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.

Sign in and start building your Career Plan now!

Need some help getting started? Review our Quick Start Guide (coming soon)

Review the Career Plan Frequently Asked Questions

Next Step

Start building your future career today.

By Education (What Can I Do With My 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 (Next Step)

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 (First Step)

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

Save Delete Saved Content
Start Over
Previous

Physician Assistants

Drag and
Drop here

Physician Assistants

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Master's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Master's degree

Median Annual Wage

$128,540

($61.80/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Very Strong Growth

3.2%

Avg. Annual Openings

Strong Opportunity

706

Choose your next step from the list below by dragging the Occupation into your Career Journey above.

Sort By

View Options

Star
Rating

Education
Requirement

Median
Annual Wage

Annual
Growth Rate

Avg. Annual
Openings

Medical and Health Services Managers

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Bachelor's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Bachelor's degree

Median Annual Wage

$108,530

($52.18/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Very Strong Growth

3.3%

Avg. Annual Openings

Very Strong Opportunity

1,562

Epidemiologists

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Master's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Master's degree

Median Annual Wage

$82,430

($39.63/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Very Strong Growth

3.2%

Avg. Annual Openings

Rare Opportunity

Speech-Language Pathologists

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Master's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Master's degree

Median Annual Wage

$87,420

($42.03/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Very Strong Growth

2.8%

Avg. Annual Openings

Strong Opportunity

467

Postsecondary Health Specialties Teachers

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Doctoral or professional degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Doctoral or professional degree

Median Annual Wage

$130,110

Annual Growth Rate

Very Strong Growth

2.6%

Avg. Annual Openings

Very Strong Opportunity

1,360

Genetic Counselors

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Master's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Master's degree

Median Annual Wage

$87,850

($42.23/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Very Strong Growth

2.5%

Avg. Annual Openings

Rare Opportunity

Veterinarians

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Doctoral or professional degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Doctoral or professional degree

Median Annual Wage

$123,430

($59.34/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Very Strong Growth

2.4%

Avg. Annual Openings

Average Opportunity

221

Postsecondary Nursing Instructors and Teachers

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Doctoral or professional degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Doctoral or professional degree

Median Annual Wage

$78,740

Annual Growth Rate

Very Strong Growth

2.3%

Avg. Annual Openings

Strong Opportunity

259

Athletic Trainers

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Master's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Master's degree

Median Annual Wage

$52,980

Annual Growth Rate

Very Strong Growth

2.3%

Avg. Annual Openings

Average Opportunity

104

Physical Therapists

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Doctoral or professional degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Doctoral or professional degree

Median Annual Wage

$96,670

($46.47/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Very Strong Growth

2.2%

Avg. Annual Openings

Strong Opportunity

477

Orthotists and Prosthetists

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Master's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Master's degree

Median Annual Wage

$76,270

($36.67/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Very Strong Growth

2.1%

Avg. Annual Openings

Few Opportunities

Medical Scientists

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Doctoral or professional degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Doctoral or professional degree

Median Annual Wage

$104,300

($50.14/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Very Strong Growth

2.0%

Avg. Annual Openings

Average Opportunity

215

Exercise Physiologists

Star Rating:

Education: Bachelor's degree

Bachelor's degree

Median Annual Wage

$50,560

($24.31/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Very Strong Growth

1.9%

Avg. Annual Openings

Few Opportunities

Occupational Therapists

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Master's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Master's degree

Median Annual Wage

$94,580

($45.47/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Very Strong Growth

1.8%

Avg. Annual Openings

Strong Opportunity

266

Clinical and Counseling Psychologists

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Doctoral or professional degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Doctoral or professional degree

Median Annual Wage

$91,840

($44.15/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Very Strong Growth

1.8%

Avg. Annual Openings

Average Opportunity

138

Audiologists

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Doctoral or professional degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Doctoral or professional degree

Median Annual Wage

$79,460

($38.20/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Very Strong Growth

1.7%

Avg. Annual Openings

Rare Opportunity

Dietitians and Nutritionists

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Bachelor's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Bachelor's degree

Median Annual Wage

$64,910

($31.21/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Very Strong Growth

1.6%

Avg. Annual Openings

Average Opportunity

208

Chiropractors

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Doctoral or professional degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Doctoral or professional degree

Median Annual Wage

$80,350

($38.63/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Very Strong Growth

1.5%

Avg. Annual Openings

Few Opportunities

Registered Nurses

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Associate's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Associate's degree

Median Annual Wage

$81,860

($39.36/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Very Strong Growth

1.5%

Avg. Annual Openings

Very Strong Opportunity

7,925

Healthcare Social Workers

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Master's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Master's degree

Median Annual Wage

$65,140

($31.32/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Very Strong Growth

1.5%

Avg. Annual Openings

Strong Opportunity

376

Health Education Specialists

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Bachelor's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Bachelor's degree

Median Annual Wage

$54,720

($26.31/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Very Strong Growth

1.5%

Avg. Annual Openings

Average Opportunity

155

Computer Systems Analysts

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Bachelor's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Bachelor's degree

Median Annual Wage

$104,940

($50.45/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Very Strong Growth

1.5%

Avg. Annual Openings

Very Strong Opportunity

1,807

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Master's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Master's degree

Median Annual Wage

$56,730

($27.28/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Very Strong Growth

1.4%

Avg. Annual Openings

Average Opportunity

130

Acupuncturists

Star Rating:

Education: Master's degree

Master's degree

Median Annual Wage

$73,100

($35.14/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Strong Growth

1.3%

Avg. Annual Openings

Few Opportunities

All Other Psychologists

Star Rating:

Education: Master's degree

Master's degree

Median Annual Wage

$137,130

($65.93/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Strong Growth

1.3%

Avg. Annual Openings

Average Opportunity

155

Recreational Therapists

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Bachelor's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Bachelor's degree

Median Annual Wage

$48,590

($23.36/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Strong Growth

1.3%

Avg. Annual Openings

Few Opportunities

All Other Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners

Star Rating:

Education: Master's degree

Master's degree

Median Annual Wage

$112,590

($54.13/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Strong Growth

1.1%

Avg. Annual Openings

Average Opportunity

Compliance Officers

Star Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Education: Bachelor's degree

☆☆☆☆☆

Bachelor's degree

Median Annual Wage

$74,810

($35.96/hr)

Annual Growth Rate

Strong Growth

1.0%

Avg. Annual Openings

Strong Opportunity

701

Median Annual Wage
Education
Experience Needed
Description

Physician Assistants

$128,540($61.80/hr)

Master's degree

Physician assistants, also known as PAs, examine, diagnose, and treat patients under the supervision of a physician.

Medical and Health Services Managers

$108,530 ($52.18/hr)

Bachelor's degree

None

Medical and health services managers, also called healthcare executives or healthcare administrators, plan, direct, and coordinate medical and health services. They may manage an entire facility, a specific clinical area or department, or a medical practice for a group of physicians. Medical and health services managers must adapt to changes in healthcare laws, regulations, and technology.

Epidemiologists

$82,430 ($39.63/hr)

Master's degree

None

Epidemiologists are public health workers who investigate patterns and causes of disease and injury. They seek to reduce the risk and occurrence of negative health outcomes through research, community education and health policy.

Speech-Language Pathologists

$87,420 ($42.03/hr)

Master's degree

None

Speech-language pathologists (sometimes called speech therapists) assess and treat people who have speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders. They also treat clients who have problems swallowing.

Postsecondary Health Specialties Teachers

$130,110 ( - /hr)

Doctoral or professional degree

None

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

Genetic Counselors

$87,850 ($42.23/hr)

Master's degree

None

Genetic counselors assess clients' risk for a variety of inherited conditions, such as birth defects. They review genetic test results with individuals and families and support them in making decisions based on those results. They also offer information to other healthcare providers.

Veterinarians

$123,430 ($59.34/hr)

Doctoral or professional degree

None

Veterinarians care for the health of animals and work to protect public health. They diagnose, treat, and research medical conditions and diseases of pets, livestock, and other animals.

Postsecondary Nursing Instructors and Teachers

$78,740 ( - /hr)

Doctoral or professional degree

None

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

Athletic Trainers

$52,980 ( - /hr)

Master's degree

None

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

Physical Therapists

$96,670 ($46.47/hr)

Doctoral or professional degree

None

Physical therapists help injured or ill people improve movement and manage pain. They are often an important part of preventive care, rehabilitation, and treatment for patients with chronic conditions, illnesses, or injuries.

Orthotists and Prosthetists

$76,270 ($36.67/hr)

Master's degree

None

Orthotists and prosthetists measure, design, fit, and adapt musculoskeletal devices for patients who have disabling conditions. These devices include artificial limbs and orthopedic braces.

Medical Scientists

$104,300 ($50.14/hr)

Doctoral or professional degree

None

Medical scientists conduct research aimed at improving overall human health. They often use clinical trials and other investigative methods to reach their findings.

Exercise Physiologists

$50,560 ($24.31/hr)

Bachelor's degree

None

Exercise physiologists develop physical activity programs to help people improve components of their fitness, such as cardiovascular function, muscular strength, or flexibility.

Occupational Therapists

$94,580 ($45.47/hr)

Master's degree

None

Occupational therapists evaluate and treat people who have injuries, illnesses, or disabilities. They help clients meet goals to develop, recover, improve, and maintain skills needed for daily living and working.

Clinical and Counseling Psychologists

$91,840 ($44.15/hr)

Doctoral or professional degree

None

Clinical and Counseling Psychologists assess, diagnose, and treat mental and emotional disorders of individuals through observation, interview, and psychological tests. They help individuals with distress or maladjustment understand their problems through their knowledge of case history, interviews with patients, and theory.

Audiologists

$79,460 ($38.20/hr)

Doctoral or professional degree

None

Audiologists diagnose, manage, and treat patients who have hearing, balance, or related problems.

Dietitians and Nutritionists

$64,910 ($31.21/hr)

Bachelor's degree

None

Dietitians and nutritionists are experts in the use of food and nutrition to promote health and manage disease. They plan and conduct food service or nutritional programs to help people lead healthy lives.

Chiropractors

$80,350 ($38.63/hr)

Doctoral or professional degree

None

Chiropractors assess, treat, and care for patients by manipulating the spine and musculoskeletal system. They may provide spinal adjustment or address sacral or pelvic misalignment.

Registered Nurses

$81,860 ($39.36/hr)

Associate's degree

None

Registered nurses (RNs) provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients and the public about various health conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients and their families.

Healthcare Social Workers

$65,140 ($31.32/hr)

Master's degree

None

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

Health Education Specialists

$54,720 ($26.31/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.

Computer Systems Analysts

$104,940 ($50.45/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.

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers

$56,730 ($27.28/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.

Acupuncturists

$73,100 ($35.14/hr)

Master's degree

None

Acupuncturists diagnose, treat, and prevent disorders by stimulating specific acupuncture points within the body using acupuncture needles. They may also use cups, nutritional supplements, therapeutic massage, acupressure, and other alternative health therapies.

All Other Psychologists

$137,130 ($65.93/hr)

Master's degree

None

Psychologists study cognitive, emotional, and social processes and behavior by observing, interpreting, and recording how people relate to one another and to their environments. They use their findings to help improve processes and behaviors.

Recreational Therapists

$48,590 ($23.36/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, and dance; sports and games; aquatics; and community outings

All Other Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners

$112,590 ($54.13/hr)

Master's degree

None

Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners treat, diagnose, or prevent disease. They may also provide consultations and advice, prescribe medication, and refer patients to other specialists. This category includes all healthcare diagnosing or treating practitioners not contained somewhere else.

Compliance Officers

$74,810 ($35.96/hr)

Bachelor's degree

None

Compliance officers make sure that people and organizations meet legal and regulatory requirements.

Save

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…