Career Guide 2026
Explore 82 career paths with salary data, education requirements, job growth projections, and top employers. Make informed decisions about your future.
Technology(13)
Software Engineer
Design, develop, and maintain software applications and systems.
Data Scientist
Analyze complex data sets to identify trends and help organizations make data-driven decisions.
Cybersecurity Analyst
Protect organizations from cyber threats by monitoring, detecting, and responding to security incidents.
Cloud Architect
Design and oversee cloud computing strategies and infrastructure for organizations.
DevOps Engineer
Bridge development and operations teams to improve deployment frequency and software reliability.
UX Designer
Create intuitive and engaging user experiences for websites, apps, and digital products.
Product Manager
Define product vision and strategy, working cross-functionally to deliver products that meet user needs.
AI/ML Engineer
Build and deploy artificial intelligence and machine learning models to solve complex problems.
Mobile App Developer
Design and build mobile applications for iOS and Android platforms.
Database Administrator
Store, organize, and secure data using database management systems.
Web Developer
Design and develop websites and web applications using front-end and back-end technologies.
Data Engineer
Design, build, and maintain data pipelines and infrastructure for large-scale data processing.
Information Security Manager
Plan and direct security measures to protect an organization's information systems and data.
Healthcare(14)
Registered Nurse
Provide patient care, administer medications, and collaborate with healthcare teams.
Physician Assistant
Examine patients, diagnose illnesses, and prescribe treatments under physician supervision.
Physical Therapist
Help patients improve movement, manage pain, and recover from injuries through therapeutic exercises.
Pharmacist
Dispense medications, advise patients on drug usage, and ensure safe medication practices.
Dentist
Diagnose and treat oral health issues, perform dental procedures, and promote preventive care.
Medical Laboratory Technologist
Perform medical laboratory tests to help diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases.
Occupational Therapist
Help patients develop and recover daily living and work skills through therapeutic activities.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Assess and treat speech, language, and swallowing disorders in patients of all ages.
Nurse Practitioner
Provide advanced nursing care including diagnosing conditions, prescribing medications, and managing patient health.
Veterinarian
Diagnose and treat animals, perform surgeries, and advise pet owners on animal care.
Dietitian / Nutritionist
Plan and recommend dietary programs to promote health and manage medical conditions.
Athletic Trainer
Prevent, diagnose, and treat sports injuries for athletes and physically active individuals.
Dental Hygienist
Clean teeth, examine patients for oral diseases, and provide preventive dental care.
Genetic Counselor
Help individuals understand genetic conditions and make informed decisions about their health.
Business & Finance(12)
Financial Analyst
Evaluate financial data and investment opportunities to guide business and investment decisions.
Accountant
Prepare and examine financial records, ensuring accuracy and compliance with tax laws.
Management Consultant
Help organizations improve performance through strategy, operations, and organizational management.
Marketing Manager
Plan and execute marketing strategies to promote products, services, and brands.
Human Resources Manager
Oversee recruitment, employee relations, benefits, and organizational development.
Supply Chain Manager
Manage the flow of goods and services from suppliers to consumers, optimizing efficiency and cost.
Actuary
Use mathematics, statistics, and financial theory to assess risk and uncertainty in insurance and finance.
Real Estate Agent
Help clients buy, sell, and rent properties by providing market expertise and negotiation skills.
Project Manager
Plan, execute, and close projects, managing scope, schedule, and budget to deliver results.
Financial Planner
Help individuals manage their finances, plan for retirement, and achieve financial goals.
Operations Manager
Oversee daily business operations, manage resources, and improve organizational efficiency.
Event Planner
Coordinate all aspects of events including meetings, conferences, weddings, and corporate functions.
Engineering(10)
Mechanical Engineer
Design, develop, and test mechanical devices, tools, engines, and machines.
Civil Engineer
Design, build, and supervise infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, and buildings.
Electrical Engineer
Design, develop, and test electrical equipment and systems.
Biomedical Engineer
Design medical equipment, devices, and computer systems used in healthcare.
Environmental Engineer
Develop solutions to environmental problems including waste treatment, pollution control, and public health.
Aerospace Engineer
Design aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles, and test prototypes.
Chemical Engineer
Apply chemistry, biology, and engineering principles to solve problems in manufacturing and production.
Industrial Engineer
Optimize complex processes and systems to eliminate waste and improve efficiency.
Architect
Plan and design buildings and structures, ensuring they are functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing.
Robotics Engineer
Design, build, test, and maintain robotic systems for manufacturing, healthcare, and other industries.
Education(5)
Elementary School Teacher
Teach fundamental subjects to students in kindergarten through fifth grade.
High School Teacher
Teach specific academic subjects to students in grades 9 through 12.
College Professor
Teach postsecondary courses, conduct research, and publish scholarly works.
School Counselor
Help students develop academic and social skills, and plan for college and careers.
Special Education Teacher
Work with students who have learning disabilities, emotional, or physical challenges.
Creative & Media(7)
Graphic Designer
Create visual concepts using software to communicate ideas that inspire and inform consumers.
Video Game Designer
Design and create video games, developing gameplay mechanics, storylines, and interactive experiences.
Content Writer
Create engaging written content for websites, blogs, social media, and marketing materials.
Film Director
Oversee the creative aspects of film production, guiding actors and crew to bring stories to life.
Photographer
Capture and edit photographs for commercial, artistic, editorial, or personal purposes.
Interior Designer
Plan and design interior spaces to be functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing.
Technical Writer
Create technical documentation, manuals, and guides for complex products and processes.
Legal(3)
Lawyer
Advise and represent clients in legal matters, including contracts, litigation, and regulatory compliance.
Paralegal
Assist lawyers by researching legal precedents, preparing documents, and managing case files.
Compliance Officer
Ensure organizations comply with external regulations and internal policies.
Science & Research(6)
Biochemist
Study chemical processes within living organisms to advance understanding of biology and medicine.
Environmental Scientist
Study and develop solutions to environmental problems like pollution, conservation, and sustainability.
Clinical Psychologist
Diagnose and treat mental health disorders through therapy and psychological assessment.
Epidemiologist
Study and analyze patterns of diseases and health conditions to prevent outbreaks.
Biostatistician
Apply statistical methods to biological, medical, and public health research.
Sustainability Manager
Develop and implement sustainability strategies to reduce environmental impact and meet ESG goals.
Trades & Skilled Labor(8)
Electrician
Install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures.
Plumber
Install and repair pipes and fixtures for water, gas, and drainage systems.
HVAC Technician
Install, maintain, and repair heating, cooling, and ventilation systems.
Welder
Join metal parts together using various welding techniques and equipment.
Carpenter
Build, install, and repair structures and fixtures made of wood and other materials.
Construction Manager
Plan, coordinate, and oversee construction projects from start to finish.
Wind Turbine Technician
Install, maintain, and repair wind turbines that generate clean electricity.
Solar Panel Installer
Assemble, install, and maintain solar panel systems on rooftops and other structures.
Government & Public Service(4)
Police Officer
Protect communities by enforcing laws, responding to emergencies, and preventing crime.
Firefighter
Respond to fires and emergencies, perform rescues, and provide emergency medical care.
Urban Planner
Develop land use plans and programs to create communities and accommodate growth.
Social Worker
Help individuals and families cope with challenges by providing counseling and connecting them with resources.
Choosing the Right Career
Choosing a career involves balancing salary expectations, job growth, education investment, and personal interests. Our career guide provides data-driven insights to help you make the best decision.
The average median salary across all 82 careers in our database is $89,548, with 17 careers projected to grow 20% or more over the next decade.
Use our Degree ROI Calculator to estimate the return on your education investment, or browse College Majors to find the right program for your career goals.