Career Guide 2026
Explore 160 career paths with salary data, education requirements, job growth projections, and top employers. Make informed decisions about your future.
Technology(23)
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.
Blockchain Developer
Design and implement blockchain-based solutions, smart contracts, and decentralized applications.
Game Developer
Design, develop, and optimize video games for consoles, PCs, and mobile platforms.
Systems Administrator
Install, configure, and maintain computer systems and servers to ensure reliable operations.
Network Engineer
Design, implement, and manage computer networks including LANs, WANs, and cloud infrastructure.
QA Engineer
Design and execute test plans to ensure software quality, identify bugs, and validate functionality.
Site Reliability Engineer
Ensure large-scale systems are reliable, scalable, and efficient through automation and engineering practices.
Data Analyst
Collect, process, and analyze data sets to help organizations make informed business decisions.
Prompt Engineer
Design and optimize prompts for large language models to produce accurate outputs.
AI Ethics Specialist
Ensure AI systems are developed and deployed ethically and responsibly.
Software Developer
Design, build, and maintain software applications across web, mobile, and enterprise platforms using modern programming languages.
Healthcare(32)
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.
Radiologic Technologist
Perform diagnostic imaging examinations like X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs on patients.
Respiratory Therapist
Evaluate, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders and cardiopulmonary conditions.
Optometrist
Examine eyes, diagnose vision problems, prescribe corrective lenses, and detect eye diseases.
Chiropractor
Diagnose and treat musculoskeletal conditions, primarily through manual adjustment of the spine.
Medical Sonographer
Operate ultrasound equipment to produce images of the body's internal structures for diagnostic purposes.
Surgical Technologist
Assist surgeons during operations by preparing operating rooms, sterilizing equipment, and passing instruments.
Occupational Health and Safety Specialist
Analyze workplaces and design programs to control, eliminate, and prevent disease or injury for workers.
Marriage and Family Therapist
Diagnose and treat mental health conditions and relationship issues within families, couples, and individuals.
Substance Abuse Counselor
Help individuals overcome addiction and substance use disorders through counseling and treatment planning.
Clinical Research Coordinator
Manage clinical trials by coordinating study protocols, enrolling participants, and ensuring regulatory compliance.
Dental Assistant
Assist dentists during procedures, prepare treatment rooms, take dental impressions, and manage patient records.
Medical Coder
Assign standardized codes to medical diagnoses and procedures for billing, insurance, and record-keeping.
Sports Medicine Physician
Diagnose and treat sports-related injuries and help athletes optimize performance.
Physician
Diagnose and treat medical conditions, prescribe treatments, and provide preventive care to patients across specialties.
Psychologist
Emergency Medical Technician
Respond to emergencies and provide basic life support to patients.
Dermatologist
Diagnose and treat conditions of the skin, hair, and nails.
Anesthesiologist
Administer anesthesia and monitor patients during surgical procedures.
Business & Finance(22)
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.
Insurance Underwriter
Evaluate insurance applications and assess risk to determine coverage terms and premiums.
Auditor
Examine and verify financial records to ensure accuracy, compliance, and proper reporting.
Tax Accountant
Prepare tax returns, develop tax strategies, and ensure compliance with federal and state tax regulations.
Investment Banker
Advise corporations on mergers, acquisitions, and capital raising through equity and debt offerings.
Venture Capitalist
Evaluate startup investments, provide funding, and guide portfolio companies toward growth and exits.
Business Analyst
Analyze business processes and requirements to recommend solutions that improve efficiency and profitability.
Logistics Manager
Plan and coordinate the movement, storage, and distribution of goods from origin to destination.
Public Relations Specialist
Create and maintain a favorable public image for organizations through media strategies and communications.
Market Research Analyst
Study market conditions to determine potential sales of products and services and identify target customers.
Training and Development Manager
Plan, develop, and oversee employee training programs to enhance workforce skills and organizational performance.
Business(1)
Finance(2)
Engineering(15)
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.
Urban Designer
Plan and design urban spaces, public areas, and communities to improve livability and sustainability.
Petroleum Engineer
Design methods for extracting oil and gas from underground deposits and develop new drilling technologies.
Renewable Energy Engineer
Design and develop systems for generating power from renewable sources like solar, wind, and geothermal.
Space Systems Engineer
Design, test, and integrate systems for spacecraft, satellites, and space exploration vehicles.
Agricultural Engineer
Apply engineering principles to solve agricultural and environmental problems.
Education(6)
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.
Elementary Teacher
Creative & Media(17)
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.
Video Editor
Edit raw footage into polished videos for film, television, social media, and corporate productions.
Podcast Producer
Plan, record, edit, and distribute podcast content including managing production schedules and guest coordination.
Content Strategist
Develop and oversee content strategies that align with business goals and engage target audiences.
Brand Manager
Develop and maintain brand identity, oversee marketing campaigns, and drive brand awareness and loyalty.
Art Director
Lead the visual style and creative direction of publications, advertising campaigns, and media productions.
Fashion Designer
Design clothing, accessories, and footwear by creating original designs and overseeing production processes.
Music Producer
Oversee the recording process, guide artists, mix and master tracks, and shape the sound of musical productions.
Photojournalist
Capture newsworthy images that tell stories and inform the public about current events and issues.
Animator
Create animated sequences for films, television, video games, and digital media using artistic and technical skills.
Industrial Designer
Design manufactured products by combining art, engineering, and business to create functional and appealing products.
Creative & Design(3)
UX Designer
Design intuitive, user-centered digital products and interfaces through research and iterative design.
Video Game Designer
Create game concepts, mechanics, storylines, and user experiences for video games.
Digital Content Creator
Create engaging digital content across platforms including video, social media, blogs, and podcasts.
Arts & Culture(1)
Media(1)
Legal(4)
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.
Court Reporter
Create word-for-word transcriptions of legal proceedings, depositions, and other official events.
Science & Research(9)
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.
Forensic Scientist
Collect and analyze physical evidence from crime scenes to assist law enforcement investigations.
Marine Biologist
Study marine organisms and their ecosystems to understand ocean life, conservation, and environmental impact.
Meteorologist
Study atmospheric conditions to forecast weather, analyze climate patterns, and issue severe weather warnings.
Science(1)
Analytics(1)
Environmental(1)
Trades & Skilled Labor(13)
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.
Heavy Equipment Operator
Operate heavy machinery like excavators, bulldozers, and cranes used in construction and infrastructure projects.
Aircraft Mechanic
Inspect, repair, and maintain aircraft engines, airframes, and related systems to ensure airworthiness.
Elevator Installer and Repairer
Install, maintain, and repair elevators, escalators, and other lifting equipment in buildings.
Diesel Mechanic
Diagnose, repair, and maintain diesel engines and vehicles including trucks, buses, and construction equipment.
CNC Machinist
Set up and operate computer-controlled machines to produce precision metal parts and components.
Service(1)
Transportation(2)
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 160 careers in our database is $92,108, with 26 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.
Social Science(1)
Economist
Study production and distribution of resources through data analysis.