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Arts, Audio/Video Technology and Communications
Multimedia artists and animators create special effects, animation and visual images for television, movies, video games, and other media. They may make two- and three-dimensional models and animation, showing objects in motion or illustrating a process.
Annual Median Wage
$ 72,670
$48,310 range bar $106,910
Annual NC Wage Range
Growth Rate
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Moderately Growing
Education Level
  • Bachelor's degree
Education programs to prepare for this occupation
  • Painting
  • Simulation & Game Development
  • Graphic Arts & Imaging Technology
  • New Media
  • Radio, Television, & Digital Communication, Other
Architecture and Construction
Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, often called HVACR technicians, work on heating, ventilation, cooling, and refrigeration systems that control the temperature and air quality in buildings.
Annual Median Wage
$ 45,640
$28,420 range bar $65,630
Annual NC Wage Range
Growth Rate
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Very Fast Growing
Education Level
  • Postsecondary nondegree award
Education programs to prepare for this occupation
  • Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Technology
Web Developers
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Information Technology
Web developers design and create websites. They are responsible for the website's design and technical aspects like its speed and the amount of traffic it can handle. They may also create content for the site.
Annual Median Wage
$ 71,246
$43,170 range bar $126,666
Annual NC Wage Range
Growth Rate
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Very Fast Growing
Education Level
  • Associate's degree
Education programs to prepare for this occupation
  • Graphic Arts & Imaging Technology
  • Web Technologies
  • Computer Programming
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
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Marketing
Market research analysts and marketing specialists research market conditions in local, regional, or national areas. They gather information to predict product or service sales or to create a marketing campaign.
Annual Median Wage
$ 64,680
$38,050 range bar $116,120
Annual NC Wage Range
Growth Rate
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Very Fast Growing
Education Level
  • Bachelor's degree
Education programs to prepare for this occupation
  • Marketing, Other
  • Business Administration Marketing & Retailing
Child, Family, and School Social Workers
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Human Services
Child, family, and school social workers provide social services and assistance to improve the social and psychological functioning of children and their families. They also work to maximize family well-being and to help children do well in school.
Annual Median Wage
$ 47,470
$33,760 range bar $65,690
Annual NC Wage Range
Growth Rate
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Fast Growing
Education Level
  • Bachelor's degree
Education programs to prepare for this occupation
  • Social Work
Middle School Teachers
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Education and Training
Middle school teachers typically educate students in sixth through eighth grades. They help students build on elementary school fundamentals and prepare them for the more difficult curriculum they will face in high school.
Annual Median Wage
$ 50,450
$37,010 range bar $66,640
Annual NC Wage Range
Growth Rate
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Slow Growing
Education Level
  • Bachelor's degree
Education programs to prepare for this occupation
  • Earth Science Teacher Education
  • Latin Teacher Education
  • Geography Teacher Education
  • Speech Teacher Education
  • Spanish Teaching
  • History, Social Studies Education
  • German Language Teacher Education
  • French Language Teacher Education
  • Dance Education
  • Chemistry Teacher Education
  • Biology Teacher Education
  • Computer Teacher Education
  • Social Studies Education
  • Geography, Secondary Education
  • Licensure Science
  • Reading
  • Physical Education
  • Vocal Pedagogy
  • Elementary Math
  • Technology Education
  • Family & Consumer Sciences Education
  • Health Teacher Education
  • Foreign Language Teacher Education
  • English Education
  • Art Education
  • Middle Grades (6-9)
  • Bilingual and Multilingual Education
Industrial Machinery Mechanics
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Manufacturing
Industrial machinery mechanics maintain and repair factory equipment and other industrial machinery like conveying systems, production machinery, and packaging equipment.
Annual Median Wage
$ 51,470
$33,720 range bar $76,550
Annual NC Wage Range
Growth Rate
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Slow Growing
Education Level
  • High school diploma or equivalent
Education programs to prepare for this occupation
Accountants and Auditors
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Finance
Accountants and auditors prepare and examine financial records. They ensure that taxes are paid properly and on time. Accountants and auditors assess financial operations and work to help ensure that organizations run efficiently.
Annual Median Wage
$ 72,900
$47,110 range bar $126,000
Annual NC Wage Range
Growth Rate
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Fast Growing
Education Level
  • Bachelor's degree
Education programs to prepare for this occupation
  • Accounting & Management
  • Accounting
  • Financial Forensics & Fraud Investigation
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
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Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics
Automotive service technicians and mechanics, often called service technicians or service techs, inspect, maintain, and repair cars and light trucks.
Annual Median Wage
$ 42,840
$23,450 range bar $68,870
Annual NC Wage Range
Growth Rate
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Slow Growing
Education Level
  • Postsecondary nondegree award
Education programs to prepare for this occupation
  • Diesel & Heavy Equipment Technology
  • Automotive Systems Technology
Human Resources Managers
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Business, Management and Administration
Human resources managers plan, direct, and coordinate an organizations administrative functions. They oversee recruiting, interviewing, and hiring of new staff; consult with executives on strategic planning; serve as a link between management and its employees.
Annual Median Wage
$ 117,010
$74,570 range bar $201,860
Annual NC Wage Range
Growth Rate
Image of growth rate score 4
Fast Growing
Education Level
  • Bachelor's degree
Education programs to prepare for this occupation
  • Organizational Behavior Studies
  • Human Resources Management
  • Organizational Leadership
  • Business Administration
  • Organizational Communication
Registered Nurses
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Health Science

Registered nurses (RNs) provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients and the public about various health conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients and their family members.

Annual Median Wage
$ 66,820
$50,820 range bar $93,250
Annual NC Wage Range
Growth Rate
Image of growth rate score 4
Fast Growing
Education Level
  • Associate's degree
Education programs to prepare for this occupation
  • Registered Nursing
  • Associate In General Education-Nursing
Construction and Building Inspectors
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Government and Public Administration
Construction and building inspectors make sure that construction meets local and national building codes and ordinances, zoning regulations, and contract specifications.
Annual Median Wage
$ 58,740
$38,610 range bar $82,840
Annual NC Wage Range
Growth Rate
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Fast Growing
Education Level
  • High school diploma or equivalent
Education programs to prepare for this occupation
Statisticians
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Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
Statisticians use statistical methods to collect and analyze data and help solve real-world problems in business, engineering, the sciences, or other fields.
Annual Median Wage
$ 100,480
$57,450 range bar $159,390
Annual NC Wage Range
Growth Rate
Image of growth rate score 5
Very Fast Growing
Education Level
  • Master's degree
Education programs to prepare for this occupation
  • Quantitative Economics
  • Statistics & Operations Research
  • Statistics
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Mathematics
  • Biostatistics
  • Biomathematics
  • Educational Research, Measurement, & Evaluation
Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics
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Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security

Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics care for the sick or injured in emergencies. Their quick reaction and competent care can save people's lives. At the emergency scene, they often work with police and firefighters.

Annual Median Wage
$ 36,790
$25,990 range bar $52,300
Annual NC Wage Range
Growth Rate
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Moderately Growing
Education Level
  • Postsecondary nondegree award
Education programs to prepare for this occupation
  • Emergency Medical Science
Chefs and Head Cooks
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Hospitality and Tourism
Chefs and head cooks direct and may participate in preparing, seasoning, and cooking salads, soups, fish, meats, vegetables, desserts, or other foods. They may plan and price menu items, order supplies, and keep records and accounts.
Annual Median Wage
$ 51,370
$32,020 range bar $77,310
Annual NC Wage Range
Growth Rate
Image of growth rate score 5
Very Fast Growing
Education Level
  • High school diploma or equivalent
Education programs to prepare for this occupation
  • Culinary Arts
  • Baking & Pastry Arts
Environmental Engineers
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Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources

Environmental engineers use the principles of engineering, soil science, biology, and chemistry to create solutions to environmental problems. They may also focus on global issues such as unsafe drinking water, climate change, and environmental sustainability.

Annual Median Wage
$ 83,970
$59,900 range bar $142,710
Annual NC Wage Range
Growth Rate
Image of growth rate score 3
Moderately Growing
Education Level
  • Bachelor's degree
Education programs to prepare for this occupation
  • Environmental Engineering
EXPLORE
Career And College Promise

Want to get a jumpstart on earning college credit, tuition free while still in High School?  Learn more about NC Career and College Promise.

NC 4-Year Colleges

Check out the numerous programs and opportunities to lower your education costs at NC’s public and independent four-year colleges and universities.

Department of Public Instruction

Career Development Coordinators (CDCs) in Career and Technical Education (CTE) and School Counselors in Student Services can help Middle and High School students explore careers.

NC Community Colleges

NC's 58 Community Colleges do more than just offer dozens of different 2-year degrees. A short-term skill and job training certificate can help you advance your career.

CFNC

Thinking of going back to school - or for the 1st time? Want a degree - or just some new skills? Learn about all the opportunities in NC for Adult Learners.

NCWorks

You don't have to be in school to receive help from a professional career adviser. Coaches in the state's NCWorks Career Centers are here to help adults & youth find jobs & education / training options.

NCWorks NextGen

NextGen is a comprehensive education, training, & employment program for young adults ages 16-24 facing barriers to employment. The program can help you plan, prepare, & launch a career in a high demand field.

Health & Human Services

North Carolina's Vocational Rehabilitation programs help people with disabilities achieve their goals for employment and independence by connecting to services and resources.

NCWorks

Finding a job with a criminal record can be difficult. NCWorks Career Center counselors specialize in helping individuals with criminal records find employment.

NC Navigator

Find opportunities to connect with businesses while you're still in high school - internships, apprenticeships, job shadowing, interviews. Navigate real world learning for real life success.

Apprenticeship NC

Apprenticeships allow you to get paid an increasing wage as you gain classroom credit. Graduate with a professional certification or two-year college degree debt free.

Job & Career Tips

From your job search to your resume to your interview, a lot of preparation is needed to stand out & get hired. Know what to do - & what not to do - to land your dream job.