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.
Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Set up, operate, or tend continuous flow or vat-type equipment; filter presses; shaker screens; centrifuges; condenser tubes…
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
Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas
Operate equipment to increase oil flow from producing wells or to remove stuck pipe, casing, tools, or other obstructions from drilling…
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
Set and Exhibit Designers
Design special exhibits and sets for film, video, television, and theater productions.
Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher
Sewers, Hand
Sew, join, reinforce, or finish, usually with needle and thread, a variety of manufactured items. Includes weavers and stitchers.
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
Sewing Machine Operators
Operate or tend sewing machines to join, reinforce, decorate, or perform related sewing operations in the manufacture of garment or…
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
Sheet Metal Workers
Fabricate, assemble, install, and repair sheet metal products and equipment, such as ducts, control boxes, drainpipes, and furnace casings.
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
Ship Engineers
Supervise and coordinate activities of crew engaged in operating and maintaining engines, boilers, deck machinery, and electrical…
Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree
Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks
Verify and maintain records on incoming and outgoing shipments involving inventory.
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
Shoe Machine Operators and Tenders
Operate or tend a variety of machines to join, decorate, reinforce, or finish shoes and shoe parts.
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers
Construct, decorate, or repair leather and leather-like products, such as luggage, shoes, and saddles. May use hand tools.
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
Signal and Track Switch Repairers
Install, inspect, test, maintain, or repair electric gate crossings, signals, signal equipment, track switches, section lines, or…
Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree
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
Slaughterers and Meat Packers
Perform nonroutine or precision functions involving the preparation of large portions of meat.
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
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 Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other
All postsecondary social sciences teachers not listed separately.
Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other
All social scientists and related workers not listed separately.
Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary
Teach courses in social work. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher
Social Workers, All Other
All social workers not listed separately.
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
Sociologists
Study human society and social behavior by examining the groups and social institutions that people form, as well as various social…
Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher
Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary
Teach courses in sociology. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher
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 Energy Systems Engineers
Perform site-specific engineering analysis or evaluation of energy efficiency and solar projects involving residential, commercial, or…
Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor'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 Sales Representatives and Assessors
Contact new or existing customers to determine their solar equipment needs, suggest systems or equipment, or estimate costs.
Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree
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
Sound Engineering Technicians
Assemble and operate equipment to record, synchronize, mix, edit, or reproduce sound, including music, voices, or sound effects, for…
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
Special Education Teachers, All Other
All special education teachers not listed separately.
Special Education Teachers, Elementary School
Teach academic, social, and life skills to elementary school students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities.
Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten
Teach academic, social, and life skills to kindergarten students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities.
Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree
Special Education Teachers, Middle School
Teach academic, social, and life skills to middle school students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities.
Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree
Special Education Teachers, Preschool
Teach academic, social, and life skills to preschool-aged students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities.
Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree
Special Education Teachers, Secondary School
Teach academic, social, and life skills to secondary school students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities.
Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree
Special Effects Artists and Animators
Create special effects or animations using film, video, computers, or other electronic tools and media for use in products, such as…
Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree
Special Forces
Implement unconventional operations by air, land, or sea during combat or peacetime as members of elite teams.
Special Forces Officers
Lead elite teams that implement unconventional operations by air, land, or sea during combat or peacetime.
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
Sports Medicine Physicians
Diagnose, treat, and help prevent injuries that occur during sporting events, athletic training, and physical activities.
Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher
Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators
Operate or maintain stationary engines, boilers, or other mechanical equipment to provide utilities for buildings or industrial processes.
Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree