Navigating the job market can feel overwhelming with the multitude of occupations available. Thankfully, the National Career Clusters Framework simplifies this by grouping hundreds of occupations into sixteen distinct major categories based on shared foundational knowledge and skills essential for career success.
This framework is the go-to classification system in schools and state agencies because it directly links educational practices to careers. By grouping occupations according to similar educational and training requirements, it allows for the development of curricula and programs that incorporate foundational skills vital for specific fields.
![Holland Hexagon_R3[2]](https://occuori.com/sitepad-data/uploads/2024/06/Holland-Hexagon_R32.jpg "Holland Hexagon_R3[2]")
As a result, students can follow clear pathways that guide them in selecting programs of study aligned with their career goals. Within each cluster, career pathways focus on smaller subsets of related occupations. Each pathway has its own knowledge and skill requirements, supporting success in the aligned occupations. These pathways outline courses and training programs, providing students with a roadmap to achieve their career goals. While clusters give a broad overview of foundational skills, pathways help students zero in on specific occupations and create informed educational plans.
Programs of study are integral to career pathways. They offer a focused and comprehensive outline of courses and training leading to specific careers. Completing a program of study often results in certification or a degree, opening the door to employment in a particular field. Where career pathways offer insights into various educational options within a field, programs of study pinpoint individual careers and specify the necessary courses and training sequences to meet basic job requirements. Detailed descriptions of various programs of study are available at NCES CIP Codes. Here, you can explore specific courses and training needed for different careers and start planning your educational journey towards your dream job.
Let's explore career information through CareerOneStop's video library, supported by the US Department of Labor. This resource is designed to guide career exploration by providing detailed information on a variety of professions, including job responsibilities, work environments, educational requirements, average salaries, and more.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration. CareerOneStop, Retrieved Jun 1, 2024 from https://www.careeronestop.org/.
Category 1 - Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
Agricultural Equipment Operators
Buyers and Purchasing Agents, Farm Products
Clinical Research Coordinators
Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health
Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians
Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers
Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse
Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals
First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers
Food Scientists and Technologists
Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians
Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products
Hazardous Materials Removal Workers
Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
Category 2 - Architecture and Construction
Architects, Except Landscape and Naval
Architectural and Civil Drafters
Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers
Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Continuous Mining Machine Operators
Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door
Conveyor Operators and Tenders
Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas
Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers
Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas
Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers
Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers
Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining
Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters
First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers
First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers
Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers
Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters
Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers
Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons
Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall
Insulation Workers, Mechanical
Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers
Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
Painters, Construction and Maintenance
Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons
Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers
Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas
Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners
Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas
Solar Energy Installation Managers
Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians
Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators
Structural Iron and Steel Workers
Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters
Surveying and Mapping Technicians
Category 3 - Art, Audio/Video Technology and Communications
Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes
Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys
Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film
Commercial and Industrial Designers
Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators
Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance
Media Technical Directors/Managers
News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists
Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers
Prepress Technicians and Workers
Print Binding and Finishing Workers
Special Effects Artists and Animators
Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers
Category 4 - Business Management and Administration
Administrative Services Managers
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks
Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers
Compensation and Benefits Managers
Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Customer Service Representatives
Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants
First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers
General and Operations Managers
Geothermal Production Managers
Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping
Hydroelectric Production Managers
Industrial Production Managers
Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan
Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service
Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners
Office Machine Operators, Except Computer
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks
Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators
Quality Control Systems Managers
Receptionists and Information Clerks
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive
Security Management Specialists
Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks
Training and Development Managers
Training and Development Specialists
Wind Energy Development Managers
Category 5 - Education and Training
Adapted Physical Education Specialists
Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors
Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary
Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary
Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary
Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School
Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary
Communications Teachers, Postsecondary
Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary
Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary
Education Administrators, Postsecondary
Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare
Education Teachers, Postsecondary
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary
Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
Farm and Home Management Educators
Fitness and Wellness Coordinators
Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary
Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Geography Teachers, Postsecondary
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary
History Teachers, Postsecondary
Librarians and Media Collections Specialists
Library Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Museum Technicians and Conservators
Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary
Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary
Physics Teachers, Postsecondary
Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary
Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other
Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary
Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary
Special Education Teachers, Elementary School
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten
Special Education Teachers, Middle School
Special Education Teachers, Preschool
Special Education Teachers, Secondary School
Teaching Assistants, All Other
Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary
Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special Education
Category 6 - Finance
Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators
Credit Authorizers, Checkers, and Clerks
Financial and Investment Analysts
Financial Quantitative Analysts
Fraud Examiners, Investigators and Analysts
Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage
Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks
Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents
Category 7 - Government and Public Administration
Appraisers and Assessors of Real Estate
Appraisers of Personal and Business Property
Construction and Building Inspectors
Court, Municipal, and License Clerks
Emergency Management Directors
Environmental Compliance Inspectors
Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers
Government Property Inspectors and Investigators
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists
Occupational Health and Safety Technicians
Postmasters and Mail Superintendents
Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents
Transportation Security Screeners
Transportation Vehicle, Equipment and Systems Inspectors, Except Aviation
Category 8 - Health Science
Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers
Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
General Internal Medicine Physicians
Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
Low Vision Therapists, Orientation and Mobility Specialists, and Vision Rehabilitation Therapists
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
Medical and Health Services Managers
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
Nuclear Medicine Technologists
Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Ophthalmic Medical Technicians
Ophthalmic Medical Technologists
Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physicians
Preventive Medicine Physicians
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians
Speech-Language Pathology Assistants
Category 9 - Hospitality and Tourism
Amusement and Recreation Attendants
Athletes and Sports Competitors
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers
First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers
First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers
First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers
Gambling and Sports Book Writers and Runners
Gambling Change Persons and Booth Cashiers
Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop
Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks
Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners
Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners
Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks
Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials
Category 10 - Human Services
Child, Family, and School Social Workers
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
Directors, Religious Activities and Education
Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors
First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services
First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists
Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers
Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants
Marriage and Family Therapists
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers
Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials
Social and Community Service Managers
Social and Human Service Assistants
Category 11 - Information Technology
Business Intelligence Analysts
Computer Network Support Specialists
Computer Systems Engineers/Architects
Computer User Support Specialists
Document Management Specialists
Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians
Health Informatics Specialists
Information Security Engineers
Information Technology Project Managers
Network and Computer Systems Administrators
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Telecommunications Engineering Specialists
Category 12 - Law, Public Safety, and Corrections
Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers
Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators
Correctional Officers and Jailers
Customs and Border Protection Officers
Detectives and Criminal Investigators
Fire Inspectors and Investigators
First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers
First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers
First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives
Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists
Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators
Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates
Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
Police Identification and Records Officers
Private Detectives and Investigators
Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
Public Safety Telecommunicators
Retail Loss Prevention Specialists
Category 13 - Manufacturing
Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers
Automotive Engineering Technicians
Biofuels Processing Technicians
Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters
Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders
Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers
Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers
Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders
Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Electrical and Electronic Equipment Assemblers
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay
Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians
Electromechanical Equipment Assemblers
Engine and Other Machine Assemblers
Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers
Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers
Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators
First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers
First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers
Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders
Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders
Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Glass Blowers, Molders, Benders, and Finishers
Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Hydroelectric Plant Technicians
Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Industrial Machinery Mechanics
Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers
Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic
Machine Feeders and Offbearers
Maintenance and Repair Workers, General
Maintenance Workers, Machinery
Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers
Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders
Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Model Makers, Metal and Plastic
Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic
Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners
Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Nuclear Power Reactor Operators
Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians
Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics
Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders
Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers
Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic
Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers
Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Power Distributors and Dispatchers
Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks
Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail, and Farm Products
Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers
Recycling and Reclamation Workers
Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood
Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers
Semiconductor Processing Technicians
Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers
Shoe Machine Operators and Tenders
Stone Cutters and Carvers, Manufacturing
Textile Bleaching and Dyeing Machine Operators and Tenders
Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Timing Device Assemblers and Adjusters
Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Wind Turbine Service Technicians
Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing
Category 14 - Marketing, Sales, and Services
Advertising and Promotions Managers
Demonstrators and Product Promoters
First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers
First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers
Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers
Sales Representatives of Services, except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products
Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents
Category 15 - Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math
Anthropologists and Archeologists
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Atmospheric and Space Scientists
Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists
Climate Change Policy Analysts
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar
Environmental Restoration Planners
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
Fire-Prevention and Protection Engineers
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors
Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists
Marine Engineers and Naval Architects
Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers
Precision Agriculture Technicians
Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists
Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists
Social Science Research Assistants
Category 16 - Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers
Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians
Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants
Automotive Body and Related Repairers
Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels
Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment
Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance
Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment
Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles
First-Line Supervisors of Helpers, Laborers, and Material Movers, Hand
First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operators
Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators
Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand
Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines
Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians
Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers
Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers
Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
Recreational Vehicle Service Technicians