It's no surprise that a lot of people are looking into changing careers these days. To help, we've pulled together summaries of more than 180 occupations which might be of interest. Data for each occupation in the career list below includes its the typical salary, the number of people in the career currently in the US, the expected growth in the number of jobs over the next decade, and the level of education of people currently in the occupation.
For each career in the list, we also provide a full page profile which you can access by clicking on the career name in the table. Each detailed profile page (job description and data) breaks the data down by the occupation's popularity and salary by major metro region in the US, which might help you figure out whether it's a good bet for you. On each career description page we provide a list of schools which offer classes or degrees in support of the career. You can request info from as many schools as you want by filling in short online forms. Our experience is that these schools will get back to you quickly. Use this method to learn about the careers and schools; there is no use wasting time if you are gathering information about a new career. (Thanks to CityTownInfo.com for the career and college search information.)
Business And Management | Occupation | Employed | Decade Growth Forecast | Salary (Median) | High School Only | Some College | College Degree |
|---|
| Accountants | 1,274,000 | 18% | $55,000 | 4% | 17% | 79% | | Bookkeepers And Accounting Clerks | 2,114,000 | 13% | $31,000 | 34% | 50% | 16% | | Budget Analysts And Administrators | 62,000 | 7% | $61,000 | 4% | 18% | 78% | | Business Analysts | 678,000 | 22% | $68,000 | 7% | 16% | 78% | | Buyers | 287,000 | 0% | $51,000 | 22% | 36% | 42% | | Development And Training Managers | 29,000 | 16% | $80,000 | 15% | 28% | 58% | | Economics Professionals | 15,000 | 8% | $77,000 | 0% | 0% | 100% | | Financial Advisors | 176,000 | 41% | $66,000 | 4% | 15% | 81% | | Health Service Managers | 262,000 | 16% | $73,000 | 11% | 32% | 57% | | Human Resource Managers | 58,000 | 11% | $89,000 | 15% | 28% | 58% | | Human Resource Specialists | 214,000 | 17% | $52,000 | 14% | 30% | 56% | | Job Recruiters | 197,000 | 18% | $42,000 | 14% | 30% | 56% | | Market Researchers | 234,000 | 20% | $59,000 | 4% | 14% | 82% | | Retail And Wholesale Buyers | 157,000 | 0% | $45,000 | 28% | 36% | 36% | | Salary And Benefits Managers | 49,000 | 12% | $75,000 | 15% | 28% | 58% | | Salary And Benefits Specialists | 110,000 | 18% | $50,000 | 14% | 30% | 56% |
Computers And Tech | Occupation | Employed | Decade Growth Forecast | Salary (Median) | High School Only | Some College | College Degree |
|---|
| Application Software Engineers | 507,000 | 45% | $80,000 | 2% | 13% | 85% | | Computer Scientists | 25,000 | 22% | $94,000 | 7% | 25% | 68% | | Computer Support Technicians | 552,000 | 13% | $41,000 | 13% | 44% | 43% | | Computer System Specialists | 136,000 | 15% | $69,000 | 7% | 25% | 68% | | Computer Systems Analysts | 504,000 | 29% | $70,000 | 7% | 25% | 68% | | DBAs | 119,000 | 29% | $65,000 | 5% | 24% | 72% | | Networking Administrators | 309,000 | 27% | $62,000 | 8% | 42% | 50% | | Networking Analysts | 262,000 | 53% | $65,000 | 8% | 35% | 57% | | Operations Analyzers | 58,000 | 11% | $65,000 | 7% | 23% | 71% | | Software Programmers | 435,000 | -3% | $66,000 | 6% | 22% | 73% | | System Software Engineers | 350,000 | 28% | $85,000 | 2% | 13% | 85% |
Construction Industry Designer | Occupation | Employed | Decade Growth Forecast | Salary (Median) | High School Only | Some College | College Degree |
|---|
| Clothing Designer | 20,000 | 5% | $63,000 | 14% | 31% | 55% | | Floral Layout Designers | 87,000 | -8% | $22,000 | 14% | 31% | 55% | | Interior And Space Designers | 72,000 | 20% | $42,000 | 14% | 31% | 55% | | Product Displayers | 87,000 | 11% | $24,000 | 14% | 31% | 55% | | Professional Graphic Designers | 261,000 | 10% | $40,000 | 14% | 31% | 55% | | Set And Exhibit Designers | 12,000 | 18% | $42,000 | 14% | 31% | 55% |
Engine Repair And Mechanic | Occupation | Employed | Decade Growth Forecast | Salary (Median) | High School Only | Some College | College Degree |
|---|
| Aircraft Service Technicians | 122,000 | 11% | $48,000 | 33% | 57% | 11% | | Auto Body Mechanics | 183,000 | 12% | $35,000 | 74% | 23% | 3% | | Car Mechanics | 773,000 | 14% | $34,000 | 62% | 34% | 4% | | Diesel Mechanics | 131,000 | 12% | $40,000 | 62% | 35% | 3% | | Marine Mechanics | 24,000 | 19% | $33,000 | 64% | 32% | 5% | | Motorbike Mechanics | 21,000 | 13% | $30,000 | 64% | 32% | 5% | | Recreational Vehicle Service Techs | 14,000 | 18% | $32,000 | 74% | 20% | 6% | | Truck Mechanics | 275,000 | 12% | $38,000 | 66% | 31% | 3% |
Food Service | Occupation | Employed | Decade Growth Forecast | Salary (Median) | High School Only | Some College | College Degree |
|---|
| Bread And Pastry Bakers | 149,000 | 10% | $22,000 | 70% | 22% | 8% | | Chefs And Lead Cooks | 115,000 | 8% | $34,000 | 48% | 39% | 14% | | Food Preparers | 902,000 | 15% | $17,000 | 74% | 19% | 7% | | Food Services Managers | 350,000 | 5% | $43,000 | 40% | 36% | 24% | | Institution Cooks | 401,000 | 11% | $20,000 | 77% | 19% | 5% | | Professional Cooks | 16,000 | 3% | $22,000 | 77% | 19% | 5% | | Restaurant Food Preparers | 850,000 | 12% | $20,000 | 77% | 19% | 5% | | Restaurant Hosts And Hostesses | 351,000 | 10% | $16,000 | 51% | 33% | 17% | | Short Order Food Preparers | 195,000 | 5% | $18,000 | 77% | 19% | 5% |
Law Machine And Tool Operator Medical Administration Medical Practitioner | Occupation | Employed | Decade Growth Forecast | Salary (Median) | High School Only | Some College | College Degree |
|---|
| Clinical Counselors | 152,000 | 16% | $59,000 | 0% | 0% | 99% |
Medical Support | Occupation | Employed | Decade Growth Forecast | Salary (Median) | High School Only | Some College | College Degree |
|---|
| Cardiovascular Technologists | 45,000 | 26% | $42,000 | 7% | 68% | 25% | | Dental Hygiene Technicians | 167,000 | 30% | $63,000 | 3% | 64% | 33% | | Dental Lab Techs | 53,000 | 4% | $33,000 | 43% | 46% | 12% | | Dentist Assistants | 280,000 | 29% | $30,000 | 34% | 58% | 9% | | Dietitians | 57,000 | 9% | $47,000 | 15% | 14% | 72% | | Emergency Medical Technicians | 201,000 | 19% | $27,000 | 18% | 68% | 14% | | Home Healthcare Aides | 787,000 | 49% | $19,000 | 55% | 37% | 7% | | Medical Lab Techs | 151,000 | 15% | $33,000 | 14% | 35% | 51% | | Medical Laboratory Technologists | 167,000 | 12% | $50,000 | 14% | 35% | 51% | | Occupational Health Providers | 45,000 | 8% | $58,000 | 9% | 18% | 72% | | Occupational Health Techs | 10,000 | 15% | $42,000 | 9% | 18% | 72% | | Occupational Therapy Providers | 99,000 | 23% | $60,000 | 0% | 9% | 90% | | Pharmacist Aides | 50,000 | -10% | $19,000 | 31% | 59% | 10% | | Pharmacist Techs | 285,000 | 32% | $26,000 | 27% | 57% | 16% | | Prosthetists And Orthotists | 6,000 | 12% | $59,000 | 28% | 45% | 27% | | Psychiatric Techs | 62,000 | -2% | $28,000 | 27% | 57% | 16% | | Qualified Medical Assistants | 417,000 | 35% | $26,000 | 31% | 59% | 10% | | Radiation Therapy Providers | 15,000 | 25% | $66,000 | 0% | 55% | 42% | | Radiologic Technicians | 196,000 | 15% | $48,000 | 7% | 68% | 25% | | Recreational Therapist Providers | 25,000 | 4% | $35,000 | 0% | 14% | 77% | | Respiratory Therapy Providers | 102,000 | 23% | $47,000 | 1% | 71% | 28% | | Respiratory Therapy Techs | 19,000 | 1% | $39,000 | 27% | 57% | 16% | | Surgical Techs | 86,000 | 25% | $36,000 | 27% | 57% | 16% | | Ultrasound Techs | 46,000 | 19% | $57,000 | 7% | 68% | 25% |
Nurse | Occupation | Employed | Decade Growth Forecast | Salary (Median) | High School Only | Some College | College Degree |
|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurses | 749,000 | 14% | $37,000 | 21% | 72% | 7% | | Nurses | 2,505,000 | 24% | $57,000 | 1% | 43% | 56% | | Nurses Aides | 1,447,000 | 18% | $22,000 | 55% | 37% | 7% |
Office Supporter | Occupation | Employed | Decade Growth Forecast | Salary (Median) | High School Only | Some College | College Degree |
|---|
| Admin Assistants | 1,940,000 | 1% | $27,000 | 33% | 49% | 18% | | Executive Secretaries | 1,618,000 | 15% | $37,000 | 33% | 49% | 18% | | General Office Clerks | 3,200,000 | 13% | $24,000 | 36% | 45% | 19% | | Insurance Claims Clerks | 254,000 | 0% | $31,000 | 31% | 48% | 22% | | Office And Admin Support Workers | 320,000 | -8% | $27,000 | 25% | 43% | 32% |
Performing Arts And Entertainment | Occupation | Employed | Decade Growth Forecast | Salary (Median) | High School Only | Some College | College Degree |
|---|
| Audio-Video Technicians | 50,000 | 24% | $35,000 | 21% | 44% | 35% | | Directors And Composers | 68,000 | 13% | $40,000 | 19% | 28% | 53% | | Multimedia Designers | 87,000 | 26% | $51,000 | 14% | 29% | 58% | | Musicians And Performers | 196,000 | 10% | 0 | 19% | 28% | 53% | | News Reporters | 59,000 | 1% | $33,000 | 1% | 14% | 85% | | PR Specialists | 243,000 | 18% | $47,000 | 5% | 14% | 81% | | Professional Photographers | 122,000 | 10% | $26,000 | 19% | 36% | 46% | | TV And Radio Broadcast Operators | 38,000 | 12% | $31,000 | 21% | 44% | 35% | | Video And Film Camera Operators | 27,000 | 12% | $40,000 | 13% | 29% | 58% | | Video And Film Editors | 21,000 | 13% | $47,000 | 13% | 29% | 58% |
Personal Care Services Schools Physical Science | Occupation | Employed | Decade Growth Forecast | Salary (Median) | High School Only | Some College | College Degree |
|---|
| Forestry Professionals | 13,000 | 5% | $51,000 | 0% | 14% | 86% |
Police And Correctional Professional Engineering | Occupation | Employed | Decade Growth Forecast | Salary (Median) | High School Only | Some College | College Degree |
|---|
| Landscape Designers | 28,000 | 16% | $55,000 | 2% | 10% | 88% |
Repair And Installation | Occupation | Employed | Decade Growth Forecast | Salary (Median) | High School Only | Some College | College Degree |
|---|
| Appliance Repair Technicians | 57,000 | 2% | $34,000 | 50% | 43% | 7% | | HVAC Technicians | 292,000 | 9% | $38,000 | 58% | 39% | 3% | | Locksmiths | 26,000 | 22% | $32,000 | 56% | 33% | 0% | | Medical Equip Repairers | 38,000 | 22% | $41,000 | 28% | 57% | 15% | | Telecom Equipment Installers | 198,000 | 3% | $52,000 | 36% | 51% | 13% | | Telecom Line Installers | 162,000 | 5% | $46,000 | 48% | 44% | 8% |
Sales Persons Brokers And Agent | Occupation | Employed | Decade Growth Forecast | Salary (Median) | High School Only | Some College | College Degree |
|---|
| Financial Services Sales Agents | 320,000 | 25% | $69,000 | 10% | 23% | 67% | | Real Estate Sales Agents | 432,000 | 11% | $40,000 | 18% | 37% | 45% | | Real Estate Sales Brokers | 131,000 | 11% | $61,000 | 18% | 37% | 45% | | Retail Sales Clerk Supervisors | 1,676,000 | 4% | $34,000 | 39% | 37% | 25% | | Sales And Promotions Managers | 318,000 | 10% | $92,000 | 9% | 22% | 69% | | Tech Products Sales Reps | 411,000 | 12% | $64,000 | 21% | 28% | 51% |
Social And Community Services | Occupation | Employed | Decade Growth Forecast | Salary (Median) | High School Only | Some College | College Degree |
|---|
| Child And Family Social Workers | 282,000 | 19% | $37,000 | 7% | 16% | 77% | | Drug Counselors | 83,000 | 34% | $34,000 | 9% | 18% | 73% | | Family Therapy Providers | 25,000 | 30% | $43,000 | 9% | 18% | 73% | | Human Services Assistants | 339,000 | 34% | $26,000 | 16% | 26% | 58% | | Medical Social Workers | 124,000 | 24% | $43,000 | 7% | 16% | 77% | | Mental Health Advisors | 100,000 | 30% | $34,000 | 9% | 18% | 73% | | Mental Health Social Workers | 122,000 | 30% | $35,000 | 7% | 16% | 77% | | Private And Public Social Workers | 66,000 | 18% | $44,000 | 7% | 16% | 77% | | Professional Counselors | 27,000 | 17% | $38,000 | 9% | 18% | 73% | | Rehab Counselors | 141,000 | 23% | $29,000 | 9% | 18% | 73% | | School Counselors | 260,000 | 13% | $48,000 | 9% | 18% | 73% | | Social Services Managers | 130,000 | 25% | $52,000 | 9% | 20% | 72% |
Supervisory | Occupation | Employed | Decade Growth Forecast | Salary (Median) | High School Only | Some College | College Degree |
|---|
| Business Managers | 870,000 | 7% | $82,000 | 17% | 27% | 55% | | Food Preparation Managers | 817,000 | 11% | $27,000 | 51% | 35% | 14% | | Non-Retail Sales Clerk Supervisors | 530,000 | 4% | $66,000 | 31% | 31% | 38% | | PR Managers | 50,000 | 17% | $82,000 | 9% | 16% | 75% | | Product Marketing Managers | 167,000 | 14% | $99,000 | 9% | 22% | 69% |
Teaching And Education | Occupation | Employed | Decade Growth Forecast | Salary (Median) | High School Only | Some College | College Degree |
|---|
| College Administrators | 131,000 | 14% | $74,000 | 6% | 15% | 78% | | Elementary And Preschool Special Ed Teachers | 219,000 | 20% | $46,000 | 5% | 8% | 87% | | Elementary And Secondary Education Administrators | 226,000 | 8% | $78,000 | 6% | 15% | 78% | | Elementary Teachers | 1,540,000 | 14% | $46,000 | 0% | 5% | 95% | | High School Teachers | 1,038,000 | 6% | $48,000 | 1% | 4% | 96% | | Junior High School Teachers | 658,000 | 11% | $46,000 | 0% | 5% | 95% | | Middle School Special Ed Teachers | 102,000 | 16% | $48,000 | 5% | 8% | 87% | | Middle School Vocation Teachers | 16,000 | -4% | $44,000 | 0% | 5% | 95% | | Pre-School Teachers | 437,000 | 26% | $23,000 | 20% | 38% | 43% | | Secondary School Special Education Teachers | 138,000 | 9% | $48,000 | 5% | 8% | 87% | | Secondary School Vocation Teachers | 96,000 | -4% | $49,000 | 1% | 4% | 96% | | Teaching Assistants | 1,312,000 | 10% | $21,000 | 37% | 45% | 18% |
Technical Maintenance | Occupation | Employed | Decade Growth Forecast | Salary (Median) | High School Only | Some College | College Degree |
|---|
| Civil Drafters | 116,000 | 6% | $42,000 | 13% | 62% | 25% | | Drafting Technicians | 25,000 | 11% | $43,000 | 13% | 62% | 25% | | Electronics And Electical Drafters | 35,000 | 4% | $47,000 | 13% | 62% | 25% | | Forensic Technician | 13,000 | 31% | $45,000 | 19% | 35% | 46% | | Forestry Technicians | 34,000 | -1% | $31,000 | 19% | 35% | 46% | | Mechanical Drafting Technicians | 78,000 | 5% | $44,000 | 13% | 62% | 25% | | Mechanical Engineering Techs | 48,000 | 6% | $46,000 | 27% | 54% | 18% | | Ophthalmic Laboratory Techs | 29,000 | 7% | $25,000 | 43% | 46% | 12% | | Sound Techs | 16,000 | 9% | $43,000 | 21% | 44% | 35% | | Tech Writers | 49,000 | 20% | $58,000 | 7% | 18% | 74% |
Therapy | Occupation | Employed | Decade Growth Forecast | Salary (Median) | High School Only | Some College | College Degree |
|---|
| Fitness Trainers And Instructors | 235,000 | 27% | $26,000 | 21% | 32% | 47% | | Massage Therapy Providers | 118,000 | 20% | $33,000 | 19% | 49% | 32% | | Occupational Therapy Aides | 8,000 | 22% | $25,000 | 0% | 86% | 13% | | Occupational Therapy Assistants | 25,000 | 25% | $42,000 | 0% | 86% | 13% | | Physical Therapy Aides | 46,000 | 24% | $22,000 | 12% | 65% | 23% | | Physical Therapy Assistants | 60,000 | 32% | $41,000 | 12% | 65% | 23% | | Physical Therapy Providers | 173,000 | 27% | $66,000 | 2% | 9% | 89% |
Transportation Specialist | Occupation | Employed | Decade Growth Forecast | Salary (Median) | High School Only | Some College | College Degree |
|---|
| Delivery Vehicle Drivers | 1,051,000 | 8% | $25,000 | 71% | 25% | 4% | | Truck Drivers | 1,860,000 | 10% | $35,000 | 71% | 25% | 4% |
Travel And Hospitality Veterinarian | Occupation | Employed | Decade Growth Forecast | Salary (Median) | High School Only | Some College | College Degree |
|---|
| Vet Assistants | 75,000 | 16% | $20,000 | 31% | 59% | 10% | | Veterinary Technicians | 71,000 | 41% | $27,000 | 27% | 57% | 16% |
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