Career Tree | NC Careers.org

Career Plan Builder Image NCcareers.org now offers you a personal career GPS! Map your path to success with our Career Development 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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Aerospace Engineers

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Drop here

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

Aerospace Engineers

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Bachelor's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Bachelor's degree

Median Annual Wage

$134,360

($64.60/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Very Strong Growth

2.0%

Avg. Annual Openings

Few Opportunities

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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

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

Chemical Engineers

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Bachelor's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Bachelor's degree

Median Annual Wage

$98,510

($47.36/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Very Strong Growth

2.1%

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Arts, Audio/Video Technology and Communications

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

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

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

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

Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Associate's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Associate's degree

Median Annual Wage

$55,330

($26.60/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Slow Growth

0.6%

Avg. Annual Openings

Strong Opportunity

318

All Other Physical Scientists

Star Rating:

Education: Bachelor's degree

Bachelor's degree

Median Annual Wage

$98,220

($47.22/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Slow Growth

0.4%

Avg. Annual Openings

Few Opportunities

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

Nuclear Engineers

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Bachelor's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Bachelor's degree

Median Annual Wage

$116,600

($56.06/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

None or Negative Growth

-2.5%

Avg. Annual Openings

Rare Opportunity

Nuclear Technicians

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Associate's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Associate's degree

Median Annual Wage

$104,470

($50.22/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

None or Negative Growth

-4.3%

Avg. Annual Openings

Few Opportunities

Median Annual Wage
Education
Experience Needed
Description

Aerospace Engineers

$134,360($64.60/hr)

Bachelor's degree

Aerospace Engineers design, develop, and test aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. In addition, they create and test prototypes to make sure that they function according to design.

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.

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.

Chemical Engineers

$98,510 ($47.36/hr)

Bachelor's degree

None

Chemical Engineers apply the principles of chemistry, biology, physics, and math to solve problems that involve the production or use of chemicals, fuel, drugs, food, and many other products. They design processes and equipment for large-scale manufacturing, plan and test production methods and byproducts treatment, and direct facility operations.

Avionics Technicians

$60,650 ($29.16/hr)

Associate's degree

None

Avionics Technicians repair and perform scheduled maintenance on aircraft.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians

$55,330 ($26.60/hr)

Associate's degree

None

Civil engineering technologists and technicians help civil engineers plan, design, and build highways, bridges, utilities, and other infrastructure projects. They also help to plan, design, and build commercial, industrial, residential, and land development projects.

All Other Physical Scientists

$98,220 ($47.22/hr)

Bachelor's degree

None

Physical scientists study and conduct research and analysis on the inorganic world. This can include physics, chemistry, astronomy, and geology. This category includes all physical scientists not contained somewhere else.

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

Nuclear Engineers

$116,600 ($56.06/hr)

Bachelor's degree

None

Nuclear Engineers research and develop projects or address problems concerning the release, control, and use of nuclear energy and nuclear waste disposal. Some of these engineers research new reactor designs. Others may specialize in the development of safety regulations related to the handling of nuclear materials or operation of nuclear power.

Nuclear Technicians

$104,470 ($50.22/hr)

Associate's degree

None

Nuclear Technicians typically work in nuclear energy production or assist physicists, engineers, and other professionals in nuclear research. They operate special equipment used in these activities and monitor the levels of radiation that are produced.

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