Career Diagram – click on the career fields for sample career descriptions



Farm Equipment Mechanic and Service Technicians

  • Description:
    Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul farm machinery and vehicles. Ability to visualize results and combine elements and parts to produce a working piece of machinery
  • Required Education:
    Diploma, Associate
  • Options for Majors:
    Agricultural Mechanization, Agricultural Equipment/Machine Technology
  • Entry Wage:
    $27,205

Environmental Scientist and Specialist

  • Description:
    Research ways to reduce pollutants that affect public health and the environment and recommend action.
  • Required Education:
    Bachelor's, Master's
  • Options for Majors:
    Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geosciences
  • Entry Wage:
    $41,031

Veterinarian

  • Description:
    Diagnose, treat and research diseases and injuries of animals. Provide care for pets and inspect livestock.
  • Required Education:
    Doctorate
  • Options for Majors:
    Veterinary Medicine
  • Entry Wage:
    $52,773

Customer Service Representative

  • Description:
    Respond to inquiries about products and services and resolve customer complaints.
  • Required Education:
    Certificate, Diploma, Associate
  • Options for Majors:
    Business, Marketing
  • Entry Wage:
    $23,105

Accountant and Auditor

  • Description:
    Analyze accounting records to prepare statements. Requires extensive mathematical and analytical skills.
  • Required Education:
    Bachelor's, Master's
  • Options for Majors:
    Accounting, Finance, Business Management
  • Entry Wage:
    $42,734

Management Analyst

  • Description:
    Study problems in organizations and use logic to identify possible solutions and predict outcomes.
  • Required Education:
    Bachelor's, Master's
  • Options for Majors:
    Business Administration, Business Management
  • Entry Wage:
    $54,138

Real Estate Sales Agent

  • Description:
    Help clients rent, buy or sell property. Study property listings, interview prospective clients, and draw up real estate contracts.
  • Required Education:
    Certificate, Diploma, Associate
  • Options for Majors:
    Real Estate
  • Entry Wage:
    $27,162

Sales Manager

  • Description:
    Coordinate the sale of goods and services. Requires knowledge of sales, marketing and finance.
  • Required Education:
    Bachelor's, Master's
  • Options for Majors:
    Business Management, Marketing
  • Entry Wage:
    $64,641

Market Research Analyst and Marketing Specialist

  • Description:
    Research market conditions to determine potential sales of a product or service and create a marketing campaign.
  • Required Education:
    Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate
  • Options for Majors:
    Market Research, Statistics, Business Administration, Computer Science, Math
  • Entry Wage:
    $37,072

Insurance Sales Agent

  • Description:
    Sell life, property, casualty, health, automotive, or other types of insurance.
  • Required Education:
    Diploma, Bachelor's
  • Options for Majors:
    Accounting, Economics, Business, Statistics, Mathematics
  • Entry Wage:
    $28,431

Tax Preparer

  • Description:
    Prepare income taxes for individuals or small businesses. Consult with clients to provide tax planning services.
  • Required Education:
    Diploma
  • Options for Majors:
    Accounting, Statistics, Economics, Mathematics
  • Entry Wage:
    $25,901

Financial Analyst

  • Description:
    Conduct quantitative analyses of information affecting the investment programs of public or private institutions.
  • Required Education:
    Bachelor's, Master's
  • Options for Majors:
    Accounting, Economics, Finance, Statistics, Mathematics, Engineering, Business Administration
  • Entry Wage:
    $51,111

Hotel, Motel and Resort Desk Clerk

  • Description:
    Make and confirm hotel reservations, assign rooms, and collect payment from guests.
  • Required Education:
    Certificate, Diploma
  • Options for Majors:
    Business, Marketing
  • Entry Wage:
    $18,880

Chef and Head Cook

  • Description:
    Direct the preparation and cooking of food. Plan and price menu items, order supplies, and keep records and accounts.
  • Required Education:
    Certificate, Diploma, Associate, Bachelor's
  • Options for Majors:
    Culinary Arts Management, Culinary Science
  • Entry Wage:
    $25,446

Meeting, Convention and Event Planner

  • Description:
    Coordinate activities of staff and clients to arrange for group meetings, events or conventions.
  • Required Education:
    Associate, Bachelor's
  • Options for Majors:
    Hospitality Management, Marketing, Business, Public Relations, Communications
  • Entry Wage:
    $29,324

Telecommunications Equipment Installer and Repairer

  • Description:
    Service telephone, cable and Internet equipment. Install communications equipment or wiring in buildings.
  • Required Education:
    Certificate, Associate
  • Options for Majors:
    Electronics, Telecommunications, Computer Technology
  • Entry Wage:
    $37,378

Graphic Designers

  • Description:
    Create designs for print, electronic and film formats. Identify new solutions to existing communication problems.
  • Required Education:
    Associate, Bachelor's
  • Options for Majors:
    Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Commercial/Advertising Art
  • Entry Wage:
    $29,299

Art, Drama and Music Teacher, Postsecondary

  • Description:
    Teach courses in drama, music and art at the college level. Requires ability to both teach and conduct research.
  • Required Education:
    Master's, Doctorate
  • Options for Majors:
    Education, Arts, Music Theory
  • Entry Wage:
    $25,516

Computer, Automated Teller and Office Machine Repairer

  • Description:
    Repair, maintain and install computers and office machines. Requires experience in troubleshooting equipment.
  • Required Education:
    Certificate, Associate
  • Options for Majors:
    Electronics Technician, Computer Technology
  • Entry Wage:
    $20,322

Software Developer, Systems Software

  • Description:
    Develop software for various applications. Apply principles of computer science, engineering and mathematical analysis.
  • Required Education:
    Associate, Bachelor's
  • Options for Majors:
    Computer Science, Software Engineering
  • Entry Wage:
    $56,525

Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary

  • Description:
    Teach courses in computer science. Ability to combine teaching and research responsibilities.
  • Required Education:
    Master's, Doctorate
  • Options for Majors:
    Computer Science, Computer Engineering
  • Entry Wage:
    $51,932

Dental Hygienist

  • Description:
    Apply disease-prevention techniques when cleaning teeth and teach clients how to prevent dental disease.
  • Required Education:
    Associate, Bachelor's
  • Options for Majors:
    Dental Hygiene/Hygienist
  • Entry Wage:
    $52,545

Registered Nurse

  • Description:
    Provide care for clients who are ill or injured. Ability to adjust actions based on the perceived reaction of patients.
  • Required Education:
    Associate, Bachelor's, Master's
  • Options for Majors:
    Nursing, Public Health
  • Entry Wage:
    $46,691

Pharmacist

  • Description:
    Dispense medications and provide information about their use based on the doctor's prescription.
  • Required Education:
    Doctorate
  • Options for Majors:
    Pharmacy, Clinical and Industrial Drug Development
  • Entry Wage:
    $69,321

Electrician

  • Description:
    Install, maintain and repair electrical wiring, equipment and fixtures. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes.
  • Required Education:
    Certificate, Diploma, Associate
  • Options for Majors:
    Electrician apprenticeship program
  • Entry Wage:
    $30,386

Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanics and Installers

  • Description:
    Install, service and repair heating, air-conditioning and refrigeration systems using knowledge of mechanical systems.
  • Required Education:
    Certificate, Diploma, Associate
  • Options for Majors:
    Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology/Technician (HVAC)
  • Entry Wage:
    $32,472

Cost Estimator

  • Description:
    Prepare cost estimates for product manufacturing or construction projects. Must be skilled in math, accounting and production.
  • Required Education:
    Associate, Bachelor's, Masters
  • Options for Majors:
    Business Administration/Management, Construction Engineering
  • Entry Wage:
    $36,641

Biofuels Processing Technicians

  • Description:
    Prepare and process biofuels such as ethanol and biodiesel. Perform plant maintenance, repairs and safety inspections.
  • Required Education:
    Certificate, Associate
  • Options for Majors:
    Agricultural/Biofuels Process Technology, Biofuels Technician, Biomanufacturing
  • Entry Wage:
    $46,898

Tool and Die Makers

  • Description:
    Analyze specifications, lay out metal stock, operate machines, and fit and assemble tools and dies.
  • Required Education:
    Certificate, Diploma, Associate
  • Options for Majors:
    Tool and Die Technology
  • Entry Wage:
    $37,416

Welders, Cutters, Solderers and Brazers

  • Description:
    Heat and permanently join pieces of metal. Ability to read drawings and blueprints to create the desired results.
  • Required Education:
    Certificate, Diploma, Associate
  • Options for Majors:
    Welding/Welding Technology
  • Entry Wage:
    $28,551

Architectural and Civil Drafters

  • Description:
    Use software to convert designs into plans needed for construction.
  • Required Education:
    Certificate, Associate
  • Options for Majors:
    Drafting, Design Fundamentals, Sketching
  • Entry Wage:
    $34,372

Engineering Technicians Except Drafters

  • Description:
    Test the safety of structures, vehicles or vessels using x-ray, ultrasound, fiber optic or related equipment.
  • Required Education:
    Certificate, Diploma, Associate
  • Options for Majors:
    Laser and Optical Technician, Mathematics
  • Entry Wage:
    $37,597

Civil Engineer

  • Description:
    Design roads, bridges, tunnels, dams and buildings. Requires knowledge of building materials and construction processes.
  • Required Education:
    Bachelor's, Master's
  • Options for Majors:
    Civil Engineering, Transportation and Highway Engineering
  • Entry Wage:
    $56,331

Automotive Service Technician and Mechanic

  • Description:
    Inspect, maintain and repair cars and trucks using knowledge of mechanical systems.
  • Required Education:
    Certificate, Diploma, Associate
  • Options for Majors:
    Automotive Mechanic Technician, Automotive Engineering
  • Entry Wage:
    $23,512

Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers

  • Description:
    Transport goods from one location to another. Load and unload cargo, plan route, and oversee truck maintenance.
  • Required Education:
    Diploma, Associate
  • Options for Majors:
    Commercial Vehicle Operations, Truck and Bus Driving
  • Entry Wage:
    $32,006

Logisticians

  • Description:
    Analyze supply-chain processes to manage route activity including electronic bills and shipment tracing.
  • Required Education:
    Bachelor's, Master's
  • Options for Majors:
    Business, Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Process Engineering
  • Entry Wage:
    $48,722

Teacher Assistant

  • Description:
    Provide teaching and clerical support for classroom teachers by having a basic understanding of teaching methods.
  • Required Education:
    Certificate
  • Options for Majors:
    Teaching Assistant/Aide
  • Entry Wage:
    $19,611

Fitness Trainer and Aerobics Instructor

  • Description:
    Demonstrate exercise techniques, observe participants and explain corrective measures to improve client's skills.
  • Required Education:
    Certificate, Diploma, Associate
  • Options for Majors:
    Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Physical Education
  • Entry Wage:
    $22,209

Elementary and Secondary Education Administrator

  • Description:
    Direct the school's academic activities. Requires skills in resource allocation and problem solving.
  • Required Education:
    Master's, Doctorate
  • Options for Majors:
    Educational Administration, Educational Leadership
  • Entry Wage:
    $73,076

Construction and Building Inspector

  • Description:
    Determine structural soundness of buildings and ensure compliance with specifications and regulations.
  • Required Education:
    Certificate, Associate, Bachelor's
  • Options for Majors:
    Building Inspection, Construction Technology, Engineering, Architecture
  • Entry Wage:
    $34,156

Court, Municipal and License Clerks

  • Description:
    Draft agendas and bylaws for city council, record minutes of council meetings, and keep fiscal records.
  • Required Education:
    Certificate, Diploma, Bachelor's
  • Options for Majors:
    Accounting, Auditing, Information Systems, Political Science
  • Entry Wage:
    $25,949

Urban and Regional Planner

  • Description:
    Develop plans for land and facilities. Analyze costs and benefits of various solutions and coordinate project completion.
  • Required Education:
    Master's
  • Options for Majors:
    City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
  • Entry Wage:
    $48,754

Hairdressers, Hairstylists and Cosmetologists

  • Description:
    Help clients make changes in their physical appearance by implementing creative and unique ideas.
  • Required Education:
    Diploma
  • Options for Majors:
    Cosmetology
  • Entry Wage:
    $18,909

Social and Human Service Assistant

  • Description:
    Assist professionals from a wide variety of fields to provide client services and support for families.
  • Required Education:
    Associate, Bachelor's
  • Options for Majors:
    Mental and Social Health Services
  • Entry Wage:
    $21,153

Mental Health Counselor

  • Description:
    Counsel individuals to promote optimum mental health and resolve mental issues like depression and substance abuse.
  • Required Education:
    Master's
  • Options for Majors:
    Substance Abuse Counseling, Clinical Social Work
  • Entry Wage:
    $31,086

Firefighter

  • Description:
    Extinguish fires and respond to emergency situations where life, property or the environment is at risk.
  • Required Education:
    Certificate, Diploma
  • Options for Majors:
    Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
  • Entry Wage:
    $40,710

Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officer

  • Description:
    Enforce laws, regulate traffic, control crowds, and arrest violators based on local laws and security procedures.
  • Required Education:
    Certificate, Diploma, Associate, Bachelor's
  • Options for Majors:
    Criminal Justice, Criminal Science
  • Entry Wage:
    $38,055

Lawyer

  • Description:
    Study, explain and apply laws to specific problems. Requires negotiation skills and the ability to interpret legal documents.
  • Required Education:
    Doctorate
  • Options for Majors:
    Law
  • Entry Wage:
    $52,777