DegreeCalc

Career Guide 2026

Explore 160 career paths with salary data, education requirements, job growth projections, and top employers. Make informed decisions about your future.

160
Careers
21
Industries
$92K
Avg Salary
26
High-Growth

Technology(23)

Software Engineer

$124K25% growth

Design, develop, and maintain software applications and systems.

Data Scientist

$108K35% growth

Analyze complex data sets to identify trends and help organizations make data-driven decisions.

Cybersecurity Analyst

$112K32% growth

Protect organizations from cyber threats by monitoring, detecting, and responding to security incidents.

Cloud Architect

$135K28% growth

Design and oversee cloud computing strategies and infrastructure for organizations.

DevOps Engineer

$120K22% growth

Bridge development and operations teams to improve deployment frequency and software reliability.

UX Designer

$85K16% growth

Create intuitive and engaging user experiences for websites, apps, and digital products.

Product Manager

$125K12% growth

Define product vision and strategy, working cross-functionally to deliver products that meet user needs.

AI/ML Engineer

$145K40% growth

Build and deploy artificial intelligence and machine learning models to solve complex problems.

Mobile App Developer

$105K20% growth

Design and build mobile applications for iOS and Android platforms.

Database Administrator

$101K8% growth

Store, organize, and secure data using database management systems.

Web Developer

$81K16% growth

Design and develop websites and web applications using front-end and back-end technologies.

Data Engineer

$115K30% growth

Design, build, and maintain data pipelines and infrastructure for large-scale data processing.

Information Security Manager

$165K32% growth

Plan and direct security measures to protect an organization's information systems and data.

Blockchain Developer

$146K31% growth

Design and implement blockchain-based solutions, smart contracts, and decentralized applications.

Game Developer

$100K16% growth

Design, develop, and optimize video games for consoles, PCs, and mobile platforms.

Systems Administrator

$91K2% growth

Install, configure, and maintain computer systems and servers to ensure reliable operations.

Network Engineer

$95K3% growth

Design, implement, and manage computer networks including LANs, WANs, and cloud infrastructure.

QA Engineer

$100K20% growth

Design and execute test plans to ensure software quality, identify bugs, and validate functionality.

Site Reliability Engineer

$138K22% growth

Ensure large-scale systems are reliable, scalable, and efficient through automation and engineering practices.

Data Analyst

$83K23% growth

Collect, process, and analyze data sets to help organizations make informed business decisions.

Prompt Engineer

$130K45% growth

Design and optimize prompts for large language models to produce accurate outputs.

AI Ethics Specialist

$125K38% growth

Ensure AI systems are developed and deployed ethically and responsibly.

Software Developer

$127K25%% growth

Design, build, and maintain software applications across web, mobile, and enterprise platforms using modern programming languages.

Healthcare(32)

Registered Nurse

$81K6% growth

Provide patient care, administer medications, and collaborate with healthcare teams.

Physician Assistant

$126K28% growth

Examine patients, diagnose illnesses, and prescribe treatments under physician supervision.

Physical Therapist

$98K15% growth

Help patients improve movement, manage pain, and recover from injuries through therapeutic exercises.

Pharmacist

$133K-2% growth

Dispense medications, advise patients on drug usage, and ensure safe medication practices.

Dentist

$163K4% growth

Diagnose and treat oral health issues, perform dental procedures, and promote preventive care.

Medical Laboratory Technologist

$58K7% growth

Perform medical laboratory tests to help diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases.

Occupational Therapist

$93K12% growth

Help patients develop and recover daily living and work skills through therapeutic activities.

Speech-Language Pathologist

$84K19% growth

Assess and treat speech, language, and swallowing disorders in patients of all ages.

Nurse Practitioner

$122K40% growth

Provide advanced nursing care including diagnosing conditions, prescribing medications, and managing patient health.

Veterinarian

$103K19% growth

Diagnose and treat animals, perform surgeries, and advise pet owners on animal care.

Dietitian / Nutritionist

$66K7% growth

Plan and recommend dietary programs to promote health and manage medical conditions.

Athletic Trainer

$54K17% growth

Prevent, diagnose, and treat sports injuries for athletes and physically active individuals.

Dental Hygienist

$81K7% growth

Clean teeth, examine patients for oral diseases, and provide preventive dental care.

Genetic Counselor

$90K26% growth

Help individuals understand genetic conditions and make informed decisions about their health.

Radiologic Technologist

$65K6% growth

Perform diagnostic imaging examinations like X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs on patients.

Respiratory Therapist

$64K13% growth

Evaluate, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders and cardiopulmonary conditions.

Optometrist

$126K9% growth

Examine eyes, diagnose vision problems, prescribe corrective lenses, and detect eye diseases.

Chiropractor

$75K4% growth

Diagnose and treat musculoskeletal conditions, primarily through manual adjustment of the spine.

Medical Sonographer

$81K10% growth

Operate ultrasound equipment to produce images of the body's internal structures for diagnostic purposes.

Surgical Technologist

$57K5% growth

Assist surgeons during operations by preparing operating rooms, sterilizing equipment, and passing instruments.

Occupational Health and Safety Specialist

$79K5% growth

Analyze workplaces and design programs to control, eliminate, and prevent disease or injury for workers.

Marriage and Family Therapist

$59K15% growth

Diagnose and treat mental health conditions and relationship issues within families, couples, and individuals.

Substance Abuse Counselor

$54K18% growth

Help individuals overcome addiction and substance use disorders through counseling and treatment planning.

Clinical Research Coordinator

$59K16% growth

Manage clinical trials by coordinating study protocols, enrolling participants, and ensuring regulatory compliance.

Dental Assistant

$44K7% growth

Assist dentists during procedures, prepare treatment rooms, take dental impressions, and manage patient records.

Medical Coder

$49K7% growth

Assign standardized codes to medical diagnoses and procedures for billing, insurance, and record-keeping.

Sports Medicine Physician

$225K13% growth

Diagnose and treat sports-related injuries and help athletes optimize performance.

Physician

$229K3%% growth

Diagnose and treat medical conditions, prescribe treatments, and provide preventive care to patients across specialties.

Psychologist

$85K6%% growth

Emergency Medical Technician

$38K7% growth

Respond to emergencies and provide basic life support to patients.

Dermatologist

$350K3% growth

Diagnose and treat conditions of the skin, hair, and nails.

Anesthesiologist

$302K2% growth

Administer anesthesia and monitor patients during surgical procedures.

Business & Finance(22)

Financial Analyst

$96K9% growth

Evaluate financial data and investment opportunities to guide business and investment decisions.

Accountant

$80K4% growth

Prepare and examine financial records, ensuring accuracy and compliance with tax laws.

Management Consultant

$99K11% growth

Help organizations improve performance through strategy, operations, and organizational management.

Marketing Manager

$140K6% growth

Plan and execute marketing strategies to promote products, services, and brands.

Human Resources Manager

$130K5% growth

Oversee recruitment, employee relations, benefits, and organizational development.

Supply Chain Manager

$99K18% growth

Manage the flow of goods and services from suppliers to consumers, optimizing efficiency and cost.

Actuary

$114K21% growth

Use mathematics, statistics, and financial theory to assess risk and uncertainty in insurance and finance.

Real Estate Agent

$52K3% growth

Help clients buy, sell, and rent properties by providing market expertise and negotiation skills.

Project Manager

$99K7% growth

Plan, execute, and close projects, managing scope, schedule, and budget to deliver results.

Financial Planner

$94K13% growth

Help individuals manage their finances, plan for retirement, and achieve financial goals.

Operations Manager

$98K4% growth

Oversee daily business operations, manage resources, and improve organizational efficiency.

Event Planner

$57K8% growth

Coordinate all aspects of events including meetings, conferences, weddings, and corporate functions.

Insurance Underwriter

$78K-4% growth

Evaluate insurance applications and assess risk to determine coverage terms and premiums.

Auditor

$80K6% growth

Examine and verify financial records to ensure accuracy, compliance, and proper reporting.

Tax Accountant

$78K6% growth

Prepare tax returns, develop tax strategies, and ensure compliance with federal and state tax regulations.

Investment Banker

$155K7% growth

Advise corporations on mergers, acquisitions, and capital raising through equity and debt offerings.

Venture Capitalist

$165K12% growth

Evaluate startup investments, provide funding, and guide portfolio companies toward growth and exits.

Business Analyst

$95K10% growth

Analyze business processes and requirements to recommend solutions that improve efficiency and profitability.

Logistics Manager

$99K18% growth

Plan and coordinate the movement, storage, and distribution of goods from origin to destination.

Public Relations Specialist

$67K6% growth

Create and maintain a favorable public image for organizations through media strategies and communications.

Market Research Analyst

$75K13% growth

Study market conditions to determine potential sales of products and services and identify target customers.

Training and Development Manager

$120K6% growth

Plan, develop, and oversee employee training programs to enhance workforce skills and organizational performance.

Business(1)

Finance(2)

Engineering(15)

Mechanical Engineer

$96K10% growth

Design, develop, and test mechanical devices, tools, engines, and machines.

Civil Engineer

$90K5% growth

Design, build, and supervise infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, and buildings.

Electrical Engineer

$105K3% growth

Design, develop, and test electrical equipment and systems.

Biomedical Engineer

$100K5% growth

Design medical equipment, devices, and computer systems used in healthcare.

Environmental Engineer

$97K4% growth

Develop solutions to environmental problems including waste treatment, pollution control, and public health.

Aerospace Engineer

$127K6% growth

Design aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles, and test prototypes.

Chemical Engineer

$106K8% growth

Apply chemistry, biology, and engineering principles to solve problems in manufacturing and production.

Industrial Engineer

$95K12% growth

Optimize complex processes and systems to eliminate waste and improve efficiency.

Architect

$83K3% growth

Plan and design buildings and structures, ensuring they are functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing.

Robotics Engineer

$100K12% growth

Design, build, test, and maintain robotic systems for manufacturing, healthcare, and other industries.

Urban Designer

$83K4% growth

Plan and design urban spaces, public areas, and communities to improve livability and sustainability.

Petroleum Engineer

$132K2% growth

Design methods for extracting oil and gas from underground deposits and develop new drilling technologies.

Renewable Energy Engineer

$98K20% growth

Design and develop systems for generating power from renewable sources like solar, wind, and geothermal.

Space Systems Engineer

$118K12% growth

Design, test, and integrate systems for spacecraft, satellites, and space exploration vehicles.

Agricultural Engineer

$82K5% growth

Apply engineering principles to solve agricultural and environmental problems.

Education(6)

Creative & Media(17)

Graphic Designer

$58K3% growth

Create visual concepts using software to communicate ideas that inspire and inform consumers.

Video Game Designer

$77K16% growth

Design and create video games, developing gameplay mechanics, storylines, and interactive experiences.

Content Writer

$70K4% growth

Create engaging written content for websites, blogs, social media, and marketing materials.

Film Director

$79K7% growth

Oversee the creative aspects of film production, guiding actors and crew to bring stories to life.

Photographer

$40K4% growth

Capture and edit photographs for commercial, artistic, editorial, or personal purposes.

Interior Designer

$62K4% growth

Plan and design interior spaces to be functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing.

Technical Writer

$80K7% growth

Create technical documentation, manuals, and guides for complex products and processes.

Video Editor

$63K12% growth

Edit raw footage into polished videos for film, television, social media, and corporate productions.

Podcast Producer

$58K15% growth

Plan, record, edit, and distribute podcast content including managing production schedules and guest coordination.

Content Strategist

$72K10% growth

Develop and oversee content strategies that align with business goals and engage target audiences.

Brand Manager

$82K8% growth

Develop and maintain brand identity, oversee marketing campaigns, and drive brand awareness and loyalty.

Art Director

$105K6% growth

Lead the visual style and creative direction of publications, advertising campaigns, and media productions.

Fashion Designer

$79K3% growth

Design clothing, accessories, and footwear by creating original designs and overseeing production processes.

Music Producer

$63K5% growth

Oversee the recording process, guide artists, mix and master tracks, and shape the sound of musical productions.

Photojournalist

$46K-4% growth

Capture newsworthy images that tell stories and inform the public about current events and issues.

Animator

$86K4% growth

Create animated sequences for films, television, video games, and digital media using artistic and technical skills.

Industrial Designer

$80K6% growth

Design manufactured products by combining art, engineering, and business to create functional and appealing products.

Creative & Design(3)

Arts & Culture(1)

Media(1)

Science & Research(9)

Science(1)

Social Science(1)

Analytics(1)

Environmental(1)

Trades & Skilled Labor(13)

Electrician

$60K6% growth

Install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures.

Plumber

$60K2% growth

Install and repair pipes and fixtures for water, gas, and drainage systems.

HVAC Technician

$51K6% growth

Install, maintain, and repair heating, cooling, and ventilation systems.

Welder

$47K2% growth

Join metal parts together using various welding techniques and equipment.

Carpenter

$51K2% growth

Build, install, and repair structures and fixtures made of wood and other materials.

Construction Manager

$101K5% growth

Plan, coordinate, and oversee construction projects from start to finish.

Wind Turbine Technician

$57K44% growth

Install, maintain, and repair wind turbines that generate clean electricity.

Solar Panel Installer

$48K22% growth

Assemble, install, and maintain solar panel systems on rooftops and other structures.

Heavy Equipment Operator

$53K4% growth

Operate heavy machinery like excavators, bulldozers, and cranes used in construction and infrastructure projects.

Aircraft Mechanic

$72K6% growth

Inspect, repair, and maintain aircraft engines, airframes, and related systems to ensure airworthiness.

Elevator Installer and Repairer

$102K3% growth

Install, maintain, and repair elevators, escalators, and other lifting equipment in buildings.

Diesel Mechanic

$58K5% growth

Diagnose, repair, and maintain diesel engines and vehicles including trucks, buses, and construction equipment.

CNC Machinist

$50K-3% growth

Set up and operate computer-controlled machines to produce precision metal parts and components.

Service(1)

Transportation(2)

Government & Public Service(4)

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.