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
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Occupational Therapy Aides

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Occupational Therapy Aides

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: High school diploma or equivalent

☆☆☆☆☆

High school diploma or equivalent

Median Annual Wage

$60,440

($29.06/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Very Strong Growth

1.8%

Avg. Annual Openings

Rare Opportunity

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Star
Rating

Education
Requirement

Median
Annual Wage

Annual
Growth Rate

Avg. Annual
Openings

Veterinary Technologists and Technicians

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Associate's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Associate's degree

Median Annual Wage

$37,450

($18.01/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Very Strong Growth

2.6%

Avg. Annual Openings

Strong Opportunity

634

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

Athletic Trainers

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Master's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Master's degree

Median Annual Wage

$48,400

Annual Growth Rate

Very Strong Growth

2.1%

Avg. Annual Openings

Average Opportunity

131

Physical Therapist Aides

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: High school diploma or equivalent

☆☆☆☆☆

High school diploma or equivalent

Median Annual Wage

$28,500

($13.70/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Very Strong Growth

2.0%

Avg. Annual Openings

Average Opportunity

137

Hearing Aid Specialists

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: High school diploma or equivalent

☆☆☆☆☆

High school diploma or equivalent

Median Annual Wage

$52,000

($25.00/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Very Strong Growth

1.9%

Avg. Annual Openings

Few Opportunities

Community Health Workers

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: High school diploma or equivalent

☆☆☆☆☆

High school diploma or equivalent

Median Annual Wage

$48,070

($23.11/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Very Strong Growth

1.9%

Avg. Annual Openings

Average Opportunity

238

Medical Assistants

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Postsecondary nondegree award

☆☆☆☆☆

Postsecondary nondegree award

Median Annual Wage

$37,660

($18.11/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Very Strong Growth

1.7%

Avg. Annual Openings

Very Strong Opportunity

3,945

Marriage and Family Therapists

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Master's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Master's degree

Median Annual Wage

$47,180

($22.68/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Very Strong Growth

1.6%

Avg. Annual Openings

Average Opportunity

100

Ophthalmic Medical Technicians

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Postsecondary nondegree award

☆☆☆☆☆

Postsecondary nondegree award

Median Annual Wage

$36,780

($17.68/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Very Strong Growth

1.5%

Avg. Annual Openings

Strong Opportunity

485

All Other Special Education Teachers

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Bachelor's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Bachelor's degree

Median Annual Wage

$46,350

Annual Growth Rate

Very Strong Growth

1.4%

Avg. Annual Openings

Rare Opportunity

Social and Human Service Assistants

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: High school diploma or equivalent

☆☆☆☆☆

High school diploma or equivalent

Median Annual Wage

$35,770

($17.20/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Very Strong Growth

1.4%

Avg. Annual Openings

Very Strong Opportunity

911

Psychiatric Technicians

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Postsecondary nondegree award

☆☆☆☆☆

Postsecondary nondegree award

Median Annual Wage

$36,380

($17.49/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Strong Growth

1.3%

Avg. Annual Openings

Strong Opportunity

452

Child, Family, and School Social Workers

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Bachelor's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Bachelor's degree

Median Annual Wage

$48,510

($23.32/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Strong Growth

1.3%

Avg. Annual Openings

Very Strong Opportunity

1,387

Phlebotomists

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Postsecondary nondegree award

☆☆☆☆☆

Postsecondary nondegree award

Median Annual Wage

$37,070

($17.82/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Strong Growth

1.3%

Avg. Annual Openings

Very Strong Opportunity

979

Exercise Physiologists

Star Rating:

Education: Bachelor's degree

Bachelor's degree

Median Annual Wage

$49,780

($23.93/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Strong Growth

1.2%

Avg. Annual Openings

Average Opportunity

Emergency Medical Technicians

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Postsecondary nondegree award

☆☆☆☆☆

Postsecondary nondegree award

Median Annual Wage

$36,530

($17.56/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Strong Growth

1.2%

Avg. Annual Openings

Strong Opportunity

662

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Master's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Master's degree

Median Annual Wage

$52,010

($25.00/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Strong Growth

1.2%

Avg. Annual Openings

Average Opportunity

201

All Other Healthcare Support Workers

Star Rating:

Education: High school diploma or equivalent

High school diploma or equivalent

Median Annual Wage

$38,600

($18.56/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Strong Growth

1.2%

Avg. Annual Openings

Very Strong Opportunity

761

Paramedics

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Postsecondary nondegree award

☆☆☆☆☆

Postsecondary nondegree award

Median Annual Wage

$44,180

($21.24/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Strong Growth

1.2%

Avg. Annual Openings

Strong Opportunity

368

Rehabilitation Counselors

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Master's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Master's degree

Median Annual Wage

$38,440

($18.48/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Strong Growth

1.2%

Avg. Annual Openings

Strong Opportunity

295

Health Education Specialists

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Bachelor's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Bachelor's degree

Median Annual Wage

$52,170

($25.08/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Strong Growth

1.1%

Avg. Annual Openings

Average Opportunity

118

Nursing Assistants

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Postsecondary nondegree award

☆☆☆☆☆

Postsecondary nondegree award

Median Annual Wage

$31,850

($15.31/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Strong Growth

1.1%

Avg. Annual Openings

Very Strong Opportunity

10,583

Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Master's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Master's degree

Median Annual Wage

$50,820

($24.43/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Strong Growth

1.0%

Avg. Annual Openings

Very Strong Opportunity

810

Pharmacy Technicians

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: High school diploma or equivalent

☆☆☆☆☆

High school diploma or equivalent

Median Annual Wage

$36,900

($17.74/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Strong Growth

1.0%

Avg. Annual Openings

Very Strong Opportunity

1,806

Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Postsecondary nondegree award

☆☆☆☆☆

Postsecondary nondegree award

Median Annual Wage

$51,300

($24.66/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Strong Growth

1.0%

Avg. Annual Openings

Very Strong Opportunity

1,653

Medical Records Specialists

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Postsecondary nondegree award

☆☆☆☆☆

Postsecondary nondegree award

Median Annual Wage

$45,200

($21.73/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Strong Growth

1.0%

Avg. Annual Openings

Strong Opportunity

474

Surgical Technologists

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Postsecondary nondegree award

☆☆☆☆☆

Postsecondary nondegree award

Median Annual Wage

$49,220

($23.67/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Average Growth

0.9%

Avg. Annual Openings

Strong Opportunity

320

All Other Health Technologists and Technicians

Star Rating:

Education: Postsecondary nondegree award

Postsecondary nondegree award

Median Annual Wage

$38,100

($18.32/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Average Growth

0.9%

Avg. Annual Openings

Strong Opportunity

653

Orderlies

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: High school diploma or equivalent

☆☆☆☆☆

High school diploma or equivalent

Median Annual Wage

$34,160

($16.42/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Average Growth

0.9%

Avg. Annual Openings

Average Opportunity

208

Dental Assistants

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Postsecondary nondegree award

☆☆☆☆☆

Postsecondary nondegree award

Median Annual Wage

$46,140

($22.18/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Average Growth

0.9%

Avg. Annual Openings

Very Strong Opportunity

1,925

Surgical Assistants

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Postsecondary nondegree award

☆☆☆☆☆

Postsecondary nondegree award

Median Annual Wage

$37,010

($17.79/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Average Growth

0.9%

Avg. Annual Openings

Rare Opportunity

Dietetic Technicians

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Associate's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Associate's degree

Median Annual Wage

$23,390

($11.25/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Average Growth

0.8%

Avg. Annual Openings

Rare Opportunity

Secondary School Special Education Teachers

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Bachelor's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Bachelor's degree

Median Annual Wage

$49,940

Annual Growth Rate

Slow Growth

0.6%

Avg. Annual Openings

Strong Opportunity

302

Recreational Therapists

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Bachelor's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Bachelor's degree

Median Annual Wage

$48,560

($23.35/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Slow Growth

0.5%

Avg. Annual Openings

Few Opportunities

Median Annual Wage
Education
Experience Needed
Description

Occupational Therapy Aides

$60,440($29.06/hr)

High school diploma or equivalent

Occupational T Ades help patients develop, recover, improve, as well as maintain the skills needed for daily living and working. Occupational Therapy Aides typically perform support activities and work under the direction of occupational therapists.

Veterinary Technologists and Technicians

$37,450 ($18.01/hr)

Associate's degree

None

Veterinary Technologists and Technicians, supervised by licensed veterinarians, do medical tests that help diagnose animals' injuries and illnesses.

Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars

$53,230 ($25.59/hr)

Associate's degree

None

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

Athletic Trainers

$48,400 ( - /hr)

Master's degree

None

Athletic Trainers specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating muscle and bone injuries and illnesses.

Physical Therapist Aides

$28,500 ($13.70/hr)

High school diploma or equivalent

None

Physical Therapist Aides work under the direction and supervision of physical therapists. They help patients who are recovering from injuries and illnesses to regain movement and manage pain. Physical therapist assistants are involved in the direct care of patients. Physical therapist aides often have tasks that are indirectly related to patient care, such as cleaning and setting up the treatment area, moving patients, and doing clerical duties.

Hearing Aid Specialists

$52,000 ($25.00/hr)

High school diploma or equivalent

None

Hearing Aid Specialists select and fit hearing aids for customers, administer and interpret tests of hearing, and assess hearing instrument efficacy. They also take ear impressions and prepare, design, and modify ear molds.

Community Health Workers

$48,070 ($23.11/hr)

High school diploma or equivalent

None

Community Health Workers advocate for residents' needs with healthcare providers and social service organizations. They implement wellness strategies by collecting data and discussing health concerns with members of specific populations.

Medical Assistants

$37,660 ($18.11/hr)

Postsecondary nondegree award

None

Medical Assistants complete administrative and clinical tasks in the offices of physicians, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. Their duties vary with the location, specialty, and size of the practice.

Marriage and Family Therapists

$47,180 ($22.68/hr)

Master's degree

None

Marriage and Family therapists help people manage problems with their family and other relationships.

Ophthalmic Medical Technicians

$36,780 ($17.68/hr)

Postsecondary nondegree award

None

Ophthalmic Medical Technicians assist ophthalmologists by performing ophthalmic clinical functions. They can administer eye exams, administer eye medications, and instruct the patient in care and use of corrective lenses.

All Other Special Education Teachers

$46,350 ( - /hr)

Bachelor's degree

None

Special Education Teachers work with students who have learning, mental, emotional, or physical disabilities. They adapt general education lessons and teach various subjects to students with mild to moderate disabilities. They also teach basic skills to students with severe disabilities. This category includes special education teachers not included in other categories.

Social and Human Service Assistants

$35,770 ($17.20/hr)

High school diploma or equivalent

None

Social and Human Service Assistants provide client services, including support for families, in a wide variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation, and social work. They assist other workers, such as social workers, and they help clients find benefits or community services.

Psychiatric Technicians

$36,380 ($17.49/hr)

Postsecondary nondegree award

None

Psychiatric Technicians and aides care for people who have mental or emotional conditions or developmental disabilities. Technicians typically monitor patients' conditions and provide therapeutic care, such as overseeing their medications. Aides help patients in their daily activities and ensure a safe and clean environment.

Child, Family, and School Social Workers

$48,510 ($23.32/hr)

Bachelor's degree

None

Child, Family, and School Social Workers help individuals, groups, and families prevent and cope with problems in their everyday lives.

Phlebotomists

$37,070 ($17.82/hr)

Postsecondary nondegree award

None

Phlebotomists draw blood for purposes such as tests, research, or donations. They help patients or donors who are anxious before or have an adverse reaction after the blood draw.

Exercise Physiologists

$49,780 ($23.93/hr)

Bachelor's degree

None

Exercise Physiologists develop fitness and exercise programs that help patients recover from chronic diseases and improve cardiovascular function, body composition, and flexibility.

Emergency Medical Technicians

$36,530 ($17.56/hr)

Postsecondary nondegree award

None

Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) care for the sick or injured in emergency medical settings. People's lives often depend on the quick reaction and competent care provided by these workers. They respond to emergency calls, performing medical services and transporting patients to medical facilities. A 911 operator sends EMTs and paramedics to the scene of an emergency, where they often work with police and firefighters

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers

$52,010 ($25.00/hr)

Master's degree

None

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers help individuals, groups, and families prevent and cope with problems in their everyday lives. Clinical social workers diagnose and treat mental, behavioral, and emotional problems.

All Other Healthcare Support Workers

$38,600 ($18.56/hr)

High school diploma or equivalent

None

Healthcare Support Workers assist and care for patients under the direction of physicians. This category includes all healthcare support workers not contained somewhere else.

Paramedics

$44,180 ($21.24/hr)

Postsecondary nondegree award

None

Paramedics care for the sick or injured in emergency medical settings. People's lives often depend on the quick reaction and competent care provided by these workers. They respond to emergency calls, performing medical services and transporting patients to medical facilities. A 911 operator sends EMTs and paramedics to the scene of an emergency, where they often work with police and firefighters

Rehabilitation Counselors

$38,440 ($18.48/hr)

Master's degree

None

Rehabilitation Counselors help people with physical, mental, developmental, or emotional disabilities live independently. They work with clients to overcome or manage the personal, social, or psychological effects of disabilities on employment or independent living.

Health Education Specialists

$52,170 ($25.08/hr)

Bachelor's degree

None

Health Education Specialists teach people about behaviors that promote wellness. They develop strategies to improve the well-being of individuals and communities. Community health workers advocate for residents' needs with healthcare providers and social service organizations. They implement wellness strategies by collecting data and discussing health concerns with members of specific populations. Although the two occupations often work together, the responsibilities of health education specialists and community health workers are distinct.

Nursing Assistants

$31,850 ($15.31/hr)

Postsecondary nondegree award

None

Nursing Assistants, sometimes called nursing aides, provide basic care and help patients with activities of daily living.

Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors

$50,820 ($24.43/hr)

Master's degree

None

Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors counselors help students develop academic and social skills and plans for after graduation. Career counselors and advisors help students and other clients develop skills, explore an occupation, or choose an educational program that will lead to a career.

Pharmacy Technicians

$36,900 ($17.74/hr)

High school diploma or equivalent

None

Pharmacy Technicians help pharmacists dispense prescription medication to customers or health professionals. They mainly work in retail pharmacies and hospitals.

Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses

$51,300 ($24.66/hr)

Postsecondary nondegree award

None

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) provide basic medical care to ill, injured, or convalescing patients or to persons with disabilities. Responsibilities for LPNs and LVNs are nearly identical; their title depends on the state in which they work.

Medical Records Specialists

$45,200 ($21.73/hr)

Postsecondary nondegree award

None

Medical Records Specialists compile, process, and maintain patient files. They also may classify and enter patients' medical information into the healthcare industry's numerical coding system.

Surgical Technologists

$49,220 ($23.67/hr)

Postsecondary nondegree award

None

Surgical Technologists help with surgical operations. Sometimes called operating room technicians, they prepare operating rooms, arrange equipment, and help doctors and first assistants during surgeries.

All Other Health Technologists and Technicians

$38,100 ($18.32/hr)

Postsecondary nondegree award

None

Health Technologists and Technicians perform laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease, and can assist physicians with patient care. This category includes all healthcare technologists and technicians not contained somewhere else.

Orderlies

$34,160 ($16.42/hr)

High school diploma or equivalent

None

Orderlies transport patients and clean treatment areas.

Dental Assistants

$46,140 ($22.18/hr)

Postsecondary nondegree award

None

Dental Assistants have many tasks, including patient care, recordkeeping, and appointment scheduling. Their duties vary by state and by the dentists' offices in which they work.

Surgical Assistants

$37,010 ($17.79/hr)

Postsecondary nondegree award

None

Surgical assistants and technologists help with surgical operations. Surgical assistants, also called surgical first assistants, help surgeons with tasks such as making incisions, placing clamps, and closing surgical sites. Surgical technologists, also called operating room technicians, prepare operating rooms, arrange equipment, and help doctors and first assistants during surgeries.

Dietetic Technicians

$23,390 ($11.25/hr)

Associate's degree

None

Dietetic Technicians assist in the provision of food service and nutritional programs, under the supervision of a dietitian. They may also plan and produce meals based on established guidelines, teach principles of food and nutrition, or counsel individuals.

Secondary School Special Education Teachers

$49,940 ( - /hr)

Bachelor's degree

None

Secondary School Special Education Teachers work with students who have learning, mental, emotional, or physical disabilities. They adapt general education lessons and teach various subjects to students with mild to moderate disabilities. They also teach basic skills to students with severe disabilities.

Recreational Therapists

$48,560 ($23.35/hr)

Bachelor's degree

None

Recreational Therapists plan, direct, and coordinate recreation-based medical treatment programs to help maintain or improve patients' physical, social, and emotional well-being. These therapists use a variety of techniques, including art expression, drama, music, dance, sports and games, aquatics, and community outings.

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