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.
Architects, Except Landscape and Naval
Plan and design structures, such as private residences, office buildings, theaters, factories, and other structural property.
Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher
Architectural and Civil Drafters
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Prepare detailed drawings of architectural and structural features of buildings or drawings and topographical relief maps used in civil…
Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree
Architectural and Engineering Managers
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.
Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher
Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary
Teach courses in architecture and architectural design, such as architectural environmental design, interior architecture/design, and…
Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher
Archivists
Appraise, edit, and direct safekeeping of permanent records and historically valuable documents.
Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher
Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary
Teach courses pertaining to the culture and development of an area, an ethnic group, or any other group, such as Latin American studies…
Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher
Armored Assault Vehicle Crew Members
Operate tanks, light armor, and amphibious assault vehicles during combat situations on land or in aquatic environments.
Armored Assault Vehicle Officers
Direct the operation of tanks, light armor, and amphibious assault vehicle units during combat situations on land or in aquatic…
Art Directors
Formulate design concepts and presentation approaches for visual productions and media, such as print, broadcasting, video, and film.
Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree
Art Therapists
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Plan or conduct art therapy sessions or programs to improve clients' physical, cognitive, or emotional well-being.
Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary
Teach courses in drama, music, and the arts including fine and applied art, such as painting and sculpture, or design and crafts.
Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher
Artillery and Missile Crew Members
Target, fire, and maintain weapons used to destroy enemy positions, aircraft, and vessels.
Artillery and Missile Officers
Manage personnel and weapons operations to destroy enemy positions, aircraft, and vessels.
Artists and Related Workers, All Other
All artists and related workers not listed separately.
Assemblers and Fabricators, All Other
All assemblers and fabricators not listed separately.
Astronomers
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Observe, research, and interpret astronomical phenomena to increase basic knowledge or apply such information to practical problems.
Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher
Athletes and Sports Competitors
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Compete in athletic events.
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
Athletic Trainers
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Evaluate and treat musculoskeletal injuries or illnesses. Provide preventive, therapeutic, emergency, and rehabilitative care.
Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher
Atmospheric and Space Scientists
Investigate atmospheric phenomena and interpret meteorological data, gathered by surface and air stations, satellites, and radar to…
Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree
Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
Teach courses in the physical sciences, except chemistry and physics. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching, and those who…
Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher
Audio and Video Technicians
Set up, maintain, and dismantle audio and video equipment, such as microphones, sound speakers, connecting wires and cables, sound and…
Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree
Audiologists
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Assess and treat persons with hearing and related disorders. May fit hearing aids and provide auditory training.
Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher
Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Install, repair, or adjust audio or television receivers, stereo systems, camcorders, video systems, or other electronic entertainment…
Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree
Automotive Body and Related Repairers
Repair and refinish automotive vehicle bodies and straighten vehicle frames.
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
Automotive Engineering Technicians
Assist engineers in determining the practicality of proposed product design changes and plan and carry out tests on experimental test…
Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree
Automotive Engineers
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Develop new or improved designs for vehicle structural members, engines, transmissions, or other vehicle systems, using computer-assisted…
Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree
Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Replace or repair broken windshields and window glass in motor vehicles.
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles.
Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree
Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants
Service automobiles, buses, trucks, boats, and other automotive or marine vehicles with fuel, lubricants, and accessories.
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
Aviation Inspectors
Inspect aircraft, maintenance procedures, air navigational aids, air traffic controls, and communications equipment to ensure conformance…
Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree
Avionics Technicians
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Install, inspect, test, adjust, or repair avionics equipment, such as radar, radio, navigation, and missile control systems in aircraft or…
Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree
Baggage Porters and Bellhops
Handle baggage for travelers at transportation terminals or for guests at hotels or similar establishments.
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
Bailiffs
Maintain order in courts of law.
Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree
Bakers
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Mix and bake ingredients to produce breads, rolls, cookies, cakes, pies, pastries, or other baked goods.
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
Barbers
Provide barbering services, such as cutting, trimming, shampooing, and styling hair; trimming beards; or giving shaves.
Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree
Baristas
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
- Numerous Job Openings
Prepare or serve specialty coffee or other beverages. Serve food such as baked goods or sandwiches to patrons.
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
Bartenders
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
- Numerous Job Openings
Mix and serve drinks to patrons, directly or through waitstaff.
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
Bicycle Repairers
Repair and service bicycles.
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
Bill and Account Collectors
Locate and notify customers of delinquent accounts by mail, telephone, or personal visit to solicit payment.
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
Billing and Posting Clerks
Compile, compute, and record billing, accounting, statistical, and other numerical data for billing purposes.
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
Biochemists and Biophysicists
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Study the chemical composition or physical principles of living cells and organisms, their electrical and mechanical energy, and related…
Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher
Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Apply knowledge of engineering, biology, chemistry, computer science, and biomechanical principles to the design, development, and…
Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree
Biofuels Processing Technicians
Calculate, measure, load, mix, and process refined feedstock with additives in fermentation or reaction process vessels and monitor…
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
Biofuels Production Managers
Manage biofuels production and plant operations. Collect and process information on plant production and performance, diagnose problems…
Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term…
Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree
Bioinformatics Scientists
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Conduct research using bioinformatics theory and methods in areas such as pharmaceuticals, medical technology, biotechnology…
Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher
Bioinformatics Technicians
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Apply principles and methods of bioinformatics to assist scientists in areas such as pharmaceuticals, medical technology, biotechnology…
Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Teach courses in biological sciences. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and…
Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher