Careers
For every career: how long it takes to enter, the step-by-step path, what it pays, and the licensing you need. Sorted by field — pick one to see the full breakdown.
Healthcare
Registered nurse
about 2–4 years · Associate or bachelor's degree (ADN/BSN)
$86,000
median/yr
Nurse practitioner
about 6–8 years · Master's or doctoral degree (MSN/DNP)
$126,000
median/yr
Medical assistant
about 1–2 years · Postsecondary certificate or diploma
$42,000
median/yr
Phlebotomist
about 1 year · Postsecondary certificate
$41,000
median/yr
Pharmacy technician
about 1–2 years · On-the-job training or certificate
$40,000
median/yr
Ultrasound technician
about 2–4 years · Associate degree
$84,000
median/yr
Radiologic technologist
about 2–4 years · Associate degree
$73,000
median/yr
Dental hygienist
about 2–4 years · Associate degree
$87,000
median/yr
Dental assistant
about 1–2 years · Certificate or on-the-job training
$47,000
median/yr
Physical therapist
about 7–8 years · Doctoral degree (DPT)
$99,000
median/yr
Physician assistant
about 6–7 years · Master's degree
$130,000
median/yr
Respiratory therapist
about 2–4 years · Associate degree
$77,000
median/yr
Veterinarian
about 8 years · Doctoral degree (DVM)
$120,000
median/yr
Veterinary technician
about 2–4 years · Associate degree
$44,000
median/yr
Psychiatrist
about 12–14 years · Medical degree (MD/DO) + residency
$249,000
median/yr
Psychologist
about 8–10 years · Doctoral degree (PhD/PsyD)
$92,000
median/yr
Therapist
about 6–7 years · Master's degree + supervised hours
$59,000
median/yr
Chiropractor
about 7–8 years · Doctoral degree (DC)
$76,000
median/yr
Dentist
about 8 years · Doctoral degree (DDS/DMD)
$170,000
median/yr
EMT / paramedic
about 1–2 years · Postsecondary certificate or associate
$53,000
median/yr
Skilled trades
Electrician
about 4–5 years · Apprenticeship
$61,000
median/yr
Plumber
about 4–5 years · Apprenticeship
$61,000
median/yr
Welder
about 1–2 years · Certificate or on-the-job training
$48,000
median/yr
HVAC technician
about 1–5 years · Certificate + apprenticeship
$57,000
median/yr
Carpenter
about 3–4 years · Apprenticeship
$56,000
median/yr
Machinist
about 1–4 years · Apprenticeship or certificate
$48,000
median/yr
Legal & public safety
Transportation
Beauty & personal care
Business, tech & education
Accountant
about 4–5 years · Bachelor's degree (CPA optional)
$79,000
median/yr
Real estate agent
about 1 year · State license (course + exam)
$56,000
median/yr
Software developer
under a year to about 4 years · Bachelor's degree or bootcamp
$132,000
median/yr
Teacher
about 4–5 years · Bachelor's degree + license
$63,000
median/yr
Comparing an hourly rate to a yearly salary? Try the salary calculator.