Types of Jobs by Industry

The more you learn about the different types of jobs available in each industry, the easier it will be to decide on the right career path for you. This list of jobs, grouped A to Z by industry, will help you.

You'll also see the average salary for each job type, according to the most current information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics as of September 2024. Knowing salary information can help you make informed choices for your future.

Aviation

The airline industry is a multi-billion-dollar business. Aviation jobs are available both in the air and on the ground, so you can work in the industry even if you don't like heights. Some common aviation jobs and their average salary include:

• Aircraft dispatcher ($50,830)
• Aircraft mechanic ($75,400)
• Airline pilot ($171,210)
• Federal Air Marshal ($70,000, according to Payscale) 
• Flight attendant ($68,370)
• Transportation security screener ($51,040)

Arts

Creatives and those who love art and design can forge their careers in an arts-related field. A sample of arts-related careers include:

• Actor ($41.01 per hour)
• Fine artist ($71,420)
• Directors and composers ($87,840)
• Archivists, Curators, and Museum Technicians ($63,460)
• Musician or singer ($51.65 per hour)

Business

You don’t necessarily need a Master of Business Administration (MBA) to make it in business, although many jobs in this category will require some education past high school as well as an aptitude for numbers:

• Accountants and auditors ($90,780)
• Administrative assistant ($49,810)
  
• Human resources specialist ($76,060)
• Management ($137,750)
• Market research analyst ($83,190)

Education

There are many education-related job titles in addition to teacher. Those with the ability to teach can specialize in certain subjects, or they may choose to teach abroad, teach online, or teach part-time.

• College professor ($101,750)
• Instructional coordinator ($77,200)
• Librarian ($68,570)
• Substitute teacher ($43,570)
• Teacher ($70,340)
• Tutor ($48,580)

Law Enforcement

Educational requirements vary for law enforcement jobs. Although federal law enforcement jobs tend to require at least a bachelor’s degree, some police officers can get started in the field with only on-the-job training or a few years of college or military experience. Some common law enforcement careers include:

• Correctional officer ($67,880)
• Criminal Investigator ($95,930)
• Fish and game warden ($61,120)
• Police officer ($76,550)
• Security guard ($40,440)

Media

For skilled writers, editors, and designers, media jobs may be a perfect fit. These kinds of jobs might be found at print or digital publishing companies, marketing agencies, or media companies.

• Editor ($85,110)
• Public relations specialist ($77,720)
• Sound engineering technician ($74,100)
• Graphic designer ($64,700)
• Writer ($87,590)
  

Medical

It takes compassion and emotional fortitude to work in the medical field, as well as the willingness to spend time and money training.

• Doctor ($263,840)
• Registered nurse ($94,480)
• Paramedic ($57,450)
• Physician assistant ($130,490)
• Social worker ($62,880)
• Veterinarian ($136,300)

Service

If you think of waitstaff or bartenders when you think of the service industry, you’re only looking at part of the picture. There are many different jobs that involve serving the public. Could a service industry career be right for you?

• Bank teller ($38,850)
• Hairdresser ($41,780)
• Personal fitness trainer ($51,270)
• Retail ($34,520)
• Waiter ($36,530)

Technology

You don’t necessarily need a degree to work in tech. Pick up the necessary skills via online courses, boot camps, or practical experience, and many employers will put you to work.

• Computer systems administrator ($100,580)
• Database administrator ($104,810)
• Programmer ($107,750)
• Software developer ($138,110)
• Web developer ($95,570)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)