Career Clusters

The Career Planning Guide organizes careers into a three-level heirarchy. Career Clusters, the broadest category, group careers that share basic characteristics. Each career cluster is further divided into career pathways, which contain specific occupations. Occupations correspond to job titles.

Each of the items with an arrow (

) next to it is expandable by clicking on the arrow or the text.

Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources

Planning, implementing, producing, managing, processing, and marketing of agricultural commodities and services

Agribusiness Systems

Contributing to the production, processing, marketing, distribution, financing, and development of agricultural commodities and resources by using a high-tech industry

Agricultural Loan Officer

Agricultural Commodity Broker

Agricultural Economist

Agricultural Products Buyer

Agricultural Salesperson

Farm/Ranch Manager

Feed/Farm Supply Store Manager

International Agri-Marketing Specialist

Power, Structural, and Technical Systems

Incorporating knowledge into the field of agriculture by the use of engineering, hydraulics, pneumatics, electronics, power, structures, and controls

Agricultural Engineer

Agricultural Equipment Parts Manager

Machinist

Welder

Animal Systems

Developing better and more efficient ways of producing and processing meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products

Animal Geneticist

Animal Husbandry Worker

Animal Nutritionist

Animal Scientist

Aquaculturalist

Feed Sales Representative

Poultry Manager

Veterinarian

Veterinary Technician

Food Products and Processing Systems

Discovering, analyzing, and developing food sources and ways of processing, preserving, packaging, or storing food

Biochemist

Food Scientist

Plant Systems

Studying all aspects of growing and developing plants, including ways of conserving natural resources and maintaining the environment

Botanist

Certified Crop Advisor

Forest Geneticist

Golf Course Superintendent

Greenhouse Manager

Plant Breeder and Geneticist

Soil Scientist

Tree Surgeon

Floral Designer

Florist Manager

Grower

Ornamental Horticulturist

Plant Nursery Manager

Environmental Service Systems

Controlling pollution in water and air, disposing of waste, analyzing and preventing public health issues

Environmental Technician

Hazardous Materials Handler

Pollution Prevention and Control Manager

Toxicologist

Water Environment Manager

Natural Resources Systems

Developing, maintaining, managing, and protecting the forest and natural environment and resources

Fish and Game Officer

Fisheries Technician

Forest Technician

Forester, Forest Manager

Microbiologist

Park Manager

Park Technician

Water Monitoring Technician

Wildlife Technician

Arts, Audio/Video Technology and Communications

Merging and using creativity with technology to communicate with the world

Audio-Video Communications Technology

Presenting sound, video, and data for commerce, education, and entertainment

Audio Systems Technician

Audio-Video Designer/Engineer

Audio and Video Equipment Technician

Computer Multimedia Technician

Broadcast, Film, and Journalism

Presenting information and telling stories through print, sound, and pictures

Broadcast Technician

Radio/TV Announcer

Radio/TV Reporter

Radio/TV Station Manager

Performing Arts

Educating and entertaining people through theatrical and musical performance

Video/Film Editor

Cinematographer

Costume Designer

Technical Director

Lighting Designer

Printing Technology

Transforming text and pictures into finished pages

Computer Typographer

Desktop Publisher

Press Operator

Job Printer

Preflight Technician

Telecommunications

Focusing on the interaction between computer and communications equipment

Telecommunications Equipment Installer/Repairer

Telecommunications Computer Programmer

Telecommunications Systems Analyst

Visual Arts

Creating art to communicate ideas, thoughts, or feelings

Commercial Artist

Commercial Photographer

Fashion Designer

Fashion Illustrator

Interior Designer

Textile Designer

Business Management and Administration

Planning, organizing, directing, and evaluating business functions

Administrative Support

Coordinating the administrative activities of an office and ensuring the flow of information, using technology

Administrative Assistant

Court Reporter

Desktop Publisher

Dispatcher

Medical Transcriptionist

Paralegal

Administrative Support

Customer Service Assistant

Business Information Management

Identifying business needs and determining solutions to business problems, such as systems development components, process improvements, or organizational changes.

Budget Analyst

Financial Analyst

E-Commerce Analyst

Project Manager

Marketing Analyst

Systems Analyst

Human Resources Management

Recruiting, interviewing, and hiring the most qualified employees and matching them to positions for which they are best suited

Compensation and Benefits Manager

EEO Specialist

Human Resources Manager

Occupational Analyst

Training and Development Manager

General Management

Executing business activities, such as supervising, organizing, marketing, reporting, communicating, and performing administrative functions

Contract Administrator

Entrepreneur

Facilities Manager

Office Manager

General Manager

Business and Development Manager

Accounts Payable Manager

Administrative Services Manager

Credit and Collections Manager

Meeting and Convention Planner

Operation Management

Managing products and services, conducting research, promoting and selling products and services, handling communication

Copywriter

Marketing Manager

Public Relations Specialist

Sales Representative

Small Business Owner, Entrepreneur

E-commerce Manager and Entrepreneur

Customer Service Consultant

Salesperson

Sales Manager

Customer Service Supervisor

Department Manager

Distribution Worker

Logistics Manager

Traffic Manager

Shipping/Receiving Clerk

Education and Training

Planning, managing, and providing education and training services

Teaching and Training

Using a variety of methods to convey knowledge and motivate learners

Kindergarten Teacher

Elementary School Teacher

Special Education Teacher

Teacher Assistant

Childcare Worker

Secondary School Teacher

Training Specialist

Coach

Professional Support Services

Helping people with health, educational, and career needs

Clinical Psychologist

Social Worker

Counselor

Audiologist

Speech-Language Pathologist

Administration and Administrative Support

Providing direction, leadership, and management of educational activities

School Superintendent

School Principal

Instructional Coordinator

Training Director

Instructional Media Designer

Finance

Preparing for careers in financial and investment planning, banking, insurance, and business financial management

Securities and Investments

Providing investment analysis and guidance to help businesses and individuals with their investment decisions

Investment Advisor

Personal Financial Advisor

Tax Preparer

Sales Agent, Securities and Commodities

Insurance

Protecting individuals and businesses against financial losses

Actuary

Claims Investigator

Business Finance

Preparing analyzing and verifying financial/ economic information to help make important financial decisions

Accountant

Auditor

Economist

Banking Services

Providing loans, credit, and payment services to businesses and individuals

Credit Analyst

Data Processor

Debt Counselor

Accounting

Designing, installing, maintaining, and using general accounting systems to prepare, analyze, and verify financial reports and related economic information

Accountant

Accounting Clerk

Controller

Merger and Acquisitions Manager

Accounts Receivable Clerk

Billing Supervisor

Budget Manager

Government and Public Administration

Representing the interests of the American people at home and abroad

Governance

Making and executing public policy

Legislative Assistant

Campaign Manager

Congressional Aide

National Security

Defending America's safety and security with military resources

Combat Aircraft Pilot

Cryptographer

Military Police Officer

Foreign Service

Serving in embassies, analyzing events, and helping U.S. citizens abroad

Foreign Service Specialist

Consular Officer

Diplomatic Courier

Planning

Promoting the best use of community land and resources

Urban/Regional Planner

Census Clerk

Economic Development Coordinator

Revenue and Taxation

Ensuring that the government obtains revenues needed for public services

Tax Examiner

Revenue Agent

Tax Collector

Regulation

Protecting health, safety, and environment; ensuring the integrity of financial, transportation, and public utility industries

Building Code Inspector

Bank Examiner

Public Management and Administration

Managing agencies according to specific and rigorous standards for the stewardship of public resources

Court Clerk

Municipal Clerk

Purchasing Manager

Hospitality and Tourism

Providing management, marketing, and operations in food services, lodging, attractions, recreation events, and travel-related services

Restaurant and Food and Beverage Services

Maintaining operations and promoting guest services in eating and drinking establishments

Convention Services Manager

Cook

Executive Chef

Facilities Manager

Maitre d'

Specialty Cook

Lodging

Maintaining operations of lodging facilities and enhancing the care and comfort of guests

Chief Engineer

Front Desk Employee

Front Desk Manager/Supervisor

Executive Housekeeper

Concierge

Night Auditor

Director of Sales and Marketing

Travel and Tourism

Focusing on the development, research, packaging, promotion, and delivery of a traveler's experience

Convention Services Manager

Travel Agent

Tour/Travel Guide

Recreation, Amusements and Attractions

Offering a wide variety of leisure activities and services to individuals, families, and groups

Fitness Trainer

Recreation Worker

Animal Care and Service Worker

Camp Counselor

Human Services

Offering services and solutions to individuals, families, and the community

Early Childhood Development and Services

Nurturing and teaching children

Preschool Teacher

Childcare Facilities Director

Teacher's Assistant

Childcare Assistant/Worker

Educator for Parents

Counseling and Mental Health Services

Assisting people with personal, family, educational, mental health, and career decisions and problems

Career Counselor

Mental Health Counselor

Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselor

School Counselor/Psychologist

Marriage, Child, and Family Counselor

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

Family and Community Services

Helping those with financial, emotional, physical, and mental difficulties

Adult Day Care Worker

Coordinator of Volunteers

Personal Care Services

Assisting people with their personal appearance and physical fitness

Cosmetologist

Barber

Personal Trainer

Personal and Home Care Aide

Nail Technician/Manicurist/Pedicurist

Consumer Services

Assisting people with decisions and problems related to finance, real estate, insurance, and consumer goods

Consumer Advocate

Consumer Credit Counselor

Customer Service Representative

Market Researcher

Information Technology

Designing, developing, supporting, and managing hardware, software, multimedia, and systems integration services

Network Systems

Analyzing, planning, and implementing network systems

Information Systems Administrator

Network Administrator

Network Engineer

Telecommunications Network Technician

Computer Security Specialist

Information Support and Services

Implementing computer systems and software, providing technical assistance, and managing information systems

Database Administrator

Help Desk Specialist

Technical Writer

Technical Support Representative

Programming and Software Development

Using cutting edge technologies to develop tomorrow's products

Software Applications Engineer

Computer Programmer

Game Programmer

Operating System Programmer

Web and Digital Communications

Creating, designing, and producing interactive multimedia products and services

Graphic Designer

Web Designer

Animator

Webmaster