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.

Sign in and start building your Career Plan now!

Start Planning

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.

CLEAR

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.

Your Journey Overview
Compare Occupations

Save Delete Saved Content
Start Over
Previous

All Other Health Technologists and Technicians

Next Step

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

Choose your next step from the list below.

Sort By

View Options

Star
Rating

Education
Requirement

Median
Annual Wage

Annual
Growth Rate

Avg. Annual
Openings

Occupational Therapy Assistants

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Associate's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Associate's degree

Median Annual Wage

$65,500

($31.49/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Very Strong Growth

2.9%

Avg. Annual Openings

Strong Opportunity

274

Physical Therapist Assistants

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Associate's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Associate's degree

Median Annual Wage

$61,340

($29.49/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Very Strong Growth

2.9%

Avg. Annual Openings

Strong Opportunity

563

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

Massage Therapists

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Postsecondary nondegree award

☆☆☆☆☆

Postsecondary nondegree award

Median Annual Wage

$55,170

($26.52/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Very Strong Growth

2.1%

Avg. Annual Openings

Strong Opportunity

676

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

Respiratory Therapists

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Associate's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Associate's degree

Median Annual Wage

$64,390

($30.96/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Very Strong Growth

1.8%

Avg. Annual Openings

Strong Opportunity

365

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

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Associate's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Associate's degree

Median Annual Wage

$77,480

($37.25/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Very Strong Growth

1.8%

Avg. Annual Openings

Strong Opportunity

260

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

Sales Representatives of Services

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: High school diploma or equivalent

☆☆☆☆☆

High school diploma or equivalent

Median Annual Wage

$61,300

($29.47/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Strong Growth

1.2%

Avg. Annual Openings

Very Strong Opportunity

4,626

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

Occupational Health and Safety Technicians

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: High school diploma or equivalent

☆☆☆☆☆

High school diploma or equivalent

Median Annual Wage

$58,450

($28.10/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Strong Growth

1.1%

Avg. Annual Openings

Few Opportunities

Radiation Therapists

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Associate's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Associate's degree

Median Annual Wage

$81,730

($39.29/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Strong Growth

1.0%

Avg. Annual Openings

Few Opportunities

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

Dental Hygienists

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Associate's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Associate's degree

Median Annual Wage

$79,200

($38.08/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Strong Growth

1.0%

Avg. Annual Openings

Strong Opportunity

608

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

Radiologic Technologists and Technicians

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Associate's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Associate's degree

Median Annual Wage

$62,460

($30.03/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Average Growth

0.9%

Avg. Annual Openings

Strong Opportunity

548

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

Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Associate's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Associate's degree

Median Annual Wage

$61,700

($29.66/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Average Growth

0.8%

Avg. Annual Openings

Average Opportunity

123

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Associate's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Associate's degree

Median Annual Wage

$77,530

($37.27/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Average Growth

0.8%

Avg. Annual Openings

Average Opportunity

Nuclear Medicine Technologists

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Associate's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Associate's degree

Median Annual Wage

$75,920

($36.50/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Slow Growth

0.5%

Avg. Annual Openings

Few Opportunities

First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: High school diploma or equivalent

☆☆☆☆☆

High school diploma or equivalent

Median Annual Wage

$56,140

($26.99/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Slow Growth

0.2%

Avg. Annual Openings

Very Strong Opportunity

5,318

Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: High school diploma or equivalent

☆☆☆☆☆

High school diploma or equivalent

Median Annual Wage

$63,180

($30.37/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

None or Negative Growth

-2.1%

Avg. Annual Openings

Very Strong Opportunity

880

Median Annual Wage
Education
Experience Needed
Description

All Other Health Technologists and Technicians

$38,100($18.32/hr)

Postsecondary nondegree award

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.

Occupational Therapy Assistants

$65,500 ($31.49/hr)

Associate's degree

None

Occupational Therapy Assistants help patients develop, recover, improve, as well as maintain the skills needed for daily living and working. They are directly involved in providing therapy to patients and work under the direction of occupational therapists.

Physical Therapist Assistants

$61,340 ($29.49/hr)

Associate's degree

None

Physical Therapist Assistants, sometimes called PTAs, 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.

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.

Massage Therapists

$55,170 ($26.52/hr)

Postsecondary nondegree award

None

Massage Therapists treat clients by applying pressure to manipulate the body's soft tissues and joints. This treatment may help to relieve pain, heal injuries, relieve stress, and aid in the general wellness of clients.

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.

Respiratory Therapists

$64,390 ($30.96/hr)

Associate's degree

None

Respiratory Therapists care for patients who have trouble breathing; for example, because of conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Their patients range from premature infants with undeveloped lungs to older adults whose lungs are diseased.

Occupational Therapy Aides

$60,440 ($29.06/hr)

High school diploma or equivalent

None

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.

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

$77,480 ($37.25/hr)

Associate's degree

None

Diagnostic medical sonographers operate special equipment to create images or conduct tests. They work closely with physicians and surgeons, who view the images and test results to assess and diagnose medical conditions.

Paramedics

$44,180 ($21.24/hr)

Postsecondary nondegree award

Less than 5 years

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

Sales Representatives of Services

$61,300 ($29.47/hr)

High school diploma or equivalent

None

Sales Representatives of Services sell services to individuals or businesses. They may describe options or resolve client problems.

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.

Occupational Health and Safety Technicians

$58,450 ($28.10/hr)

High school diploma or equivalent

None

Occupational Health and Safety Technicians collect data on, analyze, and design improvements to many types of work environments and procedures. Technicians work with specialists to implement and evaluate programs aimed at mitigating risks to workers, property, the environment, and the public.

Radiation Therapists

$81,730 ($39.29/hr)

Associate's degree

None

Radiation Therapists administer doses of radiation to patients who have cancer or other serious diseases.

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.

Dental Hygienists

$79,200 ($38.08/hr)

Associate's degree

None

Dental Hygienists examine patients for signs of oral diseases, such as gingivitis, and provide preventive care, including oral hygiene. They also educate patients about oral health.

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.

Radiologic Technologists and Technicians

$62,460 ($30.03/hr)

Associate's degree

None

Radiologic Technologists, also known as radiographers, perform x rays and other diagnostic imaging examinations on patients.

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.

Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians

$61,700 ($29.66/hr)

Associate's degree

None

Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians operate special equipment to create images or conduct tests. They work closely with physicians and surgeons, who view the images and test results to assess and diagnose medical conditions.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists

$77,530 ($37.27/hr)

Associate's degree

Less than 5 years

MRI technologists operate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners to create diagnostic images.

Nuclear Medicine Technologists

$75,920 ($36.50/hr)

Associate's degree

None

Nuclear Medicine Technologists prepare radioactive drugs and administer them to patients for imaging or treatment. They provide technical support to physicians or others who diagnose, care for, and treat patients and to researchers who investigate uses of radioactive drugs. They also may act as emergency responders in the event of a nuclear disaster.

First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers

$56,140 ($26.99/hr)

High school diploma or equivalent

Less than 5 years

First-line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers directly supervise and coordinate the activities of clerical and administrative support workers.

Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants

$63,180 ($30.37/hr)

High school diploma or equivalent

Less than 5 years

Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants provide high-level administrative support by conducting research, preparing statistical reports, handling information requests, and performing clerical functions.

First Step