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Is it too early to think about careers?

Middle and High School is the perfect time to start thinking about careers. Learn about the advantages of thinking about careers at a young age.

Why should I see my Career Development Coordinator (CDC)?

Career development and Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses help you plan and gain skills for success in your future career. Learn about CTE, Internships, and more from your CDC.

Why should I see my school counselor?

Learn about the services and assistance your school counselor provides and how they can help you with your career planning.

What is Career and Technical Education (CTE)?

Gain skills and career experience through CTE. Learn about courses, clusters, work-based learning, student organizations (CTSOs), NTHS, industry credentials, free college courses and more.

Why should I see my NC Career Coach?

Learn about how these NC Community College staff members can help.

Can I talk to a career counselor if I’m not in school?

NCWorks has programs that can help with career planning and more…

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Start building your future career today.

By Education

Use your education as a starting point in your journey. Choose a type of education and search for a program to see which occupations best match your education. Click the add education button if you want to include additional education types.

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By Current Occupation

Use your current job or any occupation you desire as the starting point in your career journey. Type in an occupation name to learn what is next in line on your career journey.

By Goal Career

This tool can help you understand a potential pathway to a goal career. First start with your goal career. Next, add a starting education or occupation. Now start building. You'll then be presented below with jobs that have similar job skills or job duties to your dream job but typically pay less.

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Computer and Information Systems Managers

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Computer and Information Systems Managers

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Bachelor's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Bachelor's degree

Median Annual Wage

$152,400

($73.27/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Very Strong Growth

2.2%

Avg. Annual Openings

Very Strong Opportunity

1,883

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Star
Rating

Education
Requirement

Median
Annual Wage

Annual
Growth Rate

Avg. Annual
Openings

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

Data Scientists

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Bachelor's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Bachelor's degree

Median Annual Wage

$121,970

($58.64/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Very Strong Growth

3.9%

Avg. Annual Openings

Strong Opportunity

720

Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics

Logisticians

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Bachelor's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Bachelor's degree

Median Annual Wage

$68,410

($32.89/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Very Strong Growth

3.5%

Avg. Annual Openings

Very Strong Opportunity

969

Information Security Analysts

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Bachelor's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Bachelor's degree

Median Annual Wage

$117,860

($56.66/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Very Strong Growth

3.5%

Avg. Annual Openings

Strong Opportunity

728

Web Developers

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Bachelor's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Bachelor's degree

Median Annual Wage

$71,740

($34.49/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Very Strong Growth

3.5%

Avg. Annual Openings

Strong Opportunity

348

Software Developers

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Bachelor's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Bachelor's degree

Median Annual Wage

$126,520

($60.83/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Very Strong Growth

3.0%

Avg. Annual Openings

Very Strong Opportunity

6,273

Computer and Information Research Scientists

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Master's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Master's degree

Median Annual Wage

$101,340

($48.72/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Very Strong Growth

2.7%

Avg. Annual Openings

Rare Opportunity

Operations Research Analysts

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Bachelor's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Bachelor's degree

Median Annual Wage

$96,450

($46.37/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Very Strong Growth

2.7%

Avg. Annual Openings

Average Opportunity

232

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Bachelor's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Bachelor's degree

Median Annual Wage

$97,700

($46.97/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Very Strong Growth

2.6%

Avg. Annual Openings

Very Strong Opportunity

998

Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Bachelor's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Bachelor's degree

Median Annual Wage

$65,710

($31.59/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Very Strong Growth

2.4%

Avg. Annual Openings

Very Strong Opportunity

3,715

Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Associate's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Associate's degree

Median Annual Wage

$53,230

($25.59/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Very Strong Growth

2.3%

Avg. Annual Openings

Few Opportunities

Web and Digital Interface Designers

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Bachelor's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Bachelor's degree

Median Annual Wage

$75,920

($36.50/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Very Strong Growth

2.2%

Avg. Annual Openings

Strong Opportunity

507

Industrial Engineers

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Bachelor's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Bachelor's degree

Median Annual Wage

$86,390

($41.53/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Very Strong Growth

1.7%

Avg. Annual Openings

Very Strong Opportunity

818

Management Analysts

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Bachelor's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Bachelor's degree

Median Annual Wage

$98,310

($47.27/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Very Strong Growth

1.6%

Avg. Annual Openings

Very Strong Opportunity

3,430

Electronics Engineers, Except Computer

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Bachelor's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Bachelor's degree

Median Annual Wage

$98,220

($47.22/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Very Strong Growth

1.6%

Avg. Annual Openings

Average Opportunity

201

All Other Computer Occupations

Star Rating:

Education: Bachelor's degree

Bachelor's degree

Median Annual Wage

$96,140

($46.22/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Very Strong Growth

1.6%

Avg. Annual Openings

Strong Opportunity

688

Computer Systems Analysts

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Bachelor's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Bachelor's degree

Median Annual Wage

$99,280

($47.73/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Very Strong Growth

1.5%

Avg. Annual Openings

Very Strong Opportunity

2,301

Marketing Managers

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Bachelor's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Bachelor's degree

Median Annual Wage

$133,980

($64.42/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Very Strong Growth

1.4%

Avg. Annual Openings

Very Strong Opportunity

1,193

Computer Network Support Specialists

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Associate's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Associate's degree

Median Annual Wage

$82,050

($39.45/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Strong Growth

1.3%

Avg. Annual Openings

Strong Opportunity

414

Project Management Specialists

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Bachelor's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Bachelor's degree

Median Annual Wage

$93,820

($45.11/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Strong Growth

1.3%

Avg. Annual Openings

Very Strong Opportunity

2,523

Database Architects

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Bachelor's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Bachelor's degree

Median Annual Wage

$123,950

($59.59/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Strong Growth

1.3%

Avg. Annual Openings

Average Opportunity

192

General and Operations Managers

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Bachelor's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Bachelor's degree

Median Annual Wage

$100,020

($48.09/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Strong Growth

1.2%

Avg. Annual Openings

Very Strong Opportunity

9,749

Administrative Services Managers

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Bachelor's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Bachelor's degree

Median Annual Wage

$99,980

($48.07/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Strong Growth

1.2%

Avg. Annual Openings

Strong Opportunity

553

Database Administrators

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Bachelor's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Bachelor's degree

Median Annual Wage

$103,750

($49.88/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Strong Growth

1.2%

Avg. Annual Openings

Strong Opportunity

271

Training and Development Managers

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Bachelor's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Bachelor's degree

Median Annual Wage

$108,020

($51.93/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Strong Growth

1.1%

Avg. Annual Openings

Average Opportunity

180

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Bachelor's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Bachelor's degree

Median Annual Wage

$136,430

($65.59/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Strong Growth

1.0%

Avg. Annual Openings

Strong Opportunity

469

Facilities Managers

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Bachelor's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Bachelor's degree

Median Annual Wage

$92,460

($44.45/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Strong Growth

1.0%

Avg. Annual Openings

Strong Opportunity

335

Industrial Production Managers

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Bachelor's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Bachelor's degree

Median Annual Wage

$103,780

($49.90/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Average Growth

0.9%

Avg. Annual Openings

Strong Opportunity

652

Computer Network Architects

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Bachelor's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Bachelor's degree

Median Annual Wage

$112,900

($54.28/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Average Growth

0.9%

Avg. Annual Openings

Strong Opportunity

484

Sales Engineers

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Bachelor's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Bachelor's degree

Median Annual Wage

$100,810

($48.47/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Average Growth

0.9%

Avg. Annual Openings

Average Opportunity

211

Network and Computer Systems Administrators

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Bachelor's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Bachelor's degree

Median Annual Wage

$83,550

($40.17/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Average Growth

0.8%

Avg. Annual Openings

Very Strong Opportunity

817

Computer Hardware Engineers

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Bachelor's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Bachelor's degree

Median Annual Wage

$131,450

($63.20/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Average Growth

0.8%

Avg. Annual Openings

Average Opportunity

Electrical Engineers

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Bachelor's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Bachelor's degree

Median Annual Wage

$100,120

($48.13/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Average Growth

0.7%

Avg. Annual Openings

Strong Opportunity

432

Postsecondary Computer Science Teachers

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Doctoral or professional degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Doctoral or professional degree

Median Annual Wage

$68,010

Annual Growth Rate

Average Growth

0.7%

Avg. Annual Openings

Average Opportunity

135

Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Associate's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Associate's degree

Median Annual Wage

$63,840

($30.69/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Slow Growth

0.2%

Avg. Annual Openings

Strong Opportunity

338

Computer Programmers

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Bachelor's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Bachelor's degree

Median Annual Wage

$101,080

($48.60/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

None or Negative Growth

-0.8%

Avg. Annual Openings

Strong Opportunity

349

Median Annual Wage
Education
Experience Needed
Description

Computer and Information Systems Managers

$152,400($73.27/hr)

Bachelor's degree

Computer and Information Systems Managers, often called information technology (IT) managers or IT project managers, plan, coordinate, and direct computer-related activities in an organization. They help determine the information technology goals of an organization and are responsible for implementing computer systems to meet those goals.

Data Scientists

$121,970 ($58.64/hr)

Bachelor's degree

5 years or more

Data scientists use analytical tools and techniques to extract meaningful insights from data.

Logisticians

$68,410 ($32.89/hr)

Bachelor's degree

5 years or more

Logisticians analyze and coordinate an organization's supply chain: the system that moves a product from supplier to consumer. They manage the entire life cycle of a product, which includes how a product is acquired, allocated, and delivered.

Information Security Analysts

$117,860 ($56.66/hr)

Bachelor's degree

5 years or more

Information Security Analysts plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization's computer networks and systems.

Web Developers

$71,740 ($34.49/hr)

Bachelor's degree

5 years or more

Web Developers create and maintain websites. They are also responsible for the site's technical aspects, such as its performance and capacity, which are measures of a website's speed and how much traffic the site can handle. In addition, web developers may create content for the site.

Software Developers

$126,520 ($60.83/hr)

Bachelor's degree

5 years or more

Software Developers create the computer applications that allow users to do specific tasks and the underlying systems that run the devices or control networks.

Computer and Information Research Scientists

$101,340 ($48.72/hr)

Master's degree

5 years or more

Computer and Information Research Scientists design innovative uses for new and existing technology. They study and solve complex problems in computing for business, science, medicine, and other fields.

Operations Research Analysts

$96,450 ($46.37/hr)

Bachelor's degree

5 years or more

Operations Research Analysts use mathematics and logic to help organizations make informed decisions and solve problems.

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

$97,700 ($46.97/hr)

Bachelor's degree

5 years or more

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers design and execute software tests to identify problems and learn how the software works.

Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists

$65,710 ($31.59/hr)

Bachelor's degree

5 years or more

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.

Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars

$53,230 ($25.59/hr)

Associate's degree

5 years or more

Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars advise organizations on computerized healthcare systems and analyze clinical data.

Web and Digital Interface Designers

$75,920 ($36.50/hr)

Bachelor's degree

5 years or more

Web and Digital Interface Designers develop, create, and test website or interface layout, functions, and navigation for usability. They are responsible for the look and functionality of the website or interface.

Industrial Engineers

$86,390 ($41.53/hr)

Bachelor's degree

5 years or more

Industrial Engineers find ways to eliminate wastefulness in production processes. They devise efficient systems that integrate workers, machines, materials, information, and energy to make a product or provide a service.

Management Analysts

$98,310 ($47.27/hr)

Bachelor's degree

5 years or more

Management Analysts, often called management consultants, recommend ways to improve an organization's efficiency. They advise managers on how to make organizations more profitable through reduced costs and increased revenues.

Electronics Engineers, Except Computer

$98,220 ($47.22/hr)

Bachelor's degree

5 years or more

Electronics Engineers design and develop electronic equipment, including broadcast and communications systems, such as portable music players and Global Positioning System (GPS) devices. Many also work in areas closely related to computer hardware.

All Other Computer Occupations

$96,140 ($46.22/hr)

Bachelor's degree

5 years or more

Computer Occupations include personnel who work on computers, including IT, computer systems, and security. This category includes all computer occupations not contained somewhere else.

Computer Systems Analysts

$99,280 ($47.73/hr)

Bachelor's degree

5 years or more

Computer Systems Analysts, sometimes called systems architects, study an organization's current computer systems and procedures and design improvements to them. In doing so, these analysts help the organization operate more efficiently.

Marketing Managers

$133,980 ($64.42/hr)

Bachelor's degree

5 years or more

Marketing Managers plan programs to generate interest in products or services. They work with art directors, advertising sales agents, and financial staff members.

Computer Network Support Specialists

$82,050 ($39.45/hr)

Associate's degree

5 years or more

Computer Networks Support Specialists assist computer users and organizations by maintaining computer networks.

Project Management Specialists

$93,820 ($45.11/hr)

Bachelor's degree

5 years or more

Project Management Specialists coordinate the budget, schedule, and other details of a project. They lead and guide the work of technical staff. Project management specialists also may serve as a point of contact for the client or customer.

Database Architects

$123,950 ($59.59/hr)

Bachelor's degree

5 years or more

Database Architects create or organize systems to store and secure a variety of data, such as financial information and customer shipping records. They also make sure that the data are available to authorized users.

General and Operations Managers

$100,020 ($48.09/hr)

Bachelor's degree

5 years or more

General and Operations Managers plan strategies and policies to ensure that an organization meets its goals. They coordinate and direct work activities of companies and organizations.

Administrative Services Managers

$99,980 ($48.07/hr)

Bachelor's degree

5 years or more

Administrative Services Managers plan, direct, and coordinate activities that help an organization run efficiently. The specific responsibilities vary, but these managers typically maintain facilities and supervise activities that include recordkeeping, mail distribution, and office upkeep. In a small organization, they may direct all support services and may be called the business office manager. Large organizations may have several layers of administrative managers who specialize in different areas.

Database Administrators

$103,750 ($49.88/hr)

Bachelor's degree

5 years or more

Database Administrators create or organize systems to store and secure a variety of data, such as financial information and customer shipping records. They also make sure that the data are available to authorized users.

Training and Development Managers

$108,020 ($51.93/hr)

Bachelor's degree

5 years or more

Training and Development Managers plan, coordinate, and direct skills- and knowledge-enhancement programs for an organization's staff.

Architectural and Engineering Managers

$136,430 ($65.59/hr)

Bachelor's degree

5 years or more

Architectural and Engineering Managers plan, direct, and coordinate activities in the fields of architecture and engineering.

Facilities Managers

$92,460 ($44.45/hr)

Bachelor's degree

5 years or more

Facilities Managers plan, direct, or coordinate operations and functionalities of facilities and buildings. This may include surrounding grounds or multiple facilities of an organization's campus.

Industrial Production Managers

$103,780 ($49.90/hr)

Bachelor's degree

5 years or more

Industrial Production Managers oversee the operations of manufacturing and related plants. They coordinate, plan, and direct activities involved in creating a range of goods, such as cars, computer equipment, and paper products.

Computer Network Architects

$112,900 ($54.28/hr)

Bachelor's degree

5 years or more

Computer Network Architects design and build data communication networks, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and Intranets. These networks range from small connections between two offices to next-generation networking capabilities such as a cloud infrastructure that serves multiple customers. Network architects must have extensive knowledge of an organization's business plan to design a network that can help the organization achieve its goals.

Sales Engineers

$100,810 ($48.47/hr)

Bachelor's degree

5 years or more

Sales Engineers sell complex scientific and technological products or services to businesses. They must have extensive knowledge of the products' parts and functions and must understand the scientific processes that make these products work.

Network and Computer Systems Administrators

$83,550 ($40.17/hr)

Bachelor's degree

5 years or more

Network and Computer Systems Administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation of these networks. They organize, install, and support an organization's computer systems, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), network segments, intranets, and other data communication systems.

Computer Hardware Engineers

$131,450 ($63.20/hr)

Bachelor's degree

5 years or more

Computer Hardware Engineers research, design, develop, and test computer systems and components such as processors, circuit boards, memory devices, networks, and routers.

Electrical Engineers

$100,120 ($48.13/hr)

Bachelor's degree

5 years or more

Electrical Engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacture of electrical equipment, such as electric motors, radar and navigation systems, communications systems, or power generation equipment. Electrical engineers also design the electrical systems of automobiles and aircraft.

Postsecondary Computer Science Teachers

$68,010 ( - /hr)

Doctoral or professional degree

5 years or more

Postsecondary Computer Science Teachers instruct students in a variety of computer science related subjects beyond the high school level. They may also conduct research and publish scholarly papers and books.

Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians

$63,840 ($30.69/hr)

Associate's degree

5 years or more

Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians help electrical and electronics engineers plan and develop communications equipment, computers, medical monitoring devices, or other equipment that is powered by other electricity or electric current. They often work in product evaluation and testing, using measuring and diagnostic devices to test, adjust, and repair equipment. They are also involved in assembling equipment for automation.

Computer Programmers

$101,080 ($48.60/hr)

Bachelor's degree

5 years or more

Computer Programmers write, modify, and test code and scripts that allow computer software and applications to function properly. They turn the designs created by software developers and engineers into instructions that a computer can follow. In addition, programmers run tests to ensure that newly created applications and software produce the expected results. If the products do not work correctly, programmers check the code or scripts for mistakes and modify them.

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