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…

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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.

First Step

Your Journey Overview
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All Other Engineers

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Drop here

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

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

Choose your next step from the list below.

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Star
Rating

Education
Requirement

Median
Annual Wage

Annual
Growth Rate

Avg. Annual
Openings

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

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

Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Associate's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Associate's degree

Median Annual Wage

$56,160

($27.00/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Very Strong Growth

2.2%

Avg. Annual Openings

Average Opportunity

112

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

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

Biochemists and Biophysicists

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Doctoral or professional degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Doctoral or professional degree

Median Annual Wage

$92,710

($44.57/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Very Strong Growth

1.9%

Avg. Annual Openings

Average Opportunity

Mining and Geological Engineers

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Bachelor's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Bachelor's degree

Median Annual Wage

$67,720

($32.56/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Very Strong Growth

1.9%

Avg. Annual Openings

Rare Opportunity

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

Civil Engineers

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Bachelor's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Bachelor's degree

Median Annual Wage

$81,230

($39.05/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Very Strong Growth

1.5%

Avg. Annual Openings

Very Strong Opportunity

1,107

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

Environmental Scientists and Specialists

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Bachelor's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Bachelor's degree

Median Annual Wage

$64,530

($31.02/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Strong Growth

1.2%

Avg. Annual Openings

Strong Opportunity

446

All Other Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians

Star Rating:

Education: Associate's degree

Associate's degree

Median Annual Wage

$62,450

($30.02/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Strong Growth

1.2%

Avg. Annual Openings

Average Opportunity

207

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

All Other Business Operations Specialists

Star Rating:

Education: Bachelor's degree

Bachelor's degree

Median Annual Wage

$68,380

($32.87/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Strong Growth

1.1%

Avg. Annual Openings

Very Strong Opportunity

3,686

Architects, Except Landscape and Naval

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Bachelor's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Bachelor's degree

Median Annual Wage

$81,130

($39.01/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Strong Growth

1.1%

Avg. Annual Openings

Strong Opportunity

307

All Other Biological Scientists

Star Rating:

Education: Bachelor's degree

Bachelor's degree

Median Annual Wage

$82,690

($39.76/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Strong Growth

1.1%

Avg. Annual Openings

Average Opportunity

123

Chemists

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Bachelor's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Bachelor's degree

Median Annual Wage

$75,390

($36.24/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Strong Growth

1.0%

Avg. Annual Openings

Strong Opportunity

472

Postsecondary Physics Teachers

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Doctoral or professional degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Doctoral or professional degree

Median Annual Wage

$79,460

Annual Growth Rate

Strong Growth

1.0%

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

Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Associate's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Associate's degree

Median Annual Wage

$58,210

($27.99/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Average Growth

0.9%

Avg. Annual Openings

Strong Opportunity

285

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 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

Chemical Technicians

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Associate's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Associate's degree

Median Annual Wage

$49,670

($23.88/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Slow Growth

0.6%

Avg. Annual Openings

Strong Opportunity

332

Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Associate's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Associate's degree

Median Annual Wage

$49,370

($23.74/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Slow Growth

0.2%

Avg. Annual Openings

Few Opportunities

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

Median Annual Wage
Education
Experience Needed
Description

All Other Engineers

$102,620($49.34/hr)

Bachelor's degree

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.

Logisticians

$68,410 ($32.89/hr)

Bachelor's degree

None

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.

Medical Equipment Repairers

$62,420 ($30.01/hr)

Associate's degree

None

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

Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers

$56,160 ($27.00/hr)

Associate's degree

None

Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers install, maintain, or repair mobile or stationary radio transmitting, broadcasting, and receiving equipment, and two-way radio communications systems used in cellular telecommunications, mobile broadband, ship-to-shore, aircraft-to-ground communications, and radio equipment in service and emergency vehicles. They may test and analyze network coverage.

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.

Biochemists and Biophysicists

$92,710 ($44.57/hr)

Doctoral or professional degree

None

Biochemists and Biophysicists study the chemical and physical principles of living things and of biological processes, such as cell development, growth, heredity, and disease.

Mining and Geological Engineers

$67,720 ($32.56/hr)

Bachelor's degree

None

Mining and Geological Engineers design mines to safely and efficiently remove minerals such as coal and metals for use in manufacturing and utilities.

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.

Civil Engineers

$81,230 ($39.05/hr)

Bachelor's degree

None

Civil Engineers conceive, design, build, supervise, operate, construct and maintain infrastructure projects and systems in the public and private sector, including roads, buildings, airports, tunnels, dams, bridges, and systems for water supply and sewage treatment. Many civil engineers work in planning, design, construction, research, and education.

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.

Environmental Scientists and Specialists

$64,530 ($31.02/hr)

Bachelor's degree

None

Environmental Scientists and Specialists use their knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment and human health. They may clean up polluted areas, advise policymakers, or work with industry to reduce waste.

All Other Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians

$62,450 ($30.02/hr)

Associate's degree

None

Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians support scientists and engineers in many facets of science. This category includes all life, physical, and social science technicians not contained somewhere else.

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.

All Other Business Operations Specialists

$68,380 ($32.87/hr)

Bachelor's degree

None

Business Operations Specialists are consultants who offer knowledge to help a business improve its operations. This category includes all business operations specialists not contained somewhere else.

Architects, Except Landscape and Naval

$81,130 ($39.01/hr)

Bachelor's degree

None

Architects plan and design houses, factories, office buildings, and other structures.

All Other Biological Scientists

$82,690 ($39.76/hr)

Bachelor's degree

None

Biological Scientists study and conduct research and analysis on living organisms. This category includes all biological scientists not contained somewhere else.

Chemists

$75,390 ($36.24/hr)

Bachelor's degree

None

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

Postsecondary Physics Teachers

$79,460 ( - /hr)

Doctoral or professional degree

None

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

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.

Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians

$58,210 ($27.99/hr)

Associate's degree

None

Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians help engineers solve problems affecting manufacturing layout or production. They prepare machinery and equipment plans, design workflows, conduct statistical production studies, and analyze production costs.

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 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.

Chemical Technicians

$49,670 ($23.88/hr)

Associate's degree

None

Chemical Technicians use laboratory instruments and techniques to help scientists analyze the properties of materials.

Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians

$49,370 ($23.74/hr)

Associate's degree

None

Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and technicians combine knowledge of mechanical technology with knowledge of electrical and electronic circuitry. They operate, test, and maintain unmanned, automated, robotic, or electromechanical equipment.

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

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