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.
Data Entry Keyers
Operate data entry device, such as keyboard or photo composing perforator.
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
Data Scientists
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Develop and implement a set of techniques or analytics applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented…
Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree
Data Warehousing Specialists
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Design, model, or implement corporate data warehousing activities. Program and configure warehouses of database information and provide…
Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree
Database Administrators
Administer, test, and implement computer databases, applying knowledge of database management systems.
Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree
Database Architects
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Design strategies for enterprise databases, data warehouse systems, and multidimensional networks.
Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree
Demonstrators and Product Promoters
Demonstrate merchandise and answer questions for the purpose of creating public interest in buying the product.
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
Dental Assistants
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Perform limited clinical duties under the direction of a dentist. Clinical duties may include equipment preparation and sterilization…
Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree
Dental Hygienists
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Administer oral hygiene care to patients. Assess patient oral hygiene problems or needs and maintain health records.
Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree
Dental Laboratory Technicians
Construct and repair full or partial dentures or dental appliances.
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
Dentists, All Other Specialists
All dentists not listed separately.
Dentists, General
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Examine, diagnose, and treat diseases, injuries, and malformations of teeth and gums.
Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher
Dermatologists
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Diagnose and treat diseases relating to the skin, hair, and nails. May perform both medical and dermatological surgery functions.
Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher
Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas
Rig derrick equipment and operate pumps to circulate mud or fluid through drill hole.
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
Designers, All Other
All designers not listed separately.
Desktop Publishers
Format typescript and graphic elements using computer software to produce publication-ready material.
Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree
Detectives and Criminal Investigators
Conduct investigations related to suspected violations of federal, state, or local laws to prevent or solve crimes.
Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Produce ultrasonic recordings of internal organs for use by physicians. Includes vascular technologists.
Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree
Dietetic Technicians
Assist in the provision of food service and nutritional programs, under the supervision of a dietitian.
Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree
Dietitians and Nutritionists
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Plan and conduct food service or nutritional programs to assist in the promotion of health and control of disease.
Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher
Digital Forensics Analysts
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
- New & Emerging
Conduct investigations on computer-based crimes establishing documentary or physical evidence, such as digital media and logs associated…
Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree
Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
- Numerous Job Openings
Facilitate food service. Clean tables; remove dirty dishes; replace soiled table linens; set tables; replenish supply of clean linens…
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
Directors, Religious Activities and Education
Coordinate or design programs and conduct outreach to promote the religious education or activities of a denominational group.
Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree
Disc Jockeys, Except Radio
Play prerecorded music for live audiences at venues or events such as clubs, parties, or wedding receptions.
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
Dishwashers
Clean dishes, kitchen, food preparation equipment, or utensils.
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance
Schedule and dispatch workers, work crews, equipment, or service vehicles for conveyance of materials, freight, or passengers, or for…
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
Document Management Specialists
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Implement and administer enterprise-wide document management systems and related procedures that allow organizations to capture, store…
Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree
Door-to-Door Sales Workers, News and Street Vendors, and Related Workers
Sell goods or services door-to-door or on the street.
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
Drafters, All Other
All drafters not listed separately.
Dredge Operators
Operate dredge to remove sand, gravel, or other materials in order to excavate and maintain navigable channels in waterways.
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Set up, operate, or tend drilling machines to drill, bore, ream, mill, or countersink metal or plastic work pieces.
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
Driver/Sales Workers
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Drive truck or other vehicle over established routes or within an established territory and sell or deliver goods, such as food products…
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers
Apply plasterboard or other wallboard to ceilings or interior walls of buildings.
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas
Operate a variety of drills such as rotary, churn, and pneumatic to tap subsurface water and salt deposits, to remove core samples during…
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary
Teach courses in economics. 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
Economists
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Conduct research, prepare reports, or formulate plans to address economic problems related to the production and distribution of goods and…
Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher
Editors
Plan, coordinate, revise, or edit written material. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication.
Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree
Education Administrators, All Other
All education administrators not listed separately.
Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary
Plan, direct, or coordinate the academic, administrative, or auxiliary activities of kindergarten, elementary, or secondary schools.
Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher
Education Administrators, Postsecondary
Plan, direct, or coordinate student instruction, administration, and services, as well as other research and educational activities, at…
Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher
Education Teachers, Postsecondary
Teach courses pertaining to education, such as counseling, curriculum, guidance, instruction, teacher education, and teaching English as a…
Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher
Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare
Plan, direct, or coordinate academic or nonacademic activities of preschools or childcare centers and programs, including before- and…
Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree
Educational Instruction and Library Workers, All Other
All educational instruction and library workers not listed separately.
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors
Advise and assist students and provide educational and vocational guidance services.
Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher
Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers
Repair, maintain, or install electric motors, wiring, or switches.
Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree
Electrical Engineers
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Research, design, develop, test, or supervise the manufacturing and installation of electrical equipment, components, or systems for…
Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree
Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Install or repair cables or wires used in electrical power or distribution systems.
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Apply electrical and electronic theory and related knowledge, usually under the direction of engineering staff, to design, build, repair…
Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree
Electrical and Electronic Equipment Assemblers
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Assemble or modify electrical or electronic equipment, such as computers, test equipment telemetering systems, electric motors, and…
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one