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Drag careers into the slots below to see them side by side — training, pay, daily work, and an honest read on the trade-offs.
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Tech & Software
Software Engineer
$75k–$130k
Tech & Software
Web Developer
$55k–$100k
Tech & Software
Data Analyst
$55k–$95k
Tech & Software
Cybersecurity Analyst
$70k–$120k
Tech & Software
IT Support Specialist
$38k–$65k
Tech & Software
Cloud Engineer
$90k–$150k
Tech & Software
Database Administrator
$65k–$115k
Tech & Software
DevOps Engineer
$85k–$145k
Tech & Software
QA Engineer
$60k–$105k
Tech & Software
Network Administrator
$55k–$90k
Tech & Software
Mobile App Developer
$75k–$135k
Tech & Software
Machine Learning Engineer
$100k–$180k
Tech & Software
Technical Writer
$55k–$95k
Tech & Software
Product Manager
$85k–$150k
Tech & Software
Systems Administrator
$55k–$90k
Tech & Software
UX Researcher
$70k–$120k
Tech & Software
Site Reliability Engineer
$95k–$160k
Tech & Software
Data Engineer
$80k–$140k
Tech & Software
Information Security Manager
$100k–$160k
Health & Care
Registered Nurse
$60k–$95k
Health & Care
Physical Therapist
$70k–$100k
Health & Care
Medical Assistant
$32k–$45k
Health & Care
Pharmacist
$100k–$140k
Health & Care
Dental Hygienist
$55k–$85k
Health & Care
EMT / Paramedic
$30k–$55k
Health & Care
Mental Health Counselor
$45k–$75k
Health & Care
Medical Lab Technician
$40k–$60k
Health & Care
Occupational Therapist
$70k–$100k
Health & Care
Physician Assistant
$95k–$130k
Health & Care
Respiratory Therapist
$50k–$75k
Health & Care
Veterinary Technician
$30k–$45k
Health & Care
Speech-Language Pathologist
$60k–$95k
Health & Care
Radiologic Technologist
$50k–$75k
Health & Care
Dietitian / Nutritionist
$50k–$75k
Health & Care
Surgical Technologist
$42k–$65k
Health & Care
Home Health Aide
$25k–$35k
Health & Care
Clinical Psychologist
$75k–$120k
Health & Care
Optometrist
$90k–$130k
Design
UX Designer
$65k–$120k
Design
Graphic Designer
$40k–$75k
Design
Industrial Designer
$55k–$90k
Design
Interior Designer
$40k–$75k
Design
Motion Designer
$55k–$100k
Design
Architect
$55k–$110k
Design
Photographer
$30k–$75k
Design
UI Designer
$60k–$110k
Design
Video Editor
$40k–$80k
Design
Fashion Designer
$35k–$85k
Design
Game Designer
$50k–$100k
Design
Landscape Architect
$50k–$95k
Design
Brand Strategist
$55k–$100k
Design
Set / Production Designer
$40k–$85k
Design
Packaging Designer
$45k–$80k
Design
Exhibit / Museum Designer
$45k–$80k
Design
Illustrator
$35k–$75k
Design
Furniture Designer
$40k–$80k
Skilled Trades
Electrician
$45k–$85k
Skilled Trades
Plumber
$42k–$80k
Skilled Trades
HVAC Technician
$40k–$75k
Skilled Trades
Welder
$38k–$70k
Skilled Trades
Carpenter
$40k–$70k
Skilled Trades
Automotive Technician
$35k–$65k
Skilled Trades
CNC Machinist
$40k–$70k
Skilled Trades
Construction Manager
$65k–$110k
Skilled Trades
Heavy Equipment Operator
$40k–$70k
Skilled Trades
Wind Turbine Technician
$45k–$75k
Skilled Trades
Elevator Installer / Repairer
$55k–$100k
Skilled Trades
Diesel Mechanic
$40k–$70k
Skilled Trades
Solar Panel Installer
$40k–$65k
Skilled Trades
Pipefitter / Steamfitter
$48k–$90k
Skilled Trades
Glazier
$40k–$70k
Skilled Trades
Ironworker
$45k–$85k
Skilled Trades
Millwright
$48k–$80k
Skilled Trades
Lineworker (Electrical)
$55k–$95k
Skilled Trades
Tile Setter
$38k–$65k
Business & Operations
Accountant
$50k–$90k
Business & Operations
Financial Analyst
$60k–$105k
Business & Operations
Marketing Manager
$60k–$110k
Business & Operations
Human Resources Manager
$60k–$105k
Business & Operations
Project Manager
$60k–$110k
Business & Operations
Sales Representative
$35k–$90k+
Business & Operations
Operations Manager
$55k–$100k
Business & Operations
Supply Chain Analyst
$50k–$85k
Business & Operations
Management Consultant
$70k–$150k+
Business & Operations
Real Estate Agent
$30k–$100k+
Business & Operations
Logistics Coordinator
$38k–$60k
Business & Operations
Business Analyst
$60k–$100k
Business & Operations
Insurance Underwriter
$55k–$95k
Business & Operations
Compliance Officer
$55k–$100k
Business & Operations
Actuary
$75k–$150k
Business & Operations
Event Planner
$38k–$70k
Business & Operations
Purchasing Manager
$60k–$100k
Business & Operations
Public Relations Specialist
$45k–$80k
Education & Training
Elementary School Teacher
$40k–$65k
Education & Training
High School Teacher
$42k–$70k
Education & Training
Special Education Teacher
$42k–$68k
Education & Training
School Counselor
$45k–$75k
Education & Training
College Professor
$50k–$120k
Education & Training
Corporate Trainer
$50k–$85k
Education & Training
ESL Teacher
$35k–$60k
Education & Training
Instructional Designer
$55k–$95k
Education & Training
Library Media Specialist
$45k–$70k
Education & Training
Tutor
$25k–$60k
Education & Training
Early Childhood Educator
$25k–$45k
Education & Training
Academic Advisor
$38k–$60k
Education & Training
Museum Educator
$35k–$55k
Education & Training
Athletic Coach
$30k–$70k
Education & Training
Education Administrator / Principal
$60k–$110k
Education & Training
Curriculum Developer
$55k–$85k
Education & Training
Fitness Instructor / Personal Trainer
$28k–$60k
Education & Training
Training & Development Manager
$65k–$115k
Military & Defense
Military Pilot
$50k–$120k
Military & Defense
Navy Pilot
$50k–$120k
Military & Defense
Air Force Pilot
$50k–$120k
Military & Defense
Infantry Officer
$40k–$90k
Military & Defense
Military Intelligence Analyst
$35k–$85k
Military & Defense
Combat Medic / Corpsman
$30k–$60k
Military & Defense
Military Police Officer
$30k–$70k
Military & Defense
Military Cybersecurity Specialist
$35k–$90k
Military & Defense
Military Engineer
$35k–$85k
Military & Defense
Special Operations Soldier
$40k–$90k+
Military & Defense
Military Logistics / Supply Specialist
$28k–$60k
Military & Defense
Military Aircraft Mechanic
$30k–$65k
Military & Defense
Drone Operator (UAS Pilot)
$35k–$80k
Military & Defense
Military Communications Specialist
$30k–$65k
Military & Defense
Military Recruiter
$35k–$65k
Military & Defense
Military Lawyer (JAG Officer)
$55k–$120k
Military & Defense
Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician
$35k–$80k
Military & Defense
Defense Contractor / Analyst
$65k–$130k
Military & Defense
Military Chaplain
$45k–$100k
Law Enforcement & Federal
FBI Special Agent
$65k–$130k
Law Enforcement & Federal
DEA Special Agent
$55k–$110k
Law Enforcement & Federal
DHS / Homeland Security Agent
$50k–$100k
Law Enforcement & Federal
Secret Service Agent
$55k–$120k
Law Enforcement & Federal
ATF Special Agent
$55k–$110k
Law Enforcement & Federal
U.S. Marshal
$50k–$105k
Law Enforcement & Federal
CIA Operations Officer
$60k–$120k
Law Enforcement & Federal
CIA Intelligence Analyst
$55k–$110k
Law Enforcement & Federal
Police Officer
$40k–$75k
Law Enforcement & Federal
State Trooper
$45k–$85k
Law Enforcement & Federal
Detective / Criminal Investigator
$50k–$95k
Law Enforcement & Federal
Sheriff's Deputy
$38k–$70k
Law Enforcement & Federal
Border Patrol Agent
$45k–$100k
Law Enforcement & Federal
Customs and Border Protection Officer
$45k–$95k
Law Enforcement & Federal
ICE Special Agent (HSI)
$50k–$110k
Law Enforcement & Federal
TSA Officer
$35k–$55k
Law Enforcement & Federal
Federal Air Marshal
$50k–$100k
Law Enforcement & Federal
Forensic Scientist
$45k–$85k
Law Enforcement & Federal
Crime Scene Investigator
$40k–$70k
Law Enforcement & Federal
Forensic Accountant
$55k–$100k
Law Enforcement & Federal
Correctional Officer
$35k–$60k
Law Enforcement & Federal
Probation / Parole Officer
$40k–$65k
Law Enforcement & Federal
911 Dispatcher
$30k–$50k
Law Enforcement & Federal
FBI Intelligence Analyst
$50k–$100k
Law Enforcement & Federal
IRS Criminal Investigator (Special Agent)
$50k–$105k
Law Enforcement & Federal
Diplomatic Security Agent
$50k–$110k
Law Enforcement & Federal
Park Ranger (Law Enforcement)
$38k–$70k
Law Enforcement & Federal
Fish and Wildlife Officer
$40k–$75k
Law Enforcement & Federal
SWAT Operator
$55k–$95k
Law Enforcement & Federal
K-9 Handler
$45k–$80k
Law Enforcement & Federal
Crime Analyst
$42k–$75k
Law Enforcement & Federal
Victim Advocate
$35k–$55k
Law Enforcement & Federal
Polygraph Examiner
$55k–$100k
Law Enforcement & Federal
Federal Prosecutor (AUSA)
$65k–$150k
Law Enforcement & Federal
Public Defender
$50k–$100k
Law Enforcement & Federal
Immigration Judge
$90k–$170k
Law Enforcement & Federal
Cybercrime Investigator
$55k–$100k
Law Enforcement & Federal
Intelligence Research Specialist (DHS)
$50k–$95k
Law Enforcement & Federal
Court Reporter
$40k–$80k
Law Enforcement & Federal
Paralegal (Criminal Law)
$38k–$65k
Law Enforcement & Federal
Private Investigator
$35k–$80k
Law Enforcement & Federal
Emergency Management Director
$55k–$100k
Law Enforcement & Federal
Coast Guard Officer
$45k–$100k
Law Enforcement & Federal
Fraud Investigator
$45k–$85k
Law Enforcement & Federal
Homeland Security Analyst
$50k–$95k
Law Enforcement & Federal
Canine Detection Handler (Federal)
$50k–$90k
Law Enforcement & Federal
Evidence Technician
$35k–$55k
Law Enforcement & Federal
Security Specialist (Federal)
$50k–$95k
Law Enforcement & Federal
Arson Investigator
$45k–$80k
Law Enforcement & Federal
Bailiff / Court Security Officer
$32k–$55k
Law Enforcement & Federal
Fingerprint Examiner
$42k–$75k
Law Enforcement & Federal
Corrections Counselor
$38k–$60k
Law Enforcement & Federal
Juvenile Probation Officer
$38k–$60k
Law Enforcement & Federal
Counterterrorism Analyst
$60k–$110k
Law Enforcement & Federal
NSA Signals Intelligence Analyst
$55k–$110k
Law Enforcement & Federal
Postal Inspector
$50k–$100k
Law Enforcement & Federal
Capitol Police Officer
$55k–$85k
Law Enforcement & Federal
DEA Diversion Investigator
$45k–$90k
Law Enforcement & Federal
Federal Protective Service Officer
$35k–$55k
Law Enforcement & Federal
Criminal Profiler
$60k–$120k
Law Enforcement & Federal
Immigration Officer (USCIS)
$45k–$85k
Law Enforcement & Federal
Secret Service Uniformed Division Officer
$50k–$85k
Law Enforcement & Federal
FBI Hostage Rescue Team Operator
$80k–$150k
Law Enforcement & Federal
DEA Intelligence Research Specialist
$45k–$85k
Law Enforcement & Federal
ATF Industry Operations Inspector
$40k–$75k
Law Enforcement & Federal
FBI Laboratory Examiner
$55k–$100k
Law Enforcement & Federal
Anti-Money Laundering Analyst
$50k–$90k
Law Enforcement & Federal
Customs Agriculture Specialist
$40k–$70k
Law Enforcement & Federal
School Resource Officer
$42k–$70k
Law Enforcement & Federal
Fugitive Recovery Agent (Bail Enforcement)
$30k–$80k
Health & Care
Physician (MD/DO)
$150k–$300k+
Health & Care
Surgeon
$200k–$500k+
Health & Care
Psychiatrist
$120k–$280k
Health & Care
Dermatologist
$200k–$400k
Health & Care
Anesthesiologist
$200k–$400k
Health & Care
Pediatrician
$130k–$230k
Health & Care
Emergency Room Doctor
$150k–$350k
Health & Care
Chiropractor
$50k–$100k
Health & Care
Zookeeper
$28k–$45k
Health & Care
Marine Biologist
$40k–$75k
Health & Care
Nurse Practitioner
$95k–$130k
Health & Care
Audiologist
$60k–$95k
Tech & Software
Blockchain Developer
$90k–$160k
Tech & Software
Game Developer
$60k–$120k
Tech & Software
Robotics Engineer
$80k–$140k
Tech & Software
IT Project Manager
$75k–$130k
Tech & Software
Computer Hardware Engineer
$80k–$140k
Tech & Software
Ethical Hacker / Penetration Tester
$75k–$130k
Tech & Software
AI / Prompt Engineer
$70k–$140k
Design
Tattoo Artist
$30k–$80k
Design
Florist / Floral Designer
$25k–$45k
Design
Jeweler
$30k–$60k
Design
Chef
$35k–$80k
Design
Pastry Chef
$30k–$65k
Design
Barber
$25k–$55k
Design
Makeup Artist
$25k–$70k
Design
Sound Engineer
$35k–$80k
Skilled Trades
Aircraft Mechanic
$45k–$80k
Skilled Trades
Locksmith
$30k–$55k
Skilled Trades
Pest Control Technician
$30k–$50k
Skilled Trades
Crane Operator
$50k–$90k
Skilled Trades
Appliance Repair Technician
$32k–$55k
Skilled Trades
Pool Technician
$30k–$55k
Business & Operations
Restaurant Manager
$40k–$70k
Business & Operations
Commercial Pilot
$50k–$200k+
Business & Operations
Real Estate Appraiser
$40k–$80k
Business & Operations
Personal Financial Advisor
$50k–$120k+
Business & Operations
Entrepreneur / Small Business Owner
$0–$200k+ (highly variable)
Business & Operations
Loan Officer
$45k–$100k+
Education & Training
Driving Instructor
$28k–$48k
Education & Training
Swim Instructor / Lifeguard
$22k–$38k
Education & Training
Flight Instructor
$30k–$60k
Education & Training
Music Teacher
$35k–$65k
Education & Training
Dog Trainer
$25k–$55k
Military & Defense
Military Weather Forecaster
$30k–$60k
Military & Defense
Military Diver
$35k–$75k
Law Enforcement & Federal
Animal Control Officer
$30k–$48k
Law Enforcement & Federal
Fire Inspector
$45k–$75k
Law Enforcement & Federal
Wildlife Biologist
$45k–$75k
Law Enforcement & Federal
Medical Examiner / Coroner Investigator
$40k–$100k+
Law Enforcement & Federal
Environmental Compliance Inspector
$45k–$80k
Health & Care
Midwife
$70k–$110k
Health & Care
Genetic Counselor
$60k–$95k
Health & Care
Massage Therapist
$28k–$55k
Tech & Software
Technical Support Engineer
$55k–$90k
Tech & Software
Scrum Master
$70k–$120k
Tech & Software
Database Developer
$70k–$120k
Design
Ceramicist / Potter
$22k–$50k
Design
Scenic Painter
$30k–$60k
Design
Calligrapher / Hand Letterer
$25k–$60k
Skilled Trades
Roofer
$35k–$60k
Skilled Trades
Septic System Installer
$35k–$65k
Skilled Trades
Farrier
$30k–$70k
Skilled Trades
Beekeeper
$25k–$50k
Business & Operations
Hotel Manager
$45k–$90k
Business & Operations
Funeral Director
$40k–$75k
Business & Operations
Property Manager
$40k–$75k
Education & Training
Sign Language Interpreter
$35k–$65k
Education & Training
Park Naturalist / Outdoor Educator
$30k–$50k
Education & Training
Yoga / Pilates Instructor
$25k–$55k
Military & Defense
Military Working Dog Handler
$30k–$60k
Military & Defense
Military Air Traffic Controller
$30k–$65k
Law Enforcement & Federal
Child Protective Services Investigator
$35k–$55k
Law Enforcement & Federal
Customs Broker
$45k–$85k
Law Enforcement & Federal
Crisis Negotiator
$55k–$95k
Law Enforcement & Federal
Forensic Psychologist
$60k–$110k
Engineering
Civil Engineer
$65k–$110k
Engineering
Electrical Engineer
$70k–$120k
Engineering
Mechanical Engineer
$70k–$120k
Engineering
Chemical Engineer
$75k–$130k
Engineering
Aerospace Engineer
$80k–$140k
Engineering
Biomedical Engineer
$65k–$115k
Engineering
Environmental Engineer
$60k–$105k
Engineering
Software Engineer (Engineering Focus)
$80k–$140k
Engineering
Structural Engineer
$70k–$120k
Engineering
Industrial Engineer
$65k–$115k
Engineering
Nuclear Engineer
$80k–$140k
Engineering
Petroleum Engineer
$85k–$160k
Engineering
Materials Engineer
$65k–$110k
Engineering
Geotechnical Engineer
$65k–$115k
Engineering
Water Resources Engineer
$60k–$105k
Engineering
Transportation Engineer
$65k–$110k
Engineering
Fire Protection Engineer
$65k–$110k
Engineering
Manufacturing Engineer
$65k–$115k
Engineering
Control Systems Engineer
$75k–$125k
Engineering
Surveyor / Land Surveyor
$50k–$85k
Engineering
Audio Engineer
$40k–$80k
Engineering
Mining Engineer
$70k–$120k
Engineering
Ocean / Marine Engineer
$70k–$120k
Engineering
Agricultural Engineer
$60k–$100k
Engineering
Optical Engineer
$80k–$130k
Engineering
Systems Engineer
$75k–$130k
Engineering
Reliability Engineer
$70k–$120k
Engineering
Acoustical Engineer
$65k–$110k
Engineering
Corrosion Engineer
$70k–$120k
Engineering
Packaging Engineer
$60k–$100k
Engineering
Photovoltaic / Solar Engineer
$65k–$110k
Engineering
Welding Engineer
$65k–$110k
Engineering
Traffic Engineer
$60k–$100k
Engineering
Mechatronics Engineer
$70k–$120k