develop or apply mathematical or statistical theory and methods to collect, organize, interpret, and summarize numerical data to provide…
Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher
Stockers and Order Fillers
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
- Numerous Job Openings
Receive, store, and issue merchandise, materials, equipment, and other items from stockroom, warehouse, or storage yard to fill shelves…
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
Stone Cutters and Carvers, Manufacturing
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Cut or carve stone according to diagrams and patterns.
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Counsel and advise individuals with alcohol, tobacco, drug, or other problems, such as gambling and eating disorders.
Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher
Supply Chain Managers
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Direct or coordinate production, purchasing, warehousing, distribution, or financial forecasting services or activities to limit costs and…
Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree
Surgical Assistants
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons. May, in accordance with state laws, help surgeons to make incisions and close…
Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree
Surgical Technologists
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel.
Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree
Surveying and Mapping Technicians
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Perform surveying and mapping duties, usually under the direction of an engineer, surveyor, cartographer, or photogrammetrist, to obtain…
Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree
Surveyors
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Make exact measurements and determine property boundaries. Provide data relevant to the shape, contour, gravitation, location, elevation…
Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree
Sustainability Specialists
- Bright Outlook
- Numerous Job Openings
Address organizational sustainability issues, such as waste stream management, green building practices, and green procurement plans.
Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree
Tax Preparers
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Prepare tax returns for individuals or small businesses.
Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree
Taxi Drivers
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Drive a motor vehicle to transport passengers on an unplanned basis and charge a fare, usually based on a meter.
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
Telecommunications Engineering Specialists
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Design or configure wired, wireless, and satellite communications systems for voice, video, and data services.
Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree
Therapists, All Other
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
All therapists not listed separately.
Tile and Stone Setters
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Apply hard tile, stone, and comparable materials to walls, floors, ceilings, countertops, and roof decks.
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
Tour Guides and Escorts
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Escort individuals or groups on sightseeing tours or through places of interest, such as industrial establishments, public buildings, and…
Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree
Training and Development Managers
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Plan, direct, or coordinate the training and development activities and staff of an organization.
Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree
Training and Development Specialists
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Design or conduct work-related training and development programs to improve individual skills or organizational performance.
Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree
Transportation Engineers
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Develop plans for surface transportation projects, according to established engineering standards and state or federal construction policy.
Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree
Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Plan, direct, or coordinate transportation, storage, or distribution activities in accordance with organizational policies and applicable…
Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree
Travel Guides
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Plan, organize, and conduct long-distance travel, tours, and expeditions for individuals and groups.
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
Treasurers and Controllers
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.
Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree
Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Officiate at competitive athletic or sporting events. Detect infractions of rules and decide penalties according to established regulations.
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
Validation Engineers
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Design or plan protocols for equipment or processes to produce products meeting internal and external purity, safety, and quality…
Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree
Veterinarians
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Diagnose, treat, or research diseases and injuries of animals. Includes veterinarians who conduct research and development, inspect…
Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Feed, water, and examine pets and other nonfarm animals for signs of illness, disease, or injury in laboratories and animal hospitals and…
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Perform medical tests in a laboratory environment for use in the treatment and diagnosis of diseases in animals.
Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree
Video Game Designers
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Design core features of video games. Specify innovative game and role-play mechanics, story lines, and character biographies.
Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree
Waiters and Waitresses
- Bright Outlook
- Numerous Job Openings
Take orders and serve food and beverages to patrons at tables in dining establishment.
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
Water Resource Specialists
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.
Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree