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.
Military Enlisted Tactical Operations and Air/Weapons Specialists and Crew Members, All Other
All military enlisted tactical operations and air/weapons specialists and crewmembers not listed separately.
Military Officer Special and Tactical Operations Leaders, All Other
All military officer special and tactical operations leaders not listed separately.
Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Set up, operate, or tend milling or planing machines to mill, plane, shape, groove, or profile metal or plastic work pieces.
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
Millwrights
Install, dismantle, or move machinery and heavy equipment according to layout plans, blueprints, or other drawings.
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers
Conduct subsurface surveys to identify the characteristics of potential land or mining development sites.
Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree
Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Set up, operate, or tend machines to mix or blend materials, such as chemicals, tobacco, liquids, color pigments, or explosive ingredients.
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul mobile mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic equipment, such as cranes, bulldozers, graders, and…
Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree
Model Makers, Metal and Plastic
Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, milling and engraving machines, and jig borers to make working models of metal or plastic…
Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree
Model Makers, Wood
Construct full-size and scale wooden precision models of products. Includes wood jig builders and loft workers.
Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree
Models
Model garments or other apparel and accessories for prospective buyers at fashion shows, private showings, or retail establishments.
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Mold, shape, form, cast, or carve products such as food products, figurines, tile, pipes, and candles consisting of clay, glass, plaster…
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Set up, operate, or tend metal or plastic molding, casting, or coremaking machines to mold or cast metal or thermoplastic parts or products.
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
Molecular and Cellular Biologists
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Research and study cellular molecules and organelles to understand cell function and organization.
Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher
Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers
Perform various tasks to arrange and direct individual funeral services, such as coordinating transportation of body to mortuary…
Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree
Motion Picture Projectionists
Set up and operate motion picture projection and related sound reproduction equipment.
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
Motor Vehicle Operators, All Other
All motor vehicle operators not listed separately.
Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Repair and adjust electrical and mechanical equipment of inboard or inboard-outboard boat engines.
Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree
Motorboat Operators
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Operate small motor-driven boats. May assist in navigational activities.
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
Motorcycle Mechanics
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul motorcycles, scooters, mopeds, dirt bikes, or similar motorized vehicles.
Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree
Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Set up, operate, or tend more than one type of cutting or forming machine tool or robot.
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
Museum Technicians and Conservators
Restore, maintain, or prepare objects in museum collections for storage, research, or exhibit.
Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher
Music Directors and Composers
Conduct, direct, plan, and lead instrumental or vocal performances by musical artists or groups, such as orchestras, bands, choirs, and…
Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree
Music Therapists
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Plan, organize, direct, or assess clinical and evidenced-based music therapy interventions to positively influence individuals' physical…
Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree
Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners
Repair percussion, stringed, reed, or wind instruments. May specialize in one area, such as piano tuning.
Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree
Musicians and Singers
Play one or more musical instruments or sing. May perform on stage, for broadcasting, or for sound or video recording.
Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree
Nannies
- Bright Outlook
- Numerous Job Openings
Care for children in private households and provide support and expertise to parents in satisfying children's physical, emotional…
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
Nanosystems Engineers
Design, develop, or supervise the production of materials, devices, or systems of unique molecular or macromolecular composition, applying…
Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher
Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Implement production processes and operate commercial-scale production equipment to produce, test, or modify materials, devices, or…
Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree
Natural Sciences Managers
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and…
Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher
Naturopathic Physicians
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases using a system of practice that is based on the natural healing capacity of individuals.
Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher
Network and Computer Systems Administrators
Install, configure, and maintain an organization's local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), data communications network…
Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree
Neurodiagnostic Technologists
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Conduct electroneurodiagnostic (END) tests such as electroencephalograms, evoked potentials, polysomnograms, or electronystagmograms.
Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree
Neurologists
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Diagnose, manage, and treat disorders and diseases of the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves, with a primarily nonsurgical focus.
Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher
Neuropsychologists
Apply theories and principles of neuropsychology to evaluate and diagnose disorders of higher cerebral functioning, often in research and…
Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher
New Accounts Clerks
Interview persons desiring to open accounts in financial institutions. Explain account services available to prospective customers and…
Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree
News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists
Narrate or write news stories, reviews, or commentary for print, broadcast, or other communications media such as newspapers, magazines…
Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree
Non-Destructive Testing Specialists
Test the safety of structures, vehicles, or vessels using x-ray, ultrasound, fiber optic or related equipment.
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
Nuclear Engineers
Conduct research on nuclear engineering projects or apply principles and theory of nuclear science to problems concerned with release…
Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree
Nuclear Medicine Technologists
Prepare, administer, and measure radioactive isotopes in therapeutic, diagnostic, and tracer studies using a variety of radioisotope…
Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree
Nuclear Monitoring Technicians
Collect and test samples to monitor results of nuclear experiments and contamination of humans, facilities, and environment.
Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree
Nuclear Power Reactor Operators
Operate or control nuclear reactors. Move control rods, start and stop equipment, monitor and adjust controls, and record data in logs.
Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree
Nuclear Technicians
Assist nuclear physicists, nuclear engineers, or other scientists in laboratory, power generation, or electricity production activities.
Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree
Nurse Anesthetists
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Administer anesthesia, monitor patient's vital signs, and oversee patient recovery from anesthesia.
Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher
Nurse Midwives
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Diagnose and coordinate all aspects of the birthing process, either independently or as part of a healthcare team.
Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher
Nurse Practitioners
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Diagnose and treat acute, episodic, or chronic illness, independently or as part of a healthcare team.
Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher
Nursing Assistants
- Bright Outlook
- Numerous Job Openings
Provide or assist with basic care or support under the direction of onsite licensed nursing staff.
Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree
Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Demonstrate and teach patient care in classroom and clinical units to nursing students.
Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher
Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Provide medical care related to pregnancy or childbirth. Diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases of women, particularly those affecting…
Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher