25 careers
Careers for People Who Want to Help Others
If making a direct difference in people’s lives matters to you, these careers put helping at the center of the work: caring for patients, protecting communities or solving people’s problems, and none typically requires a four-year degree.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| # | Career | Median pay | Growth 2025–35 | Training time | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Radiation Therapist | $105,310 | +2.8% | 2–4 years | Associate's degree |
| 2 | Nuclear Medicine Technologist | $101,370 | +4.4% | 2–4 years | Associate's degree |
| 3 | Dental Hygienist | $98,100 | +8.0% | About 3 years | Associate's degree |
| 4 | Registered Nurse | $97,550 | +5.6% | 2–4 years | Bachelor's degree |
| 5 | Postmaster | $96,660 | -0.3% | Postal experience plus management training | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 6 | Diagnostic Medical Sonographer | $96,590 | +13.9% | 18–24 months | Associate's degree |
| 7 | MRI Technologist | $95,480 | +7.7% | 2–3 years | Associate's degree |
| 8 | Respiratory Therapist | $82,280 | +8.5% | 2 years | Associate's degree |
| 9 | Radiologic Technologist | $80,110 | +5.0% | 2 years | Associate's degree |
| 10 | Police Officer | $76,210 | +3.5% | 6–12 months (academy + field training) | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 11 | Fire Inspector | $75,920 | +4.2% | 1–2 years plus experience | Postsecondary nondegree award |
| 12 | Cardiovascular Technologist | $74,310 | +3.7% | 2 years | Associate's degree |
| 13 | Occupational Therapy Assistant | $72,300 | +21.5% | 2 years | Associate's degree |
| 14 | Physical Therapist Assistant | $68,380 | +23.0% | 2 years | Associate's degree |
| 15 | Hearing Aid Specialist | $65,160 | +19.4% | 6–12 months | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 16 | Surgical Technologist | $64,650 | +5.0% | 12–24 months | Postsecondary nondegree award |
| 17 | Licensed Practical Nurse | $64,400 | +3.0% | 12–18 months | Postsecondary nondegree award |
| 18 | Postsecondary CTE Instructor | $63,820 | -0.3% | Several years of field experience | Bachelor's degree |
| 19 | Flight Attendant | $63,580 | +8.8% | 3–8 weeks of airline training | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 20 | Insurance Agent | $62,280 | +3.3% | 2–8 weeks for licensing | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 21 | Postal Clerk | $62,130 | -0.3% | A few weeks of training | No formal educational credential |
| 22 | IT Support Specialist | $61,860 | -3.5% | 3–6 months | Some college, no degree |
| 23 | Biomedical Equipment Technician | $61,660 | +12.6% | 2 years | Associate's degree |
| 24 | Safety Technician | $61,560 | +19.4% | 6–12 months | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 25 | Paramedic | $60,600 | +5.7% | 12–24 months | Postsecondary nondegree award |
1. Radiation Therapist
Radiation therapists treat cancer and other diseases by giving radiation treatments, operating machines called linear accelerators under the direction of radiation oncologists.
- Median pay: $105,310 ($50.63/hr)
- Training: 2–4 years: associate's degree
- Growth: +2.8% (about as fast as average), 700 openings/yr
Radiation Therapist career guide · Radiation Therapist training
2. Nuclear Medicine Technologist
Nuclear medicine technologists prepare and give radioactive drugs to patients and operate imaging equipment that shows how organs and tissues function.
- Median pay: $101,370 ($48.74/hr)
- Training: 2–4 years: associate's degree
- Growth: +4.4% (about as fast as average), 800 openings/yr
Nuclear Medicine Technologist career guide · Nuclear Medicine Technologist training
3. Dental Hygienist
Dental hygienists remove plaque and tartar, take X-rays, screen for gum disease and oral cancer, apply preventive treatments and teach patients good oral hygiene.
- Median pay: $98,100 ($47.16/hr)
- Training: About 3 years: associate's degree
- Growth: +8.0% (much faster than average), 15,000 openings/yr
Dental Hygienist career guide · Dental Hygienist training
4. Registered Nurse
Registered nurses (RNs) assess patients, plan and deliver nursing care, give medications and treatments, monitor for changes, and educate patients and families, in hospitals, clinics, schools, home health and many other settings.
- Median pay: $97,550 ($46.90/hr)
- Training: 2–4 years: bachelor's degree
- Growth: +5.6% (faster than average), 180,800 openings/yr
Registered Nurse career guide · Registered Nurse training
5. Postmaster
Postmasters and mail superintendents direct and coordinate operational, administrative, management and support services of a U.S. post office.
- Median pay: $96,660 ($46.47/hr)
- Training: Postal experience plus management training: high school diploma or equivalent
- Growth: -0.3% (little or no change), 900 openings/yr
Postmaster career guide · Postmaster training
6. Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Diagnostic medical sonographers use ultrasound equipment to capture images of the body’s organs, tissues, blood flow and developing babies, and give physicians a technical summary of their findings.
- Median pay: $96,590 ($46.44/hr)
- Training: 18–24 months: associate's degree
- Growth: +13.9% (much faster than average), 6,000 openings/yr
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer career guide · Diagnostic Medical Sonographer training
7. MRI Technologist
MRI technologists operate magnetic resonance imaging scanners to create detailed images of organs and tissues for physicians to diagnose medical problems.
- Median pay: $95,480 ($45.91/hr)
- Training: 2–3 years: associate's degree
- Growth: +7.7% (much faster than average), 2,300 openings/yr
MRI Technologist career guide · MRI Technologist training
8. Respiratory Therapist
Respiratory therapists evaluate and treat patients with breathing problems, giving oxygen and aerosol treatments, managing mechanical ventilators, testing lung function and responding to emergencies.
- Median pay: $82,280 ($39.56/hr)
- Training: 2 years: associate's degree
- Growth: +8.5% (much faster than average), 8,600 openings/yr
Respiratory Therapist career guide · Respiratory Therapist training
9. Radiologic Technologist
Radiologic technologists position patients and operate X-ray and other imaging equipment to produce diagnostic images, while protecting patients and themselves from unnecessary radiation.
- Median pay: $80,110 ($38.52/hr)
- Training: 2 years: associate's degree
- Growth: +5.0% (faster than average), 13,000 openings/yr
Radiologic Technologist career guide · Radiologic Technologist training
10. Police Officer
Police officers protect lives and property by patrolling communities, responding to emergency and non-emergency calls, investigating crimes, enforcing laws, writing reports and testifying in court.
- Median pay: $76,210 ($36.64/hr)
- Training: 6–12 months (academy + field training): high school diploma or equivalent
- Growth: +3.5% (about as fast as average), 51,500 openings/yr
Police Officer career guide · Police Officer training
11. Fire Inspector
Fire inspectors and investigators examine buildings to enforce fire codes, review plans and fire protection systems, and investigate fires to find their origin and cause.
- Median pay: $75,920 ($36.50/hr)
- Training: 1–2 years plus experience: postsecondary nondegree award
- Growth: +4.2% (about as fast as average), 1,600 openings/yr
Fire Inspector career guide · Fire Inspector training
12. Cardiovascular Technologist
Cardiovascular technologists and technicians perform tests such as EKGs, echocardiograms, stress tests and cardiac catheterization support to help diagnose heart and vascular conditions.
- Median pay: $74,310 ($35.73/hr)
- Training: 2 years: associate's degree
- Growth: +3.7% (about as fast as average), 3,400 openings/yr
Cardiovascular Technologist career guide · Cardiovascular Technologist training
13. Occupational Therapy Assistant
Occupational therapy assistants help patients develop, recover and improve the skills needed for daily living and working, following plans set by occupational therapists.
- Median pay: $72,300 ($34.76/hr)
- Training: 2 years: associate's degree
- Growth: +21.5% (much faster than average), 8,100 openings/yr
Occupational Therapy Assistant career guide · Occupational Therapy Assistant training
14. Physical Therapist Assistant
Physical therapist assistants work under the direction of physical therapists to carry out treatment plans, guiding patients through exercises, gait training and other therapy to restore movement and reduce pain.
- Median pay: $68,380 ($32.88/hr)
- Training: 2 years: associate's degree
- Growth: +23.0% (much faster than average), 18,500 openings/yr
Physical Therapist Assistant career guide · Physical Therapist Assistant training
15. Hearing Aid Specialist
Hearing aid specialists test hearing, select and fit hearing aids, and teach patients how to use and care for them.
- Median pay: $65,160 ($31.33/hr)
- Training: 6–12 months: high school diploma or equivalent
- Growth: +19.4% (much faster than average), 900 openings/yr
Hearing Aid Specialist career guide · Hearing Aid Specialist training
16. Surgical Technologist
Surgical technologists prepare operating rooms, set up sterile instruments and equipment, pass instruments and supplies to surgeons during procedures, and maintain the sterile field to protect patients from infection.
- Median pay: $64,650 ($31.08/hr)
- Training: 12–24 months: postsecondary nondegree award
- Growth: +5.0% (faster than average), 7,100 openings/yr
Surgical Technologist career guide · Surgical Technologist training
17. Licensed Practical Nurse
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs, called LVNs in California and Texas) provide basic nursing care under the direction of registered nurses and physicians: monitoring patients, giving medications, changing dressings and reporting changes in condition.
- Median pay: $64,400 ($30.96/hr)
- Training: 12–18 months: postsecondary nondegree award
- Growth: +3.0% (about as fast as average), 51,800 openings/yr
Licensed Practical Nurse career guide · Licensed Practical Nurse training
18. Postsecondary CTE Instructor
Career and technical education teachers, postsecondary, teach vocational and technical subjects such as welding, auto repair, cosmetology and healthcare support at colleges and trade schools.
- Median pay: $63,820 ($30.68/hr)
- Training: Several years of field experience: bachelor's degree
- Growth: -0.3% (little or no change), 8,000 openings/yr
Postsecondary CTE Instructor career guide · Postsecondary CTE Instructor training
19. Flight Attendant
Flight attendants ensure passenger safety on commercial flights, conducting safety checks and briefings, handling emergencies, serving food and drinks and assisting passengers.
- Median pay: $63,580
- Training: 3–8 weeks of airline training: high school diploma or equivalent
- Growth: +8.8% (much faster than average), 18,500 openings/yr
Flight Attendant career guide · Flight Attendant training
20. Insurance Agent
Insurance sales agents sell auto, home, life, health and business insurance, explaining coverage options, quoting policies and helping clients with changes and claims.
- Median pay: $62,280 ($29.94/hr)
- Training: 2–8 weeks for licensing: high school diploma or equivalent
- Growth: +3.3% (about as fast as average), 43,100 openings/yr
Insurance Agent career guide · Insurance Agent training
21. Postal Clerk
Postal service clerks perform tasks in post offices, such as selling stamps, accepting mail and packages, and sorting mail.
- Median pay: $62,130 ($29.87/hr)
- Training: A few weeks of training: no formal educational credential
- Growth: -0.3% (little or no change), 5,300 openings/yr
Postal Clerk career guide · Postal Clerk training
22. IT Support Specialist
IT support specialists help employees and customers with computer hardware, software, accounts and network problems: answering help desk tickets, setting up devices, troubleshooting issues and keeping systems secure.
- Median pay: $61,860 ($29.74/hr)
- Training: 3–6 months: some college, no degree
- Growth: -3.5% (a projected decline), 39,700 openings/yr
IT Support Specialist career guide · IT Support Specialist training
23. Biomedical Equipment Technician
Biomedical equipment technicians inspect, maintain, calibrate and repair medical devices such as patient monitors, infusion pumps, defibrillators, ventilators and imaging equipment.
- Median pay: $61,660 ($29.64/hr)
- Training: 2 years: associate's degree
- Growth: +12.6% (much faster than average), 8,200 openings/yr
Biomedical Equipment Technician career guide · Biomedical Equipment Technician training
24. Safety Technician
Occupational health and safety technicians inspect workplaces, test for hazards such as noise and air contaminants, help deliver safety training and support safety specialists in preventing injuries and illness.
- Median pay: $61,560 ($29.59/hr)
- Training: 6–12 months: high school diploma or equivalent
- Growth: +19.4% (much faster than average), 3,800 openings/yr
Safety Technician career guide · Safety Technician training
25. Paramedic
Paramedics respond to 911 calls and give advanced life support, including cardiac monitoring, IV medications and advanced airway care, before and during transport to the hospital.
- Median pay: $60,600 ($29.13/hr)
- Training: 12–24 months: postsecondary nondegree award
- Growth: +5.7% (faster than average), 4,300 openings/yr
Paramedic career guide · Paramedic training
Methodology
Rankings use national data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025; BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35)) for the 709 careers profiled on Career Education Institute. Lists are not exhaustive of all U.S. occupations. Data checked October 15, 2026.
About this list
What is #1 on the list of jobs that help people?
Radiation Therapist, with a median wage of $105,310 per year and about 2–4 years of training.
How was this list made?
We ranked careers from our 709 profiles using BLS May 2025 wage data and 2025–35 employment projections, applying the criteria described on this page.