Career Ladders
Not sure what jobs are available in a field that interests you? Each career ladder shows three sample career paths, common job titles in that field, and the education typically needed to get started. You can also view recent job posting numbers and typical salary ranges, though pay can vary by role, experience, and employer.
Updated for 2025
- Business and Finance
- Construction & Skilled Trades
- Healthcare
- Information Technology
- Public Administration
- STEM
- Tourism, Hospitality & Food Service
Other Career Exploration Resources
For even more information on the wide world of career opportunities that might be available, the links below are other great resources (note that most of the data on these sites is provided at the national level, rather than for Northern Virginia or the D.C. metro area specifically).
- Occupation Outlook Handbook
Occupation profiles describe typical job duties and tasks, work environments, and education or other credentials required for employment.
- My Next Move
Additional occupation information (skills, the technology used, etc.)—allows for exploration of occupations/careers based on current interests and skills.
- CareerOneStop
Connect with local workforce centers, identify state licensing/certification requirements, and locate training/education opportunities (NOTE: research any program closely to make sure the training provided is high quality and results in a recognized credential).
- CyberSeek
Explore opportunities specifically within the field of cybersecurity—identifies typical job titles, career paths, and necessary skills.