12 Types of Jobs by Industry (With Salary Information)
An industry is a group of organizations that produce similar products or provide related services. Each industry contains multiple occupations, ranging from entry-level support roles to technical and executive positions.
The salaries below are approximate U.S. median annual wages based primarily on May 2024 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Actual salaries depend on location, experience, employer and specialization.
1. Arts and design
The arts and design industry includes visual art, photography, film, animation, performance and commercial design. Professionals may work for agencies, entertainment companies, museums or as independent creators.
A degree can be useful, but portfolios and practical experience often play a major role in hiring.
Common jobs include:
- Graphic designer: Approximately $61,300 per year
- Producer or director: Approximately $83,480 per year
- Art director: Approximately $111,040 per year
- Photographer: Approximately $42,520 per year
- Special effects artist or animator: Approximately $99,800 per year
Creative careers may include freelance income, project fees and royalties, so annual earnings can vary substantially.
2. Business and finance
Business and finance professionals help organizations manage money, operations and strategic decisions. Opportunities exist in banks, accounting firms, insurance companies, consulting businesses and corporate departments.
Common jobs include:
- Accountant or auditor: Approximately $81,680 per year
- Financial and investment analyst: $101,350 per year
- Management analyst: $101,190 per year
- Personal financial advisor: $102,140 per year
- Financial manager: $161,700 per year
Entry-level roles typically require a bachelor’s degree. Certifications such as CPA, CFA or CFP may support advancement in specific career paths.
3. Communications and media
Communications professionals create and distribute information for businesses, government agencies, media companies and nonprofit organizations. Their work may involve journalism, public relations, marketing content or internal communications.
Common jobs include:
- Public relations specialist: Approximately $69,780 per year
- Writer or author: $72,270 per year
- Editor: Approximately $75,260 per year
- Technical writer: Approximately $91,670 per year
- Public relations manager: Approximately $138,520 per year
Strong writing, research and audience-awareness skills are important. Employers may also expect experience with social media, analytics and digital publishing platforms.
4. Education
The education industry includes schools, universities, training providers and education technology companies. Professionals may teach students directly or work in administration, counseling, curriculum design and academic support.
Common jobs include:
- Preschool teacher: Approximately $37,120 per year
- Elementary school teacher: Approximately $62,340 per year
- High school teacher: Approximately $64,580 per year
- School and career counselor: Approximately $65,140 per year
- Elementary or secondary school principal: Approximately $104,070 per year
Public-school teaching positions generally require state certification. College instructors and senior administrators may need graduate degrees.
5. Healthcare
Healthcare is a large industry containing clinical, technical, administrative and support careers. Workplaces include hospitals, clinics, laboratories, pharmacies, rehabilitation centers and private practices.
Common jobs include:
- Medical assistant: Approximately $44,200 per year
- Licensed practical or vocational nurse: Approximately $62,340 per year
- Registered nurse: $93,600 per year
- Medical and health services manager: $117,960 per year
- Physician assistant: Approximately $133,260 per year
Education requirements range from short certificate programs to professional degrees and residency training. Many clinical positions also require state licensure.
6. Hospitality and tourism
Hospitality businesses provide food, accommodation, travel and guest services. The industry includes hotels, restaurants, resorts, cruise companies and event venues.
Common jobs include:
- Food preparation worker: Approximately $34,320 per year
- Meeting or event planner: Approximately $59,440 per year
- Chef or head cook: Approximately $60,990 per year
- Food service manager: Approximately $65,310 per year
- Lodging manager: Approximately $68,130 per year
Many entry-level hospitality positions do not require a degree. Management roles usually favor candidates with industry experience, business knowledge and customer-service skills.
7. Information technology
The information technology industry develops and maintains software, networks, databases, hardware and cybersecurity systems. Technology jobs are available in nearly every sector, not only technology companies.
Common jobs include:
- Computer support specialist: Approximately $61,550 per year
- Computer systems analyst: Approximately $103,790 per year
- Information security analyst: $124,910 per year
- Software developer: $133,080 per year
- Computer and information systems manager: $171,200 per year
Technical ability, project experience and professional certifications may be as important as formal education for some positions.
8. Law, government and public safety
This industry includes legal services, law enforcement, courts, government administration and emergency response. Professionals help interpret laws, maintain public safety and provide government services.
Common jobs include:
- Firefighter: Approximately $59,530 per year
- Paralegal or legal assistant: Approximately $61,010 per year
- Police officer or detective: Approximately $77,270 per year
- Emergency management director: Approximately $86,130 per year
- Lawyer: Approximately $151,160 per year
Requirements differ widely. Police and emergency roles may involve academy training, while lawyers must complete law school and pass a bar examination.
9. Manufacturing
Manufacturing companies turn materials and components into finished products. The industry includes automotive, electronics, food production, chemicals, machinery and consumer goods.
Common jobs include:
- Assembler or fabricator: Approximately $39,720 per year
- Machinist: Approximately $52,640 per year
- Industrial engineering technologist or technician: Approximately $64,790 per year
- Industrial engineer: Approximately $101,140 per year
- Industrial production manager: Approximately $121,440 per year
Many technical positions can be entered through vocational programs, apprenticeships or associate degrees. Engineering and management roles normally require higher education or extensive experience.
10. Science and engineering
Science and engineering professionals research natural systems and design products, structures and technologies. They work in laboratories, consulting firms, manufacturers, government agencies and research institutions.
Common jobs include:
- Environmental scientist: Approximately $80,060 per year
- Chemist: Approximately $84,150 per year
- Mechanical engineer: $102,320 per year
- Computer hardware engineer: $155,020 per year
- Natural sciences manager: $161,180 per year
Most professional science and engineering careers require at least a bachelor’s degree. Research and university positions may require a master’s degree or doctorate.
11. Sales and marketing
Sales and marketing teams help organizations understand customers, communicate product value and generate revenue. Careers exist in consumer goods, technology, healthcare, financial services and professional services.
Common jobs include:
- Advertising sales agent: Approximately $61,460 per year
- Wholesale or manufacturing sales representative: Approximately $74,100 per year
- Market research analyst: Approximately $76,950 per year
- Sales manager: Approximately $138,060 per year
- Marketing manager: $161,030 per year
Some sales positions offer commissions and bonuses in addition to base pay. As a result, total compensation may differ significantly from reported salary figures.
12. Transportation and logistics
Transportation and logistics professionals move people, materials and products. Employers include airlines, shipping companies, warehouses, delivery services, railways and public transportation agencies.
Common jobs include:
- Heavy or tractor-trailer truck driver: Approximately $57,440 per year
- Logistician: Approximately $80,880 per year
- Transportation, storage or distribution manager: Approximately $102,010 per year
- Commercial pilot: More than $100,000 per year
- Airline pilot, copilot or flight engineer: Approximately $226,600 per year
Some roles require commercial licenses, safety training or industry certifications. Management and planning positions commonly require a bachelor’s degree or related experience.
How to choose an industry
Begin by identifying the type of work you enjoy. Consider whether you prefer working with people, data, machines, ideas or physical products. Then compare the education, schedule and work environment associated with each industry.
You should also review local demand. Manufacturing may be concentrated in one region, while tourism, government or technology may provide more opportunities elsewhere. Remote work can expand access to some communications, business and technology careers.
Questions to ask before choosing a career
Use the following questions to narrow your options:
- What daily tasks do I enjoy?
- Do I prefer independent or team-based work?
- How much education can I reasonably complete?
- Do I need a predictable schedule?
- Am I comfortable with licensing or certification requirements?
- What salary do I need for my preferred location?
- Does the industry offer a clear advancement path?
- Are the skills transferable to other industries?
Salary should be one factor rather than the only factor. Work-life balance, job stability, advancement potential and personal interest can affect long-term satisfaction.
Present Career and Industry Research With Dokie
Students, career advisers and HR teams can use Dokie to turn industry research, salary comparisons and career notes into a professional presentation. Dokie helps organize complex information into clear slides for career-planning sessions, classroom lessons and workforce reports.
Industries change as technology, consumer behavior and economic conditions evolve. Review current job postings and salary information before choosing a training program or accepting an offer.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an industry and an occupation?
An industry describes the type of business an employer operates, while an occupation describes the work a person performs. An accountant, for example, can work in healthcare, manufacturing or technology.
Which industries offer the highest salaries?
Healthcare, technology, finance, law and engineering contain many high-paying occupations. However, their highest-paid careers may require advanced education or extensive experience.
Which industries have entry-level jobs without a degree?
Hospitality, manufacturing, transportation, sales and some administrative fields offer positions that may not require a four-year degree. Training, licensing or certifications may still be necessary.
Can I move the same job between industries?
Yes. Roles such as HR specialist, accountant, marketer, software developer and project manager exist in many industries. Industry-specific knowledge can make a candidate more competitive.
How should I compare salaries between industries?
Compare median pay, total compensation, location and required education. Also consider bonuses, benefits, overtime, commissions and the cost of living in the area where you plan to work.