Career Tree | NC Careers.org

Career Plan Builder Landing Image NCcareers.org now offers you a personal career GPS! Map your path to success with our Career Plan Builder. This personalized platform assesses your unique skills and aspirations, providing a step-by-step roadmap to your dream career. Update your goals, track your progress, and access targeted resources - all in one place.

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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…

Next Step

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.

First Step

Your Journey Overview
Compare Occupations

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Computer Hardware Engineers

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Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

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

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Star
Rating

Education
Requirement

Median
Annual Wage

Annual
Growth Rate

Avg. Annual
Openings

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

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

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

Medical Equipment Repairers

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Associate's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Associate's degree

Median Annual Wage

$62,420

($30.01/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Very Strong Growth

2.3%

Avg. Annual Openings

Strong Opportunity

361

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

Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Bachelor's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Bachelor's degree

Median Annual Wage

$83,470

($40.13/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Very Strong Growth

2.2%

Avg. Annual Openings

Few Opportunities

Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics

Avionics Technicians

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Associate's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Associate's degree

Median Annual Wage

$60,650

($29.16/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Very Strong Growth

2.0%

Avg. Annual Openings

Few Opportunities

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

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

Postsecondary Engineering Teachers

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Doctoral or professional degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Doctoral or professional degree

Median Annual Wage

$$$

No Data Available

Annual Growth Rate

Very Strong Growth

1.5%

Avg. Annual Openings

Average Opportunity

162

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

Materials Engineers

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Bachelor's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Bachelor's degree

Median Annual Wage

$91,900

($44.18/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Strong Growth

1.3%

Avg. Annual Openings

Rare Opportunity

Mechanical Engineers

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Bachelor's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Bachelor's degree

Median Annual Wage

$84,330

($40.55/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Strong Growth

1.3%

Avg. Annual Openings

Strong Opportunity

711

Arts, Audio/Video Technology and Communications

Broadcast Technicians

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Associate's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Associate's degree

Median Annual Wage

$46,240

($22.23/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Strong Growth

1.3%

Avg. Annual Openings

Average Opportunity

114

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

Calibration Technologists and Technicians

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Associate's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Associate's degree

Median Annual Wage

$62,400

($30.00/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Strong Growth

1.1%

Avg. Annual Openings

Few Opportunities

Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Associate's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Associate's degree

Median Annual Wage

$54,450

($26.18/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Average Growth

0.9%

Avg. Annual Openings

Average Opportunity

All Other Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Star Rating:

Education: Associate's degree

Associate's degree

Median Annual Wage

$69,250

($33.29/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Average Growth

0.9%

Avg. Annual Openings

Average Opportunity

196

Commercial and Industrial Designers

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Bachelor's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Bachelor's degree

Median Annual Wage

$70,360

($33.83/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Average Growth

0.9%

Avg. Annual Openings

Average Opportunity

111

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

Materials Scientists

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Bachelor's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Bachelor's degree

Median Annual Wage

$99,760

($47.96/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Average Growth

0.8%

Avg. Annual Openings

Few Opportunities

Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians

Star Rating:

Education: Associate's degree

Associate's degree

Median Annual Wage

$57,970

($27.87/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Average Growth

0.7%

Avg. Annual Openings

Rare 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

All Other Engineers

Star Rating:

Education: Bachelor's degree

Bachelor's degree

Median Annual Wage

$102,620

($49.34/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Average Growth

0.7%

Avg. Annual Openings

Average Opportunity

187

Electrical and Electronics Drafters

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Associate's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Associate's degree

Median Annual Wage

$59,180

($28.45/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Average Growth

0.7%

Avg. Annual Openings

Average Opportunity

112

Architectural and Civil Drafters

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Associate's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Associate's degree

Median Annual Wage

$58,700

($28.22/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Slow Growth

0.6%

Avg. Annual Openings

Strong Opportunity

328

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

Mechanical Drafters

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Associate's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Associate's degree

Median Annual Wage

$59,480

($28.60/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

None or Negative Growth

-0.2%

Avg. Annual Openings

Average Opportunity

133

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 Hardware Engineers

$131,450($63.20/hr)

Bachelor's degree

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

Information Security Analysts

$117,860 ($56.66/hr)

Bachelor's degree

None

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

None

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.

Computer and Information Research Scientists

$101,340 ($48.72/hr)

Master's degree

None

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.

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

$97,700 ($46.97/hr)

Bachelor's degree

None

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

Medical Equipment Repairers

$62,420 ($30.01/hr)

Associate's degree

None

Medical equipment repairers install, maintain, and repair patient care equipment.

Web and Digital Interface Designers

$75,920 ($36.50/hr)

Bachelor's degree

None

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.

Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers

$83,470 ($40.13/hr)

Bachelor's degree

None

Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers combine engineering principles with sciences to design and create equipment, devices, computer systems, and software.

Avionics Technicians

$60,650 ($29.16/hr)

Associate's degree

None

Avionics Technicians repair and perform scheduled maintenance on aircraft.

Industrial Engineers

$86,390 ($41.53/hr)

Bachelor's degree

None

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.

Electronics Engineers, Except Computer

$98,220 ($47.22/hr)

Bachelor's degree

None

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

None

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

None

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.

Postsecondary Engineering Teachers

- ( - /hr)

Doctoral or professional degree

None

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

Computer Network Support Specialists

$82,050 ($39.45/hr)

Associate's degree

None

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

Project Management Specialists

$93,820 ($45.11/hr)

Bachelor's degree

None

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.

Materials Engineers

$91,900 ($44.18/hr)

Bachelor's degree

None

Materials Engineers develop, process, and test materials used to create a range of products, from computer chips and aircraft wings to golf clubs and biomedical devices. They study the properties and structures of metals, ceramics, plastics, composites, nanomaterials (extremely small substances), and other substances in order to create new materials that meet certain mechanical, electrical, and chemical requirements. They also help select materials for specific products and develop new ways to use existing materials.

Mechanical Engineers

$84,330 ($40.55/hr)

Bachelor's degree

None

Mechanical Engineers research, design, develop, build, and test mechanical and thermal sensors and devices, including tools, engines, and machines.

Broadcast Technicians

$46,240 ($22.23/hr)

Associate's degree

None

Broadcast technicians set up, operate, and maintain the electrical equipment for radio programs, television broadcasts, concerts, sound recordings, and movies.

Database Administrators

$103,750 ($49.88/hr)

Bachelor's degree

None

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.

Calibration Technologists and Technicians

$62,400 ($30.00/hr)

Associate's degree

None

Calibration Technologists and Technicians execute or adapt procedures and techniques for calibrating measurement devices, by applying knowledge of measurement science, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and electronics, sometimes under the direction of engineering staff. They determine measurement standard suitability for calibrating measurement devices, and may perform preventive maintenance on equipment. They also can perform corrective actions to address identified calibration problems.

Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians

$54,450 ($26.18/hr)

Associate's degree

None

Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians help mechanical engineers design, develop, test, and manufacture tools, engines, machines, and other devices. They may make sketches and rough layouts, record and analyze data, and report their findings.

All Other Engineering Technologists and Technicians

$69,250 ($33.29/hr)

Associate's degree

None

Engineering Technologists and Technicians support engineers in their duties, usually working on teams. They make sure that all machinery and tools being used remain functional. This category includes all engineering technologists and technicians not contained somewhere else.

Commercial and Industrial Designers

$70,360 ($33.83/hr)

Bachelor's degree

None

Commercial and Industrial Designers design and develop manufactured products, such as cars, home appliances, and children's toys. Combine artistic talent with research on product use, marketing, and materials to create the most functional and appealing product design.

Computer Network Architects

$112,900 ($54.28/hr)

Bachelor's degree

None

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

None

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

None

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.

Materials Scientists

$99,760 ($47.96/hr)

Bachelor's degree

None

Materials Scientists research and analyze the chemical properties of substances to develop new materials, products, or knowledge.

Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians

$57,970 ($27.87/hr)

Associate's degree

None

Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians install, run, and maintain equipment used to develop, test, produce, and sustain aircraft and spacecraft. Their work is critical to ensuring the safety and precision of key parts of these vehicles and systems.

Electrical Engineers

$100,120 ($48.13/hr)

Bachelor's degree

None

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

None

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.

All Other Engineers

$102,620 ($49.34/hr)

Bachelor's degree

None

Engineers are professionals that use math and science to solve technical problems. This normally includes creating, improving, or repairing systems or products. This category includes all engineers not contained somewhere else.

Electrical and Electronics Drafters

$59,180 ($28.45/hr)

Associate's degree

None

Electrical and Electronic Drafters use software to convert the designs of engineers into technical drawings. Workers use technical drawings to help design microchips and other electronics components.

Architectural and Civil Drafters

$58,700 ($28.22/hr)

Associate's degree

None

Architectural and Civil Drafters use software to convert the designs of architects and engineers into technical drawings. Workers use technical drawings to help design buildings, infrastructure and more.

Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians

$63,840 ($30.69/hr)

Associate's degree

None

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.

Mechanical Drafters

$59,480 ($28.60/hr)

Associate's degree

None

Mechanical Drafters use software to convert the designs of engineers into technical drawings. Workers use technical drawings to help design mechanical equipment. This category includes all drafters not in the

Computer Programmers

$101,080 ($48.60/hr)

Bachelor's degree

None

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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