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Welcome to the Nation′s premier source for career information! The profiles featured here cover hundreds of occupations and describe What They Do, Work Environment, How to Become One, Pay, and more. Each profile also includes BLS employment projections for the 2010–20 decade.

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  • Funeral Directors

    Funeral directors, also called morticians and undertakers, manage funeral homes and arrange the details of a funeral.
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  • Insurance Underwriters

    Insurance underwriters decide whether to provide insurance and under what terms. They evaluate insurance applications and determine coverage amounts and premiums.
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  • Computer and Information Research Scientists

    Computer and information research scientists invent and design new technology and find new uses for existing technology. They study and solve complex problems in computing for business, science, medicine, and other uses.
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  • Mathematicians

    Mathematicians use high-level mathematics and technology to develop new mathematical principles, understand relationships between existing principles, and solve real-world problems.
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  • Atmospheric Scientists, Including Meteorologists

    Atmospheric scientists study weather, climate, and other aspects of the atmosphere. They develop reports and forecasts from their analysis of weather and climate data.
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  • Economists

    Economists study the production and distribution of resources, goods, and services.
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  • Health Educators

    Health educators teach people about behaviors that promote wellness. They develop programs and materials to encourage people to make healthy decisions.
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  • Court Reporters

    Court reporters attend legal proceedings and public speaking events to create word-for-word transcriptions. Some court reporters provide captioning for television and at public events.
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  • Dietitians and Nutritionists

    Dietitians and nutritionists are experts in food and nutrition. They advise people on what to eat in order to lead a healthy lifestyle or achieve a specific health-related goal.
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  • Audiologists

    Audiologists diagnose and treat a patient’s hearing and balance problems using advanced technology and procedures.
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  • Travel Agents

    Travel agents sell transportation, lodging, and admission to entertainment activities to individuals and groups who are planning trips. They offer advice on destinations, plan trip itineraries, and make travel arrangements for clients.
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  • Electricians

    Electricians install and maintain electrical systems in homes, businesses, and factories.
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  • Home Appliance Repairers

    Home appliance repairers install and repair household appliances, such as refrigerators, microwaves, and washer and dryers.
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  • Semiconductor Processors

    Semiconductor processors oversee the manufacturing of electronic semiconductors, which are commonly known as integrated circuits or microchips. These microchips are found in all electronic devices—including cell phones, cars, and laptops—and are an important part of modern life.
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  • Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers

    Advertising, promotions, and marketing managers plan programs to generate interest in a product or service. They work with art directors, sales agents, and financial staff members.
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  • Sales Managers

    Sales managers direct sales teams of organizations. They set sales goals, analyze data, and develop training programs for the sales representatives of the organization.
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  • Public Relations Managers and Specialists

    Public relations managers and specialists create and maintain a favorable public image for their employer or client. They write material for media releases, plan and direct public relations programs, and raise funds for their organizations.
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  • Administrative Services Managers

    Administrative services managers plan, direct, and coordinate supportive services of an organization. Their specific responsibilities vary by the type of organization and may include keeping records, distributing mail, and planning and maintaining facilities.
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  • Computer and Information Systems Managers

    Computer and information systems managers, often called information technology managers (IT managers or IT project managers), plan, coordinate, and direct computer-related activities in an organization. They help determine the information technology goals of an organization and are responsible for implementing the appropriate computer systems to meet those goals.
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  • Financial Managers

    Financial managers are responsible for the financial health of an organization. They produce financial reports, direct investment activities, and develop strategies and plans for the long-term financial goals of their organization.
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  • Compensation and Benefits Managers

    Compensation managers plan, direct, and coordinate how and how much an organization pays its employees. Benefits managers do the same for retirement plans, health insurance, and other benefits an organization offers its employees.
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  • Training and Development Managers

    Training and development managers plan, direct, and coordinate programs to enhance the knowledge and skills of an organization’s employees. They also oversee a staff of training and development specialists.
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  • Human Resources Managers

    Human resources managers plan, direct, and coordinate the administrative functions of an organization. They oversee the recruiting, interviewing, and hiring of new staff; consult with top executives on strategic planning; and serve as a link between an organization’s management and its employees.
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  • Industrial Production Managers

    Industrial production managers oversee the daily operations of manufacturing and related plants. They coordinate, plan, and direct the activities used to create a wide range of goods, such as cars, computer equipment, or paper products.
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  • Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers

    Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers run establishments that produce crops, livestock, and dairy products.
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  • Construction Managers

    Construction managers plan, coordinate, budget, and supervise construction projects from early development to completion.
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  • Preschool and Childcare Center Directors

    Preschool and childcare center directors are responsible for all aspects of their program. They direct and lead staff, oversee daily activities, and prepare plans and budgets.
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  • Elementary, Middle, and High School Principals

    Elementary, middle, and high school principals lead teachers and other members of school staff. They manage the day-to-day operations of elementary, middle, and high schools. They set goals and objectives and evaluate their school’s progress toward meeting them.
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  • Postsecondary Education Administrators

    Postsecondary education administrators oversee student services, academics, and research at colleges and universities. Their job duties vary depending on the area of the college they manage, such as admissions, student life, or the office of the registrar.
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  • Architectural and Engineering Managers

    Architectural and engineering managers plan, coordinate, and direct activities in architecture and engineering, including research and development in these fields.
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  • Food Service Managers

    Food service managers are responsible for the daily operations of restaurants and other establishments that prepare and serve food and beverages to customers. Managers ensure that customers are satisfied with their dining experience.
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  • Lodging Managers

    Lodging managers make sure that guests on vacation or business travel have a pleasant experience, while also ensuring that the establishments are run efficiently and profitably.
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  • Medical and Health Services Managers

    Medical and health services managers, also called healthcare executives or healthcare administrators, plan, direct, and coordinate medical and health services. They might manage an entire facility, specialize in managing a specific clinical area or department, or manage a medical practice for a group of physicians.
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  • Natural Sciences Managers

    Natural sciences managers supervise the work of scientists, including chemists, physicists, and biologists. They direct research and development projects and coordinate activities such as testing, quality control, and production.
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  • Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers

    Property, real estate, and community association managers take care of the many aspects of residential, commercial, or industrial properties. They make sure the property looks nice, operates smoothly, and preserves its resale value.
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  • Social and Community Service Managers

    Social and community service managers coordinate and supervise social service programs and community organizations. They direct and lead staff who provide services to the public.
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  • Top Executives

    Top executives devise strategies and policies to ensure that an organization meets its goals. They plan, direct, and coordinate operational activities of companies and public or private-sector organizations.
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  • Legislators

    Legislators are elected officials who develop laws for the federal government, or for local or state governments.
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  • Claims Adjusters, Appraisers, Examiners, and Investigators

    Claims adjusters, appraisers, examiners, and investigators evaluate insurance claims. They decide whether an insurance company must pay a claim, and if so, how much.
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  • Cost Estimators

    Cost estimators collect and analyze data to estimate the time, money, resources, and labor required for product manufacturing, construction projects, or services. Some specialize in a particular industry or product type.
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  • Human Resources Specialists

    Human resources specialists recruit, screen, interview, and place workers. They also may handle human resources work in a variety of other areas, such as employee relations, payroll and benefits, and training.
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  • Management Analysts

    Management analysts, often called management consultants, propose ways to improve the efficiency of an organization. They advise managers on how to make organizations more profitable through reduced costs and increased revenues.
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  • Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners

    Meeting, convention, and event planners coordinate all aspects of professional meetings and events. They choose meeting locations, arrange transportation, and coordinate other details.
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  • Accountants and Auditors

    Accountants and auditors prepare and examine financial records. They ensure that financial records are accurate and that taxes are paid properly and on time. Accountants and auditors assess financial operations and work to help ensure that organizations run efficiently.
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  • Appraisers and Assessors of Real Estate

    Appraisers and assessors of real estate estimate the value of real property—land and the buildings on that land— before it is sold, mortgaged, taxed, insured, or developed.
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  • Budget Analysts

    Budget analysts help public and private institutions organize their finances. They prepare budget reports and monitor institutional spending.
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  • Financial Analysts

    Financial analysts provide guidance to businesses and individuals making investment decisions. They assess the performance of stocks, bonds, and other types of investments.
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  • Personal Financial Advisors

    Personal financial advisors give financial advice to people. They help with investments, taxes, and insurance decisions.
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  • Financial Examiners

    Financial examiners ensure compliance with laws governing financial institutions and transactions. They review balance sheets, evaluate the risk level of loans, and assess bank management.
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  • Loan Officers

    Loan officers evaluate, authorize, or recommend approval of loan applications for people and businesses.
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  • Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents

    Tax examiners and collectors, and revenue agents ensure that governments get their tax money from businesses and citizens. They review tax returns, conduct audits, identify taxes owed, and collect overdue tax payments.
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  • Computer Programmers

    Computer programmers write code to create software programs. They turn the program designs created by software developers and engineers into instructions that a computer can follow.
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  • Software Developers

    Software developers are the creative minds behind computer programs. Some develop the applications that allow people to do specific tasks on a computer or other device. Others develop the underlying systems that run the devices or control networks.
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  • Computer Support Specialists

    Computer support specialists provide help and advice to people and organizations using computer software or equipment. Some, called technical support specialists, support information technology (IT) employees within their organization. Others, called help-desk technicians, assist non-IT users who are having computer problems.
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  • Computer Systems Analysts

    Computer systems analysts study an organizations current computer systems and procedures and make recommendations to management to help the organization operate more efficiently and effectively. They bring business and information technology (IT) together by understanding the needs and limitations of both.
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  • Database Administrators

    Database administrators use software to store and organize data, such as financial information and customer shipping records. They make sure that data are available to users and are secure from unauthorized access.
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  • Network and Computer Systems Administrators

    Network and computer systems administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation of an organization’s computer networks. They organize, install, and support an organization’s computer systems, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), network segments, intranets, and other data communication systems.
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  • Information Security Analysts, Web Developers, and Computer Network Architects

    Information security analysts, web developers, and computer network architects all use information technology (IT) to advance their organization’s goals. Security analysts ensure a firm’s information stays safe from cyberattacks. Web developers create websites to help firms have a public face. Computer network architects create the internal networks all workers within organizations use.
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  • Actuaries

    Actuaries analyze the financial costs of risk and uncertainty. They use mathematics, statistics, and financial theory to assess the risk that an event will occur and to help businesses and clients develop policies that minimize the cost of that risk.
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  • Operations Research Analysts

    Operations research analysts use advanced methods of analysis to help organizations solve problems and make better decisions.
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  • Statisticians

    Statisticians use mathematical techniques to analyze and interpret data and draw conclusions.
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  • Architects

    Architects plan and design buildings and other structures.
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  • Landscape Architects

    Landscape architects plan and design land areas for parks, recreational facilities, highways, airports, and other properties. Projects include subdivisions and commercial, industrial, and residential sites.
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  • Cartographers and Photogrammetrists

    Cartographers and photogrammetrists measure, analyze, and interpret geographic information to create maps and charts for political, cultural, educational, and other purposes. Cartographers are general mapmakers, and photogrammetrists are specialized mapmakers who use aerial photographs to create maps.
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  • Surveyors

    Surveyors establish official land, airspace, and water boundaries. Surveyors work with civil engineers, landscape architects, and urban and regional planners to develop comprehensive design documents.
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  • Aerospace Engineers

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

    Biomedical engineers analyze and design solutions to problems in biology and medicine, with the goal of improving the quality and effectiveness of patient care.
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  • Chemical Engineers

    Chemical engineers apply the principles of chemistry, biology, and physics to solve problems. These problems involve the production or use of chemicals, fuel, drugs, food, and many other products. They design processes and equipment for large-scale safe and sustainable manufacturing, plan and test methods of manufacturing products and treating byproducts, and supervise production.
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  • Civil Engineers

    Civil engineers design and supervise large construction projects, including roads, buildings, airports, tunnels, dams, bridges, and systems for water supply and sewage treatment.
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  • Computer Hardware Engineers

    Computer hardware engineers research, design, develop, and test computer equipment such as chips, circuit boards, or routers. By solving complex problems in computer hardware, these engineers create rapid advances in computer technology.
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  • Electrical and Electronics Engineers

    Electrical engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacturing of electrical equipment such as electric motors, radar and navigation systems, communications systems, and power generation equipment. Electronics engineers design and develop electronic equipment, such as broadcast and communications systems—from portable music players to global positioning systems (GPS).
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  • Environmental Engineers

    Environmental engineers use the principles of engineering, soil science, biology, and chemistry to develop solutions to environmental problems. They are involved in efforts to improve recycling, waste disposal, public health, and control of water and air pollution.
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  • Industrial Engineers

    Industrial engineers find ways to eliminate wastefulness in production processes. They devise efficient ways to use workers, machines, materials, information, and energy to make a product or provide a service.
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  • Marine Engineers and Naval Architects

    Marine engineers and naval architects design, build, and maintain ships from aircraft carriers to submarines, from sailboats to tankers. Marine engineers work on the mechanical systems, such as propulsion and steering. Naval architects work on the basic design, including the form and stability of hulls.
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  • Materials Engineers

    Materials engineers develop, process, and test materials used to create a range of products, from computer chips and aircraft wings to golf clubs and snow skis. They also help select materials and develop new ways to use materials.
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  • Mechanical Engineers

    Mechanical engineering is one of the broadest engineering disciplines. Mechanical engineers design, develop, build, and test mechanical devices, including tools, engines, and machines.
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  • Mining and Geological Engineers

    Mining and geological engineers design mines for the safe and efficient removal of minerals, such as coal and minerals, for manufacturing and utilities.
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  • Nuclear Engineers

    Nuclear engineers research and develop the processes, instruments, and systems used to get benefits from nuclear energy and radiation. Many of these engineers find industrial and medical uses for radioactive materials—for example, in equipment used in medical diagnosis and treatment.
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  • Petroleum Engineers

    Petroleum engineers design and develop methods for extracting oil and gas from deposits below the earth’s surface. Petroleum engineers also find new ways to extract oil and gas from older wells.
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  • Drafters

    Drafters use software to convert the designs of engineers and architects into technical drawings and plans. Workers in production and construction use these plans to build everything from microchips to skyscrapers.
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  • Civil Engineering Technicians

    Civil engineering technicians help civil engineers plan and design the construction of highways, bridges, utilities, and other major infrastructure projects. They also help with commercial, residential, and land development. Civil engineering technicians work under the direction of a licensed civil engineer.
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  • Environmental Engineering Technicians

    Environmental engineering technicians carry out the plans that environmental engineers develop. They test, operate, and, if necessary, modify equipment for preventing or cleaning up environmental pollution. They may collect samples for testing, or they may work to mitigate sources of environmental pollution.
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  • Industrial Engineering Technicians

    Industrial engineering technicians plan ways to effectively use personnel, materials, and machines in factories, stores, hospitals, repair shops, and offices. As assistants to industrial engineers, they help prepare machinery and equipment layouts, plan workflows, conduct statistical production studies, and analyze production costs.
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  • Mechanical Engineering Technicians

    Mechanical engineering technicians help mechanical engineers design, develop, test, and manufacture industrial machinery, consumer products, and other equipment. They may make sketches and rough layouts, record and analyze data, make calculations and estimates, and report their findings.
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  • Market Research Analysts

    Market research analysts study market conditions in local, regional, or national areas to examine potential sales of a product or service. They help companies understand what products people want, who will buy them, and at what price.
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  • Surveying and Mapping Technicians

    Surveying and mapping technicians assist surveyors and cartographers in collecting data and making maps of the earth’s surface. Surveying technicians visit sites to take measurements of the land. Mapping technicians use geographic data to create maps.
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  • Agricultural and Food Scientists

    Agricultural and food scientists work to ensure agricultural productivity and food safety.
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  • Biochemists and Biophysicists

    Biochemists and biophysicists study the chemical and physical principles of living things and of biological processes such as cell development, growth, and heredity.
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  • Microbiologists

    Microbiologists study the growth, development, and other characteristics of microscopic organisms such as bacteria, algae, and fungi.
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  • Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists

    Zoologists and wildlife biologists study the characteristics and habitats of animals and wildlife.
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  • Epidemiologists

    Epidemiologists investigate the causes of disease and other public health problems to prevent them from spreading or from happening again. They report their findings to public policy officials and to the general public.
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  • Medical Scientists

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

    Physicists and astronomers study the fundamental nature of the universe, ranging from the vastness of space to the smallest of subatomic particles. They develop new technologies, methods, and theories based on the results of their research that deepen our understanding of how things work and contribute to innovative, real-world applications.
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  • Chemists and Materials Scientists

    Chemists and materials scientists study the structures, compositions, reactions, and other properties of substances. They use their knowledge to develop new and improved products, processes, and materials.
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  • Environmental Scientists and Specialists

    Environmental scientists and specialists use their knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment. They identify problems and find solutions that minimize hazards to the health of the environment and the population.
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  • Geoscientists

    Geoscientists study the physical aspects of the Earth, such as its composition, structure, and processes, to learn about its past, present, and future.
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  • Hydrologists

    Hydrologists study water and the water cycle. They use their expertise to solve problems in the areas of water quality or availability.
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  • Survey Researchers

    Survey researchers design or conduct surveys and analyze survey data.
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  • Psychologists

    Psychologists study mental processes and human behavior by observing, interpreting, and recording how people and other animals relate to one another and the environment.
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  • Sociologists

    Sociologists study society and social behavior by examining the groups, cultures, organizations, social institutions, and processes that people develop.
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  • Urban and Regional Planners

    Urban and regional planners develop plans and programs for the use of land. They use planning to create communities, accommodate growth, or revitalize physical facilities in towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas.
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  • Anthropologists and Archeologists

    Anthropologists and archeologists study the origin, development, and behavior of human beings, past and present. They examine the cultures, languages, archeological remains, and physical characteristics of people in various parts of the world.
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  • Political Scientists

    Political scientists study the origin, development, and operation of political systems. They research political ideas and analyze the structure and operation of governments, policies, political trends, and related issues.
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  • Biological Technicians

    Biological technicians help biological and medical scientists conduct laboratory tests and experiments.
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  • Chemical Technicians

    Chemical technicians use special instruments and techniques to help chemists and chemical engineers in researching, developing, and producing chemical products and processes.
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  • Geological and Petroleum Technicians

    Geological and petroleum technicians provide support to scientists and engineers in exploring and extracting natural resources, such as minerals, oil, and natural gas.
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  • Nuclear Technicians

    Nuclear technicians assist physicists, engineers, and other professionals in nuclear research and nuclear production. They operate special equipment used in these activities and monitor the levels of radiation that are produced.
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  • Environmental Science and Protection Technicians

    Environmental science and protection technicians do laboratory and field tests to monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution, including those affecting health. Many work under the supervision of environmental scientists and specialists, who direct their work and evaluate their results.
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  • Forensic Science Technicians

    Forensic science technicians help investigate crimes by collecting and analyzing physical evidence. Most technicians specialize in either crime scene investigation or laboratory analysis.
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  • Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors

    Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors advise people who have alcoholism or other types of addiction, eating disorders, or other behavioral problems. They provide treatment and support to help the client recover from addiction or modify problem behaviors.
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  • School and Career Counselors

    School counselors help students develop social skills and succeed in school. Career counselors assist people with the process of making career decisions by helping them choose a career or educational program.
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  • Mental Health Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists

    Mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists help people manage or overcome mental and emotional disorders and problems with their family and relationships. They listen to clients and ask questions to help the clients understand their problems and develop strategies to improve their lives.
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  • Rehabilitation Counselors

    Rehabilitation counselors help people with emotional and physical disabilities live independently. They help their clients overcome personal, social, and professional effects of disabilities as they relate to employment or independent living.
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  • Social Workers

    There are two main types of social workers: direct-service social workers, who help people solve and cope with problems in their everyday lives, and clinical social workers, who diagnose and treat mental, behavioral, and emotional issues.
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  • Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists

    Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists work with and monitor offenders to prevent them from committing new crimes.
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  • Social and Human Service Assistants

    Social and human service assistants help people get through difficult times or get additional support. They help other workers, such as social workers, and they help clients find benefits or community services.
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  • Lawyers

    Lawyers advise and represent individuals, businesses, or government agencies on legal issues or disputes.
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  • Judges, Mediators, and Hearing Officers

    Judges, mediators, and hearing officers apply the law to court cases and oversee the legal process in courts. They also resolve administrative disputes and facilitate negotiations between opposing parties.
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  • Paralegals and Legal Assistants

    Paralegals and legal assistants do a variety of tasks to support lawyers, including maintaining and organizing files, conducting legal research, and drafting documents.
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  • Postsecondary Teachers

    Postsecondary teachers instruct students who have completed high school in a wide variety of subjects. They also conduct research and publish scholarly papers and books.
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  • Preschool Teachers

    Preschool teachers educate and care for children, usually ages 3 to 5, who have not yet entered kindergarten. They explain reading, writing, science, and other subjects in a way that young children can understand.
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  • Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers

    Kindergarten and elementary school teachers prepare younger students for future schooling by teaching them the basics of subjects such as math and reading.
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  • Middle School Teachers

    Middle school teachers educate students, most of whom are in sixth through eighth grades. They help students build on the fundamentals they learned in elementary school and prepare them for the more difficult lessons they will learn in high school.
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  • Career and Technical Education Teachers

    Career and technical education teachers help students in middle school and high school develop career-related and technical skills. They help students explore or prepare to enter a particular occupation, such as one in auto repair, healthcare, business, or the culinary arts.
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  • Special Education Teachers

    Special education teachers work with students who have a wide range of learning, mental, emotional and physical disabilities. With students who have mild or moderate disabilities, they ensure that lessons and teaching strategies are modified to meet the students’ needs. With students who have severe disabilities, they teach the students independent living skills and basic literacy, communication, and math.
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  • Adult Literacy and GED Teachers

    Adult literacy and General Education Development (GED) teachers instruct adults and youths who are out of school in basic skills, such as reading, writing, and speaking English. They also help students earn their GED or high school diploma.
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  • Archivists

    Archivists appraise, edit, and maintain permanent records and historically valuable documents. Many do research on archival material.
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  • Curators, Museum Technicians, and Conservators

    Curators oversee collections, such as artwork and historic items, and may conduct public service activities for an institution. Museum technicians and conservators prepare and restore objects and documents in museum collections and exhibits.
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  • Librarians

    Librarians help people find information from many sources. They maintain library collections and do other work as needed to keep the library running.
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  • Library Technicians and Assistants

    Library technicians and assistants help librarians acquire, prepare, and organize materials. They also do other tasks that are needed to run a library.
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  • Instructional Coordinators

    Instructional coordinators oversee school districts’ curriculums and teaching standards. They work with teachers and school administrators to implement new teaching techniques to improve the quality of education.
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  • Teacher Assistants

    Teacher assistants work under a teacher’s supervision to give students additional attention and instruction.
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  • Art Directors

    Art directors are responsible for the visual style and images in magazines, newspapers, product packaging, and movie and television productions. They create the overall design and direct others who develop artwork or layouts.
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  • Multimedia Artists and Animators

    Multimedia artists and animators create animation and visual effects for television, movies, video games, and other media. They create two- and three-dimensional models and animation.
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  • Industrial Designers

    Industrial designers develop the concepts for manufactured products, such as cars, home appliances, and toys. They combine art, business, and engineering to make products that people use every day.
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  • Fashion Designers

    Fashion designers create original clothing, accessories, and footwear. They sketch designs, select fabrics and patterns, and give instructions on how to make the products they designed.
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  • Floral Designers

    Floral designers, also called florists, cut and arrange live, dried, or silk flowers and greenery to make decorative displays. They also help customers select flowers, containers, ribbons, and other accessories.
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  • Graphic Designers

    Graphic designers create visual concepts, by hand or using computer software, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, or captivate consumers. They help to make an organization recognizable by selecting color, images, or logo designs that represent a particular idea or identity to be used in advertising and promotions.
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  • Interior Designers

    Interior designers make interior spaces functional, safe, and beautiful for almost every type of building: offices, homes, airport terminals, shopping malls, and restaurants. They select and specify colors, finishes, fabrics, furniture, flooring and wallcoverings, lighting, and other materials to create useful and stylish interiors for buildings.
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  • Set and Exhibit Designers

    Set designers create sets for movie, television, theater, and other productions. They analyze scripts or other research documents to determine how many sets will be needed and how each set can best support the story. Exhibit designers create spaces to display products, art, or artifacts.
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  • Actors

    Actors express ideas and portray characters in theater, film, television, and other performing arts media. They also work at theme parks or for other live events. They interpret a writer’s script to entertain or inform an audience.
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  • Producers and Directors

    Producers and directors are in charge of creating motion pictures, television shows, live theater, and other performing arts productions. They interpret a writer’s script to entertain or inform an audience.
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  • Athletes and Sports Competitors

    Athletes and sports competitors participate in organized, officiated sports events to entertain spectators.
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  • Coaches and Scouts

    Coaches teach amateur and professional athletes the skills they need to succeed at their sport. Scouts look for new players, evaluating athletes’ strengths and weaknesses as possible recruits. Many coaches also scout out new talent.
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  • Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials

    Umpires, referees, and other sports officials preside over competitive athletic or sporting events. They detect infractions and decide penalties according to the rules of the game.
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  • Dancers and Choreographers

    Dancers and choreographers use movements to express ideas and stories in performances. There are many types of dance, such as ballet, modern dance, tap, and jazz.
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  • Music Directors and Composers

    Music directors (also called conductors) lead orchestras and other musical groups during performances and recording sessions. Composers write and arrange original music in a variety of musical styles.
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  • Musicians and Singers

    Musicians and singers play instruments or sing for live audiences and in recording studios. They perform in a variety of styles, such as classical, jazz, opera, rap, or rock.
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  • Announcers

    Announcers present music, news, and sports and may provide commentary or interview guests about these topics or other important events. Some act as a master of ceremonies (emcee) or disc jockey (DJ) at weddings, parties, or clubs.
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  • Reporters, Correspondents, and Broadcast News Analysts

    Reporters, correspondents, and broadcast news analysts inform the public about news and events happening internationally, nationally, and locally. They report the news for newspapers, magazines, websites, television, and radio.
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  • Editors

    Editors plan, review, and revise content for publication.
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  • Technical Writers

    Technical writers, also called technical communicators, produce instruction manuals and other supporting documents to communicate complex and technical information more easily. They also develop, gather, and disseminate technical information among customers, designers, and manufacturers.
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  • Writers and Authors

    Writers and authors develop original written content for advertisements, books, magazines, movie and television scripts, songs, and online publications.
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  • Interpreters and Translators

    Interpreters and translators convert information from one language to another. Interpreters work in spoken or sign language, translators in written language.
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  • Broadcast and Sound Engineering Technicians

    Broadcast and sound engineering technicians set up, operate, and maintain the electrical equipment for radio and television broadcasts, concerts, sound recordings, and movies and in office and school buildings.
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  • Photographers

    Photographers use their technical expertise, creativity, and composition skills to produce and preserve images that visually tell a story or record an event.
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  • Film and Video Editors and Camera Operators

    Film and video editors and camera operators record images that entertain or inform an audience. Camera operators capture a wide range of material for TV shows, motion pictures, music videos, documentaries, or news and sporting events. Editors construct the final productions from the many different images camera operators capture. They collaborate with producers and directors to create the final production.
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  • Chiropractors

    Chiropractors treat patients with health problems of the musculoskeletal system, which is made up of bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
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  • Dentists

    Dentists diagnose and treat problems with a patient’s teeth, gums, and other parts of the mouth. They provide advice and instruction on taking care of teeth and gums and on diet choices that affect oral health.
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  • Optometrists

    Optometrists perform eye exams to check for vision problems and diseases. They prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses as needed.
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  • Pharmacists

    Pharmacists dispense prescription medications to patients and offer advice on their safe use.
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  • Physicians and Surgeons

    Physicians and surgeons diagnose and treat injuries and illnesses in patients. Physicians examine patients, take medical histories, prescribe medications, and order, perform, and interpret diagnostic tests. Surgeons operate on patients to treat injuries, such as broken bones; diseases, such as cancerous tumors; and deformities, such as cleft palates.
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  • Physician Assistants

    Physician assistants, also known as PAs, practice medicine under the direction of physicians and surgeons. They are formally trained to examine patients, diagnose injuries and illnesses, and provide treatment.
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  • Podiatrists

    Podiatrists provide medical and surgical care for people suffering foot, ankle, and lower leg problems. They diagnose illnesses, treat injuries, and perform surgery.
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  • Registered Nurses

    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 family members.
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  • Occupational Therapists

    Occupational therapists treat patients with injuries, illnesses, or disabilities through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. They help these patients develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working.
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  • Physical Therapists

    Physical therapists help people who have injuries or illnesses improve their movement and manage their pain. They are often an important part of rehabilitation and treatment of patients with chronic conditions or injuries.
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  • Radiation Therapists

    Radiation therapists treat cancer and other diseases in patients by giving radiation treatments.
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  • Recreational Therapists

    Recreational therapists plan, direct, and coordinate recreation programs for people with disabilities or illnesses. They use a variety of techniques, including arts and crafts, drama, music, dance, sports, games, and field trips. These programs help maintain or improve a client’s physical and emotional well-being.
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  • Respiratory Therapists

    Respiratory therapists care for patients who have trouble breathing; for example, from a chronic respiratory disease, such as asthma or emphysema. They also provide emergency care to patients suffering from heart attacks, stroke, drowning, or shock.
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  • Speech-Language Pathologists

    Speech-language pathologists diagnose and treat communication and swallowing disorders in patients.
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  • Veterinarians

    Veterinarians care for the health of animals. They diagnose, treat, or research medical conditions and diseases of pets, livestock, and animals in zoos, racetracks, and laboratories.
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  • Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians

    Medical laboratory technologists (also known as medical laboratory scientists) and medical laboratory technicians collect samples and perform tests to analyze body fluids, tissue, and other substances.
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  • Dental Hygienists

    Dental hygienists clean teeth, examine patients for oral diseases such as gingivitis, and provide other preventative dental care. They also educate patients on ways to improve and maintain good oral health.
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  • Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians and Vascular Technologists

    Cardiovascular technologists and technicians and vascular technologists use imaging technology to help physicians diagnose cardiac (heart) and peripheral vascular (blood vessel) ailments in patients. They also help physicians treat problems with cardiac and vascular systems, such as blood clots.
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  • Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

    Diagnostic medical sonographers use special imaging equipment that directs sound waves into a patient’s body (in a procedure commonly known as an ultrasound, sonogram, or echocardiogram) to assess and diagnose various medical conditions.
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  • Nuclear Medicine Technologists

    Nuclear medicine technologists use a scanner to create images of various areas of a patient’s body. They prepare radioactive drugs and administer them to patients undergoing the scans. The radioactive drugs cause abnormal areas of the body to appear different from normal areas in the images.
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  • Radiologic Technologists

    Radiologic technologists perform diagnostic imaging examinations, such as x rays, on patients.
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  • EMTs and Paramedics

    Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics care for the sick or injured in emergency medical settings. People’s lives often depend on their quick reaction and competent care. EMTs and paramedics respond to emergency calls, performing medical services and transporting patients to medical facilities.
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  • Pharmacy Technicians

    Pharmacy technicians help licensed pharmacists dispense prescription medication.
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  • Surgical Technologists

    Surgical technologists, also called operating room technicians, assist in surgical operations. They prepare operating rooms, arrange equipment, and help doctors and nurses during surgeries.
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  • Veterinary Technologists and Technicians

    Veterinary technologists and technicians perform medical tests under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian to treat or to help veterinarians diagnose the illnesses and injuries of animals.
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  • Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses

    Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses (known as LPNs or LVNs, depending on the state in which they work) provide basic nursing care. They work under the direction of registered nurses and doctors.
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  • Medical Records and Health Information Technicians

    Medical records and health information technicians organize and manage health information data by ensuring its quality, accuracy, accessibility, and security in both paper and electronic systems. They use various classification systems to code and categorize patient information for reimbursement purposes, for databases and registries, and to maintain patients’ medical and treatment histories.
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  • Dispensing Opticians

    Dispensing opticians help fit eyeglasses and contact lenses, following prescriptions from ophthalmologists and optometrists. They also help customers decide which eyeglass frames or type of contact lenses to buy.
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  • Occupational Health and Safety Specialists

    Occupational health and safety specialists analyze many types of work environments and work procedures. Specialists inspect workplaces for adherence to regulations on safety, health, and the environment. They also design programs to prevent disease or injury to workers and damage to the environment.
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  • Occupational Health and Safety Technicians

    Occupational health and safety technicians collect data on the safety and health conditions of the workplace. Technicians work with occupational safety and health specialists in conducting tests and measuring hazards to help prevent harm to workers, property, the environment, and the general public.
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  • Athletic Trainers

    Athletic trainers specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating muscle and bone injuries and illnesses. They work with people of all ages and all skill levels, from young children to soldiers and professional athletes.
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  • Home Health and Personal Care Aides

    Home health and personal care aides help people who are disabled, chronically ill, or cognitively impaired. They also help older adults who may need assistance. They help with activities such as bathing and dressing, and they provide services such as light housekeeping. In some states, home health aides may be able to give a client medication or check the client’s vital signs under the direction of a nurse or other healthcare practitioner.
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  • Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants

    Nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants help provide basic care for patients in hospitals and residents of long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes.
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  • Psychiatric Technicians and Aides

    Psychiatric technicians and aides care for people who have mental illness and developmental disabilities. The two occupations are related, but technicians typically provide therapeutic care, and aides help patients in their daily activities and ensure a safe, clean environment.
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  • Occupational Therapy Assistants and Aides

    Occupational therapy assistants and aides work under the direction of occupational therapists in treating patients with injuries, illnesses, or disabilities through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. They help these patients develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working.
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  • Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides

    Physical therapist assistants and physical therapist aides work under the direction of physical therapists. They help patients who are recovering from injuries, illnesses, and surgeries regain movement and manage pain.
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  • Massage Therapists

    Massage therapists treat clients by using touch to manipulate the soft-tissue muscles of the body. With their touch, therapists relieve pain, rehabilitate injuries, reduce stress, increase relaxation, and aid in the general wellness of clients.
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  • Dental Assistants

    Dental assistants have many tasks, ranging from patient care to record keeping, in a dental office. Their duties vary by state and by the dentist’s office where they work.
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  • Medical Assistants

    Medical assistants complete administrative and clinical tasks in the offices of physicians, podiatrists, chiropractors, and other health practitioners. Their duties vary with the location, specialty, and size of the practice.
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  • Medical Transcriptionists

    Medical transcriptionists listen to voice recordings that physicians and other health professionals make and convert them into written reports. They interpret medical terminology and abbreviations in preparing patients’ medical histories, discharge summaries, and other documents.
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  • Firefighters

    Firefighters protect the public by responding to fires and other emergencies. They are frequently the first emergency personnel on the scene of an accident.
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  • Correctional Officers

    Correctional officers are responsible for overseeing individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting trial or who have been sentenced to serve time in a jail, reformatory, or prison.
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  • Police and Detectives

    Police officers protect lives and property. Detectives and criminal investigators, who sometimes are called agents or special agents, gather facts and collect evidence of possible crimes. Law enforcement officers’ duties depend on the size and type of their organizations.
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  • Private Detectives and Investigators

    Private detectives and investigators find facts and analyze information about legal, financial, and personal matters.
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  • Security Guards and Gaming Surveillance Officers

    Security guards and gaming surveillance officers patrol and inspect property against fire, theft, vandalism, terrorism, and illegal activity. They monitor people and buildings in an effort to prevent crime.
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  • Chefs and Head Cooks

    Chefs and head cooks oversee the daily food preparation at restaurants or other places where food is served. They direct kitchen staff and handle any food-related concerns.
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  • Cooks

    Cooks prepare, season, and cook a wide range of foods, such as soups, salads, entrees, and desserts.
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  • Food Preparation Workers

    Food preparation workers perform many routine tasks under the guidance of cooks or food supervisors. They prepare cold foods, slice meat, peel and cut vegetables, brew coffee or tea, and do many other tasks.
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  • Bartenders

    Bartenders mix and serve drinks to customers directly or through wait staff.
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  • Food and Beverage Serving and Related Workers

    Food and beverage serving and related workers perform a variety of customer service, food preparation, and cleaning duties in full-service restaurants, casual dining eateries, and other eating and drinking places.
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  • Waiters and Waitresses

    Waiters and waitresses take orders and serve food and beverages to customers in dining establishments.
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  • Janitors and Building Cleaners

    Janitors and building cleaners keep many types of buildings clean, orderly, and in good condition.
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  • Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners

    Maids and housekeeping cleaners do general cleaning tasks, including making beds and vacuuming halls, in private homes and commercial establishments.
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  • Pest Control Workers

    Pest control workers control, manage, or remove unwanted creatures, such as roaches, rats, ants, termites, and bedbugs, that infest buildings and surrounding areas.
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  • Grounds Maintenance Workers

    Grounds maintenance workers provide a pleasant outdoor environment by ensuring that the grounds of houses, businesses, and parks are attractive, orderly, and healthy.
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  • Animal Care and Service Workers

    Animal care and service workers care for the needs of animals. They feed, water, groom, bathe, and exercise pets and other nonfarm animals. Job tasks vary by position and place of work.
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  • Gaming Services Occupations

    Gaming services workers serve customers in gambling establishments, such as casinos or racetracks. Some workers tend slot machines or deal cards. Others take bets or pay out winnings. Still others supervise gaming workers and operations.
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  • Barbers, Hairdressers, and Cosmetologists

    Barbers, hairdressers, and cosmetologists provide hair styling and beauty services.
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  • Manicurists and Pedicurists

    Manicurists and pedicurists clean, shape, and beautify fingernails and toenails.
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  • Skincare Specialists

    Skincare specialists cleanse and beautify the face and body to enhance a person’s appearance.
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  • Flight Attendants

    Flight attendants provide personal services to ensure the safety and comfort of airline passengers.
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  • Childcare Workers

    Childcare workers care for children when parents and other family members are unavailable. They care for children’s basic needs, such as bathing and feeding. In addition, some help children prepare for kindergarten, and many help older children with homework.
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  • Fitness Trainers and Instructors

    Fitness trainers and instructors lead, instruct, and motivate individuals or groups in exercise activities, including cardiovascular exercise (exercises for the heart and blood system), strength training, and stretching. They work with people of all ages and skill levels.
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  • Recreation Workers

    Recreation workers design and lead leisure activities for groups in volunteer agencies or recreation facilities, such as playgrounds, parks, camps and senior centers. They may lead activities in areas such as arts and crafts, sports, games, music, and camping.
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  • Cashiers

    Cashiers handle payments from customers purchasing goods and services.
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  • Retail Sales Workers

    Retail sales workers include both those who sell retail merchandise, such as clothing, furniture, and automobiles, (called retail salespersons) and those who sell spare and replacement parts and equipment, especially car parts, (called parts salespersons). Both groups help customers find the products they want and process customers’ payments.
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  • Advertising Sales Agents

    Advertising sales agents sell advertising space to businesses and individuals. They contact potential clients, make sales presentations, and maintain client accounts.
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  • Insurance Sales Agents

    Insurance sales agents help insurance companies generate new business by contacting potential customers and selling one or more types of insurance. An agent explains various insurance policies and helps clients choose plans that suit them.
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  • Wholesale and Manufacturing Sales Representatives

    Wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses, government agencies, and other organizations. They contact customers, explain product features, answer any questions that their customers may have, and negotiate prices.
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  • Models

    Models pose for artists, photographers, or customers to help advertise a variety of products, including clothing, cosmetics, food, and appliances.
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  • Real Estate Brokers and Sales Agents

    Real estate brokers and sales agents help clients buy, sell, and rent properties. Brokers and agents do the same type of work, but brokers are licensed to manage their own real estate businesses. Sales agents must work with a broker.
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  • Sales Engineers

    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.
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  • Bill and Account Collectors

    Bill and account collectors, sometimes called collectors, try to recover payment on overdue bills. They negotiate repayment plans with debtors and help them find solutions to make paying their overdue bills easier.
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  • Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks

    Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks produce financial records for organizations. They record financial transactions, update statements, and check financial records for accuracy.
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  • Tellers

    Tellers are responsible for accurately processing routine transactions at a bank. These transactions include cashing checks, depositing money, and collecting loan payments.
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  • Customer Service Representatives

    Customer service representatives interact with customers on behalf of an organization. They provide information about products and services and respond to customer complaints. Some also take orders and process returns.
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  • Receptionists

    Receptionists do various administrative tasks, including answering telephones and giving information to the public and customers.
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  • Cargo and Freight Agents

    Cargo and freight agents coordinate and facilitate incoming and outgoing shipments for transportation companies and other businesses.
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  • Police, Fire, and Ambulance Dispatchers

    Police, fire, and ambulance dispatchers, also called 9-1-1 operators or public safety telecommunicators, answer emergency and non-emergency calls. They take information from the caller and send the appropriate type and number of units.
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  • Postal Service Workers

    Postal Service workers sell postal products and collect, sort, and deliver mail.
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  • Secretaries and Administrative Assistants

    Secretaries and administrative assistants perform routine clerical and organizational tasks. They organize files, draft messages, schedule appointments, and support other staff.
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  • Desktop Publishers

    Desktop publishers use computer software to design page layouts for newspapers, books, brochures, and other items that will be printed or put online. They collect the text, graphics, and other materials they will need and then format them into a finished product.
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  • Agricultural Workers

    Agricultural workers maintain the quality of farms, crops, and livestock by operating machinery and doing physical labor under the supervision of agricultural managers.
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  • Fishers and Related Fishing Workers

    Fishers and related fishing workers catch and trap various types of marine life. The fish they catch are for human food, animal feed, bait, and other uses.
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  • Brickmasons, Blockmasons, and Stonemasons

    Brickmasons, blockmasons, and stonemasons (or, simply, masons) use bricks, concrete blocks, and natural stones to build fences, walkways, walls, and other structures.
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  • Carpenters

    Carpenters construct and repair building frameworks and structures—such as stairways, doorframes, partitions, and rafters—made from wood and other materials. They also may install kitchen cabinets, siding, and drywall.
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  • Carpet Installers

    Carpet installers lay carpet in homes, offices, restaurants, and many other types of buildings.
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  • Tile and Marble Setters

    Tile and marble setters apply hard tile, marble, and wood tiles to walls, floors, and other surfaces.
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  • Construction Laborers and Helpers

    Construction laborers and helpers do many basic tasks that require physical labor on construction sites.
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  • Construction Equipment Operators

    Construction equipment operators drive, maneuver, or control the heavy machinery used to construct roads, bridges, buildings, and other structures.
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  • Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers, and Tapers

    Drywall and ceiling tile installers hang wallboards to walls and ceilings inside buildings. Tapers prepare the wallboards for painting, using tape and other materials. Many workers do both installing and taping.
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  • Glaziers

    Glaziers install glass in windows, skylights, storefronts, and display cases to create distinctive designs or reduce the need for artificial lighting.
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  • Insulation Workers

    Insulation workers install and replace the materials used to insulate buildings and their mechanical systems to help control and maintain temperature.
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  • Painters, Construction and Maintenance

    Painters apply paint, stain, and coatings to walls, buildings, bridges, and other structures.
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  • Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

    Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters install and repair pipes that carry water, steam, air, or other liquids or gases to and in businesses, homes, and factories.
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  • Plasterers and Stucco Masons

    Plasterers and stucco masons apply coats of plaster or stucco to walls, ceilings, or partitions for functional and decorative purposes. Some workers apply ornamental plaster.
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  • Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers

    Reinforcing iron and rebar workers install mesh, steel bars (rebar), or cables to reinforce concrete.
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  • Roofers

    Roofers repair and install the roofs of buildings using a variety of materials, including shingles, asphalt, and metal.
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  • Structural Iron and Steel Workers

    Structural iron and steel workers install iron or steel beams, girders, and columns to form buildings, bridges, and other structures. They are often referred to as ironworkers.
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  • Construction and Building Inspectors

    Construction and building inspectors ensure that new construction, changes, or repairs comply with local and national building codes and ordinances, zoning regulations, and contract specifications.
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  • Elevator Installers and Repairers

    Elevator installers and repairers install, fix, and maintain elevators, escalators, moving walkways, and other lifts.
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  • Hazardous Materials Removal Workers

    Hazardous materials (hazmat) removal workers identify and dispose of asbestos, radioactive and nuclear waste, arsenic, lead, and other hazardous materials. They also clean up materials that are flammable, corrosive, reactive, or toxic.
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  • Oil and Gas Workers

    Oil and gas workers carry out the plans for drilling that petroleum engineers have designed. They operate the equipment that digs the well and that removes the oil or gas.
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  • Automotive Body and Glass Repairers

    Automotive body and glass repairers restore, refinish, and replace vehicle bodies and frames, windshields, and window glass.
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  • Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics

    Automotive service technicians and mechanics, often called service technicians or service techs, inspect, maintain, and repair cars and light trucks.
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  • Diesel Service Technicians and Mechanics

    Diesel service technicians and mechanics inspect, repair, or overhaul buses, trucks, and anything else with a diesel engine.
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  • Small Engine Mechanics

    Small engine mechanics inspect, service, and repair motorized power equipment. Mechanics often specialize in one type of equipment, such as motorcycles, motorboats, or outdoor power equipment.
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  • General Maintenance and Repair Workers

    General maintenance and repair workers maintain and repair machines, mechanical equipment, and buildings. They work on plumbing, electrical, and air-conditioning and heating systems.
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  • Millwrights

    Millwrights install, dismantle, repair, reassemble, and move machinery in factories, powerplants, and construction sites.
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  • Line Installers and Repairers

    Line installers and repairers install or repair electrical power systems and telecommunications cables, including fiber optics.
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  • Medical Equipment Repairers

    Medical equipment repairers install, maintain, and repair patient care equipment.
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  • Assemblers and Fabricators

    Assemblers and fabricators assemble both finished products and the parts that go into them. They use tools, machines, and their hands to make engines, computers, aircraft, toys, electronic devices, and more.
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  • Bakers

    Bakers mix and bake ingredients according to recipes to make a variety of breads, pastries, and other baked goods.
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  • Food Processing Occupations

    Food processing occupations include butchers and meat cutters; meat, poultry, and fish cutters and trimmers; and operators and tenders of roasting, baking, and drying machinery. These workers cut, trim, or otherwise process food items, such as meat, or nonfood items, such as tobacco, for retail sale.
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  • Metal and Plastic Machine Workers

    Metal and plastic machine workers set up and operate machines that cut, shape, and form metal and plastic materials or pieces.
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  • Machinists and Tool and Die Makers

    Machinists and tool and die makers set up and operate a variety of computer-controlled or mechanically-controlled machine tools to produce precision metal parts, instruments, and tools.
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  • Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers

    Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers weld or join metal parts. They also fill holes, indentions, or seams of metal products, using hand-held welding equipment.
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  • Laundry and Dry-cleaning Workers

    Laundry and dry-cleaning workers clean clothing, linens, drapes, and other articles, using washing, drying, and dry-cleaning machines. They also may clean leather, suede, furs, and rugs.
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  • Woodworkers

    Woodworkers build a variety of products, such as cabinets and furniture, using wood.
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  • Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators

    Stationary engineers and boiler operators control stationary engines, boilers, or other mechanical equipment to provide utilities for buildings or for industrial purposes.
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  • Quality Control Inspectors

    Quality control inspectors examine products and materials for defects or deviations from manufacturers’ or industry specifications.
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  • Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers

    Jewelers and precious stone and metal workers design, manufacture, and sell jewelry. They also adjust, repair, and appraise gems and jewelry.
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  • Dental Laboratory Technicians

    Dental laboratory technicians use impressions, or molds, of a patient’s teeth to create crowns, bridges, dentures, and other dental appliances. They work closely with dentists but have limited contact with patients.
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  • Medical Appliance Technicians

    Medical appliance technicians construct, fit, and repair medical supportive devices, including prosthetic limbs, arch supports, facial parts, and foot and leg braces.
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  • Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians

    Ophthalmic laboratory technicians make prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses. They are also commonly known as manufacturing opticians, optical mechanics, or optical goods workers.
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  • Airline and Commercial Pilots

    Airline and commercial pilots fly and navigate airplanes or helicopters. Airline pilots fly for airlines that transport people and cargo on a fixed schedule. Commercial pilots fly aircraft for other reasons, such as charter flights, rescue operations, firefighting, aerial photography, and crop dusting.
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  • Air Traffic Controllers

    Air traffic controllers coordinate the movement of air traffic to ensure that planes stay safe distances apart.
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  • Bus Drivers

    Bus drivers transport people between a variety of places including work, school, shopping, and across state borders. Some drive regular routes, and others transport passengers on chartered trips or sightseeing tours.
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  • Heavy and Tractor-trailer Truck Drivers

    Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers transport goods from one location to another. Most tractor-trailer drivers are long-haul drivers and operate trucks with a capacity of at least 26,001 pounds per gross vehicle weight (GVW). They deliver goods over intercity routes, sometimes spanning several states.
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  • Taxi Drivers and Chauffeurs

    Taxi drivers and chauffeurs drive people to and from the places they need to go, such as homes, workplaces, airports, and shopping centers. They must know their way around a city to take both residents and visitors to their destinations.
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  • Train Engineers and Operators

    Train engineers and train operators ensure that freight trains and passenger trains stay on time and travel safely. Train engineers drive trains. Train operators work the brakes, signals, or switches.
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  • Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters

    Conductors and yardmasters coordinate the daily activities of both freight and passenger train crews. Conductors work on the train. Yardmasters work in the rail yard.
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  • Subway and Streetcar Operators

    Subway and streetcar operators transport passengers in urban and suburban areas. The vehicles they drive travel underground, on above-ground and elevated tracks, on streets, or on separate tracks.
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  • Water Transportation Occupations

    Workers in water transportation occupations operate and maintain ships that take cargo and people over water. These ships travel to and from foreign ports across the ocean, to domestic ports along the coasts, across the Great Lakes, and along the country’s many inland waterways.
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  • Material Moving Machine Operators

    Material moving machine operators use machinery to transport various objects. Some operators move construction materials around building sites or earth around a mine. Others move goods around a warehouse or onto and off of container ships.
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  • Hand Laborers and Material Movers

    Hand laborers and material movers transport objects without using machines. Some workers move freight, stock, or other materials around storage facilities; others clean vehicles; some pick up unwanted household goods; and still others pack materials for moving.
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  • Purchasing Managers, Buyers, and Purchasing Agents

    Purchasing managers, buyers, and purchasing agents buy products for organizations to use or resell. They evaluate suppliers, negotiate contracts, and review product quality.
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  • Logisticians

    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, distributed, allocated, and delivered.
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  • Agricultural Engineers

    Agricultural engineers—also known as biological and agricultural engineers—work on a variety of activities. These activities range from aquaculture (raising food, such as fish, that thrive in water) to land farming to forestry; from developing biofuels to improving conservation; from planning animal environments to finding better ways to process food.
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  • Health and Safety Engineers

    Health and safety engineers develop procedures and design systems to keep people from getting sick or injured and to keep property from being damaged. They combine knowledge of health or safety and of systems engineering to make sure that chemicals, machinery, software, furniture, and other products are not going to cause harm to people or buildings.
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  • Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians

    Aerospace engineering and operations technicians operate and maintain equipment used in developing, testing, and producing new aircraft and spacecraft. Increasingly, they use computer-based modeling and simulation tools and processes in this work.
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  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technicians

    Electrical and electronic engineering technicians help engineers design and develop computers, communications equipment, medical monitoring devices, navigational equipment, and other electrical and electronic equipment. They often work in product evaluation and testing, using measuring and diagnostic devices to adjust, test, and repair equipment.
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  • Electro-mechanical Technicians

    Electro-mechanical technicians combine knowledge of mechanical technology with knowledge of electrical and electronic circuits. They install, troubleshoot, repair, and upgrade electronic and computer-controlled mechanical systems, such as robotic assembly machines.
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  • Conservation Scientists and Foresters

    Conservation scientists and foresters manage overall land quality of forests, parks, rangeland, and other natural resources.
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  • Geographers

    Geographers study the earth and its land, features, and inhabitants. They also examine phenomena such as political or cultural structures as they relate to geography. They study the physical or human geographic characteristics or both of a region, ranging in scale from local to global.
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  • Historians

    Historians research, analyze, interpret, and present the past by studying a variety of historical documents and sources.
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  • Agricultural and Food Science Technicians

    Under the supervision of scientists, agricultural and food science technicians measure and analyze the quality of food and agricultural products.
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  • Forest and Conservation Technicians

    Forest and conservation technicians measure and improve the quality of forests, rangeland, and other natural areas.
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  • Self-enrichment Teachers

    Self-enrichment teachers instruct in a variety of subjects that students take for fun or self-improvement, such as music and foreign languages. These classes generally do not lead to a degree or certification, and students take them voluntarily to learn new skills or gain understanding of a subject.
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  • Craft and Fine Artists

    Craft and fine artists use a variety of materials and techniques to create art for sale and exhibition. Craft artists create handmade objects, such as pottery, glassware, textiles, or other objects that are designed to be functional. Fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators, create original works of art for their aesthetic value, rather than a functional one.
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  • Orthotists and Prosthetists

    Orthotists and prosthetists, also called O&P professionals, design medical support devices and measure and fit patients for them. These devices include artificial limbs (arms, hands, legs, and feet), braces, and other medical or surgical devices.
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  • Fire Inspectors and Investigators

    Fire inspectors visit and inspect buildings and other structures to search for fire hazards and to ensure that fire codes are met. Fire investigators determine the origin and cause of fires by searching the surrounding scene and collecting evidence.
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  • Demonstrators and Product Promoters

    Demonstrators and product promoters create public interest in products, such as cosmetics, housewares, and food. They encourage people and stores to buy their products by showing the products to prospective customers and answering questions.
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  • Financial Clerks

    Financial clerks do administrative work for banking, insurance, and other companies. They keep records, help customers, and carry out financial transactions.
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  • Information Clerks

    Information clerks provide administrative and clerical support in a variety of settings. They help maintain records, collect data and information, and respond to customers’ questions or concerns.
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  • Couriers and Messengers

    Couriers and messengers transport documents and packages for individuals, businesses, institutions, and government agencies.
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  • Material Recording Clerks

    Material recording clerks keep track of information to keep businesses and supply chains on schedule. They ensure proper scheduling, recordkeeping, and inventory control.
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  • General Office Clerks

    General office clerks do a broad range of administrative tasks, including answering telephones, typing or word processing, and filing. However, tasks vary widely in different jobs.
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  • Forest and Conservation Workers

    Forest and conservation workers measure and improve the quality of forests. Under the supervision of foresters and forest and conservation technicians, they help to develop, maintain, and protect forests.
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  • Logging Workers

    Logging workers harvest thousands of acres of forests each year. The timber they harvest provides the raw material for countless consumer and industrial products.
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  • Boilermakers

    Boilermakers assemble, install, and repair boilers, closed vats, and other large vessels or containers that hold liquids and gases.
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  • Cement Masons and Terrazzo Workers

    Cement masons pour, smooth, and finish concrete floors, sidewalks, roads, and curbs. Using a cement mixture, terrazzo workers create durable and decorative surfaces for floors and stairways.
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  • Sheet Metal Workers

    Sheet metal workers fabricate or install products that are made from thin metal sheets, such as ducts used for heating and air conditioning.
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  • Computer, ATM, and Office Machine Repairers

    Computer, ATM, and office machine repairers install, fix, and maintain many of the machines that businesses, households, and other consumers use.
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  • Slaughterers and Meat Packers

    Slaughterers and meat packers kill and clean animals, divide carcasses into manageable sections, and grind or otherwise prepare and pack products, such as boxed beef, for shipping to distribution centers.
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  • Food Processing Operators

    Food processing operators include food batchmakers and food cooking machine operators and tenders. These workers may set up, operate, and tend cooking equipment that mixes, blends, cooks, or otherwise processes ingredients used to manufacture food products.
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  • Printing Workers

    Printing workers produce print material in three stages: prepress, press, and binding and finishing. They review specifications, identify and fix problems with printing equipment, and assemble pages.
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  • Sewers and Tailors

    Sewers and tailors sew, join, reinforce, or finish clothing or other items. They may create new pieces of clothing from patterns and designs or alter existing garments to fit customers better.
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  • Upholsterers

    Upholsterers make, replace, and repair coverings on furniture and in vehicles.
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  • Painting and Coating Workers

    Painting and coating workers paint and coat a wide range of products, including cars, jewelry, and candy.
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  • High School Teachers

    High school teachers help prepare students for life after graduation. They teach academic lessons and various skills that students will need to attend college and to enter the job market.
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  • Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers

    Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers look after nonfarm animals in laboratories, animal hospitals, and clinics. They care for the well-being of animals by doing routine tasks under the supervision of veterinarians, scientists, or veterinary technologists or technicians.
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  • Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents

    Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents connect buyers and sellers in financial markets. They sell securities to individuals, advise companies in search of investors, and conduct trades.
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  • Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers Except Line Installers

    Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, also known as telecom technicians, set up and maintain devices or equipment that carry communications signals, connect to telephone lines, or access the Internet.
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  • Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians

    Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians repair and do scheduled maintenance on airplanes and helicopters. They also inspect airplanes and helicopters as required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
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  • Heavy Vehicle and Mobile Equipment Service Technicians

    Heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians inspect, maintain, and repair vehicles and machinery used in construction, farming, rail transportation, and other industries.
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  • Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers

    Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers—often referred to as HVACR technicians—work on heating, ventilation, cooling, and refrigeration systems that control the air quality in many types of buildings.
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  • Industrial Machinery Mechanics and Maintenance Workers

    Industrial machinery mechanics and maintenance workers maintain and repair factory equipment and other industrial machinery, such as conveying systems, production machinery, and packaging equipment.
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  • Power Plant Operators, Distributors, and Dispatchers

    Power plant operators, distributors, and dispatchers control the systems that generate and distribute electric power.
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  • Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators

    Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators manage a system of machines, often through the use of control boards, to transfer or treat water or wastewater.
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  • Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers

    Electrical and electronics installers and repairers install, repair, or replace a variety of electrical equipment in telecommunications, transportation, utilities, and other industries.
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  • Delivery Truck Drivers and Driver/Sales Workers

    Delivery truck drivers and driver/sales workers pick up, transport, and drop off packages within a small region or urban area. Most of the time, they transport merchandise from a distribution center to businesses and households.
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  • Home Entertainment Equipment Installers and Repairers

    Home entertainment equipment installers and repairers set up and fix household audio and video equipment, such as televisions, stereo components, and home theater systems.
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  • Registered Nurses

    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 family members.
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A-Z INDEX

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012–13 Edition

Publish Date: Thursday, March 29, 2012