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Compare the work, the training, and the outlook behind eight exam paths. Then choose where to start preparing.

8career paths
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Typical entry education describes a common route, not every employer's requirement. Training and state licensing still apply.

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Career paths

8 of 8 shown

Bachelor's degree typical

Construction management

Coordinate construction budgets, schedules, crews, and project delivery.

National median annual pay$114,990May 2025 · Not starting pay

Employment outlook+9%2025–2035 projected growth

Training, licensing & daily work

Typical entry education: Bachelor's degree
Training: A bachelor's degree is the typical entry route. Extensive construction experience can support other paths, particularly for self-employed general contractors.
Licensing: Requirements vary by state and role. A contractor license and a construction-management qualification are different requirements.
Day-to-day: Work often centers on active jobsites, project deadlines, and coordination with building specialists.

Related career benchmark only. These figures are not contractor-license income estimates, and passing a contractor exam does not qualify someone for a management job.

Data source and occupation scope

Construction managers · SOC 11-9021

Checked October 9, 2026. Wage estimates exclude self-employed workers.

BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook

Non-degree entry path

Electrician

Install, troubleshoot, and repair electrical systems in homes, businesses, and industrial settings.

National median annual pay$63,190May 2025 · Not starting pay

Employment outlook+9%2025–2035 projected growth

Training, licensing & daily work

Typical entry education: High school diploma or equivalent
Training: Most electricians train through a paid apprenticeship, commonly lasting four or five years.
Licensing: Most states require an electrician license. Check your state and local board for experience and exam requirements.
Day-to-day: Hands-on work may involve travel to jobsites, tight spaces, and evening or weekend schedules.

Apprentices generally earn less than fully trained electricians. This profile does not cover power-line workers.

Data source and occupation scope

Electricians · SOC 47-2111

Checked October 9, 2026. Wage estimates exclude self-employed workers.

BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook

Non-degree entry path

Heavy truck driver

Move freight between businesses, distribution centers, and other destinations.

National median annual pay$58,640May 2025 · Not starting pay

Employment outlook+4%2025–2035 projected growth

Training, licensing & daily work

Typical entry education: Postsecondary nondegree award
Training: Drivers commonly have a high school diploma, complete a professional truck-driving program, and receive additional employer training.
Licensing: A CDL is required. Vehicle and cargo determine the license class and any endorsements; other qualification requirements apply.
Day-to-day: Long-haul routes can involve days or weeks away from home, with night and weekend work.

This benchmark covers heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers, not all jobs that use a CDL. It excludes self-employed owner-operators from wage estimates.

Data source and occupation scope

Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers · SOC 53-3032

Checked October 9, 2026. Wage estimates exclude self-employed workers.

BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook

Bachelor's degree typical

High school teacher

Teach subject knowledge, plan lessons, and assess student learning in secondary school.

National median annual pay$72,040May 2025 · Not starting pay

Employment outlook0%2025–2035 · Little or no change

Training, licensing & daily work

Typical entry education: Bachelor's degree
Training: A bachelor's degree is typical. Teacher preparation usually includes supervised classroom experience; alternative certification paths may be available.
Licensing: Public school teachers need state certification or licensure for the relevant grade level and subject.
Day-to-day: Classroom hours are often followed by lesson preparation, grading, and meetings.

Excludes special and career/technical education. A rounded 0% projection means little or no employment change, not zero job openings.

Data source and occupation scope

Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education · SOC 25-2031

Checked October 9, 2026. Wage estimates exclude self-employed workers.

BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook

Non-degree entry path

HVAC technician

Install and service equipment that controls heating, cooling, ventilation, and refrigeration.

National median annual pay$61,010May 2025 · Not starting pay

Employment outlook+11%2025–2035 projected growth

Training, licensing & daily work

Typical entry education: Postsecondary nondegree award
Training: Technical programs commonly lead to a certificate or associate degree, followed by practical training. Apprenticeship routes also exist.
Licensing: Refrigerant work has EPA certification requirements. State and local licensing requirements may also apply.
Day-to-day: Customer visits, mechanical troubleshooting, and work in confined or uncomfortable spaces are common.

The BLS group covers HVAC and refrigeration technicians. It is not a specific state HVAC contractor license.

Data source and occupation scope

Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers · SOC 49-9021

Checked October 9, 2026. Wage estimates exclude self-employed workers.

BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook

Non-degree entry path

Insurance sales agent

Explain insurance options, develop client relationships, and sell coverage.

National median annual pay$62,280May 2025 · Not starting pay

Employment outlook+3%2025–2035 projected growth

Training, licensing & daily work

Typical entry education: High school diploma or equivalent
Training: A high school diploma is the typical entry education; some employers prefer a bachelor's degree. New agents often learn alongside experienced colleagues.
Licensing: Agents need the appropriate license in each state where they work. Life and health and property and casualty are separate licensing lines.
Day-to-day: This is a client-facing sales role. Compensation may include salary, commissions, or bonuses.

These figures cover insurance sales agents, not underwriters or claims adjusters. BLS includes commissions in wages but excludes self-employed workers.

Data source and occupation scope

Insurance sales agents · SOC 41-3021

Checked October 9, 2026. Wage estimates exclude self-employed workers.

BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook

Non-degree entry path

Plumbing and pipefitting

Install and repair piping systems for water and other liquids or gases.

National median annual pay$63,800May 2025 · Not starting pay

Employment outlook+7%2025–2035 projected growth

Training, licensing & daily work

Typical entry education: High school diploma or equivalent
Training: Many workers enter through a paid apprenticeship, commonly lasting four or five years.
Licensing: Most states and some localities license plumbers. Independent work and plumbing contracting may require additional qualifications.
Day-to-day: Physical work can include lifting, climbing, tight spaces, and emergency calls.

BLS combines plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters. These figures do not describe residential plumbers alone.

Data source and occupation scope

Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters · SOC 47-2152

Checked October 9, 2026. Wage estimates exclude self-employed workers.

BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook

Non-degree entry path

Real estate sales agent

Help clients buy, sell, and rent properties while working with a licensed broker.

National median annual pay$52,830May 2025 · Not starting pay

Employment outlook+2%2025–2035 projected growth

Training, licensing & daily work

Typical entry education: High school diploma or equivalent
Training: State-approved prelicensing education and a licensing exam are common entry requirements.
Licensing: Every state licenses real estate agents. Requirements and any reciprocity arrangements vary.
Day-to-day: Client appointments often take place evenings or weekends. Commission income may vary substantially.

Sales-agent figures only, not brokers. The wage estimate excludes self-employed workers, although many real estate agents are self-employed.

Data source and occupation scope

Real estate sales agents · SOC 41-9022

Checked October 9, 2026. Wage estimates exclude self-employed workers.

BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook

Official data. Practical context.

U.S. national median annual wages: May 2025. Employment projections: 2025–2035. Sources checked October 9, 2026.

Median pay is the middle of the wage distribution, not starting pay or a promised salary. BLS wage estimates exclude self-employed workers. Projections are not current job listings.

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