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Associate Degree Entry Level Careers and Jobs

Explore Careers and Jobs Predominantly Filled by Those with an Associate's Degree or Less, having 1 year or less of work experience - All On One Page

Sorted by median annual U.S. salary, including % with Associate's Degree (or less), and % with 1 year experience (or less).

These entry-level roles are open to associate's degree graduates and offer a practical starting point for building experience and advancing. For recent graduates or career changers seeking their first role with a two-year degree. Compare starting salaries and degree-holder percentages, then access preparation resources built for new graduates.



4 Steps to Use This Page: 1-Explore Careers of Intrerest 2-See Job Listings Matched to Career 3-Prepare for the Career 4-See External Career Resources

Here is a short Helper Video External Link.

This page will take you through 4 steps, relative to an Associate's Degree, to (1) Select an entry-level career, (2) Find active job listings, (3) Prepare for the career you chose, and (4) Provide web resources specific to the career you chose.

Step 1: Select a Career: You will be presented with a listing of Associate's Degree entry-level careers. The list may be quite long. There are two ways you might like to use this list:
1) Filter - As you enter a word, you will filter (limit) the list of careers below
2) Browse the list (Don't Filter) - You can simply browse the list of careers. There may be many that you might never have considered. This may help you to discover entry-level careers that might be of interest.

Once you have identified a career of interest, simply click on it.

Step 2: Find a Job: After you have selected a career/job title above, you will see a form asking for your location. You will see several radio selection choices to utilize the job search site of your choice.



Step 3: Prepare For a Career: In this section you will gain access to detailed information to help you prepare for the career you selected. Information includes core and supplemental duties, general and specific work activities, knowledge required, essential and transferable skills required, day-in-the-life summaries, knowledge required, software skills required, preparation required, educational requirements, training and work experience required, local salary information, certifications, professional associations, current job listings for the job selected along with multiple similar job titles, and related careers (related to what they do, what they know, and what they're called).

Step 4: Career-Specific Resources (detailed and constantly updated): Continue to scroll down the page and you will find tabs that will provide detailed (updated) links to occupational information specific to the career you selected. This information includes:
Videos: Provides a listing of video links related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.
Resumes: Sources for resume materials and techniques. This can help to get you started.
Job Description: Sources that provide job descriptions, which are vital to resume and interview preparation.
Interviews: Provides links that can help you to prepare for and successfully complete the job interview.
Step by Step: Provides links to resources that can help to organize the career search process.
LinkedIn: One of the best professional social media sites that provides links, opportunities, and networking specifically for careers and career development.




Step 1 of 4: Select a Career

Leading Books About Associate Degree Jobs External Link
What entry level jobs can you get with just an Associate's Degree? Scroll through the picklist (below). These are entry level careers (1 year or less work experience) related to the Associate's Degree level, with at least 30% of job holders having an Associate's Degree. - 426 specific careers are listed. Select those careers that may be of interest - you will then get links to matching active job listings, and detailed resources to help you prepare.
You can use this form two ways:
1) Enter a Keyword - As you enter a keyword, you will filter (limit) the listing to those occupations that contain the keyword entered
2) Browse the list (Don't enter a keyword) - You can simply browse the list of occupations. There may be many that you might never have considered. This may help you to discover jobs that might be of interest.

Enter a Keyword (filter the list below)
OR - leave blank and scroll through the choices:


Select a Job Title - Sorted by Annual Salary -(scroll and Select) :
Legend: Career Title Link / (% having Associate's Degree or less) / (% having less than 1 year experience) / (Median Annual U.S. Salary)

Air Traffic Controllers / 78.05% / 54.55% / ($137,380)
Anesthesiologist Assistants / 42.69% / 91.42% / ($130,020)
Solar Energy Systems Engineers / 40.74% / 32.13% / ($111,970)
Computer Systems Analysts / 56.64% / 31.42% / ($103,800)
Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers / 99.66% / 38.99% / ($102,420)
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers / 47.05% / 41.17% / ($101,800)
First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives / 80.58% / 72.47% / ($101,750)
Nuclear Monitoring Technicians / 84.15% / 36.76% / ($101,740)
Solar Sales Representatives and Assessors / 67.01% / 62.53% / ($99,710)
Video Game Designers / 45.00% / 40.00% / ($98,540)
Radiation Therapists / 62.46% / 42.76% / ($98,300)
Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers / 100.00% / 44.44% / ($94,580)
Nuclear Medicine Technologists / 68.68% / 42.91% / ($92,500)
Detectives and Criminal Investigators / 90.01% / 47.80% / ($91,100)
Police Identification and Records Officers / 75.14% / 39.28% / ($91,100)
Postmasters and Mail Superintendents / 86.55% / 44.63% / ($88,670)
Dental Hygienists / 75.18% / 69.49% / ($87,530)
Transportation Vehicle, Equipment and Systems Inspectors, Except Aviation / 100.00% / 32.59% / ($87,290)
First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers / 86.62% / 40.47% / ($86,220)
Registered Nurses / 42.65% / 37.83% / ($86,070)
Critical Care Nurses / 35.71% / 60.71% / ($86,070)
Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers / 97.19% / 71.33% / ($85,420)
Web Developers / 50.01% / 33.33% / ($84,960)
First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers / 42.07% / 30.56% / ($84,570)
Subway and Streetcar Operators / 100.00% / 63.96% / ($84,270)
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists / 86.96% / 47.82% / ($83,740)
Signal and Track Switch Repairers / 100.00% / 62.23% / ($82,710)
Chemical Plant and System Operators / 63.22% / 34.85% / ($80,030)
Online Merchants / 58.72% / 37.80% / ($79,590)
Respiratory Therapists / 87.90% / 70.85% / ($77,960)
Solar Energy Installation Managers / 93.70% / 75.35% / ($76,760)
Commercial and Industrial Designers / 32.08% / 32.87% / ($76,250)
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists / 57.51% / 56.99% / ($76,210)
Government Property Inspectors and Investigators / 60.66% / 49.63% / ($75,670)
Coroners / 40.00% / 40.00% / ($75,670)
Funeral Home Managers / 93.51% / 44.25% / ($75,660)
Locomotive Engineers / 100.00% / 43.70% / ($74,770)
Fire Inspectors and Investigators / 95.76% / 36.53% / ($74,160)
Writers and Authors / 53.05% / 31.03% / ($73,690)
Non-Destructive Testing Specialists / 90.91% / 72.73% / ($73,500)
Photonics Technicians / 81.82% / 40.92% / ($73,500)
Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling / 40.54% / 30.60% / ($73,460)
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians / 89.37% / 54.21% / ($73,410)
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers / 93.45% / 84.29% / ($72,280)
Customs and Border Protection Officers / 70.66% / 53.52% / ($72,280)
Transit and Railroad Police / 65.67% / 55.34% / ($72,250)
Wellhead Pumpers / 100.00% / 46.56% / ($71,830)
Boilermakers / 100.01% / 55.45% / ($71,140)
Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters / 100.00% / 80.65% / ($71,130)
First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers / 89.30% / 37.26% / ($70,530)
Electrical and Electronics Drafters / 57.47% / 46.57% / ($69,260)
Park Naturalists / 40.02% / 56.05% / ($68,750)
Surveyors / 52.63% / 30.00% / ($68,540)
Flight Attendants / 87.65% / 58.72% / ($68,370)
Energy Auditors / 75.86% / 31.04% / ($67,700)
Occupational Therapy Assistants / 96.81% / 82.25% / ($67,010)
Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators / 100.00% / 73.61% / ($67,000)
Roof Bolters, Mining / 100.00% / 97.75% / ($66,660)
Film and Video Editors / 34.31% / 32.92% / ($66,600)
Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians / 93.42% / 43.17% / ($66,170)
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products / 66.12% / 36.34% / ($65,630)
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School / 32.71% / 31.47% / ($65,130)
Rail Car Repairers / 99.99% / 75.83% / ($65,030)
Forensic Science Technicians / 65.60% / 32.02% / ($64,940)
Crane and Tower Operators / 100.00% / 53.05% / ($64,690)
Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers / 100.00% / 50.27% / ($64,640)
Physical Therapist Assistants / 84.16% / 80.80% / ($64,080)
Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining / 100.00% / 74.51% / ($64,070)
Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners / 97.15% / 72.23% / ($63,940)
Tapers / 100.00% / 36.42% / ($63,350)
Food Service Managers / 90.26% / 44.19% / ($63,060)
Real Estate Brokers / 46.07% / 36.44% / ($63,060)
Millwrights / 100.00% / 45.47% / ($62,980)
Structural Iron and Steel Workers / 94.98% / 58.18% / ($62,760)
Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators / 100.00% / 46.65% / ($61,870)
Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film / 93.10% / 69.17% / ($61,800)
Wind Turbine Service Technicians / 100.01% / 62.56% / ($61,770)
Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas / 91.08% / 43.40% / ($61,770)
Electricians / 98.70% / 50.15% / ($61,590)
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters / 100.01% / 31.51% / ($61,550)
Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians / 77.54% / 54.49% / ($61,550)
Tool and Die Makers / 100.00% / 33.04% / ($61,490)
Continuous Mining Machine Operators / 100.00% / 48.55% / ($61,420)
Commercial Divers / 94.97% / 57.15% / ($61,300)
Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers / 82.57% / 36.28% / ($61,270)
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers / 84.35% / 40.06% / ($61,240)
First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers / 93.54% / 46.15% / ($61,210)
Paralegals and Legal Assistants / 43.47% / 34.43% / ($60,970)
Surgical Technologists / 100.00% / 57.33% / ($60,610)
Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity / 99.99% / 67.21% / ($60,170)
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses / 88.91% / 58.54% / ($59,730)
Brickmasons and Blockmasons / 99.99% / 37.22% / ($59,640)
Postal Service Clerks / 100.00% / 56.00% / ($59,570)
Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators / 64.62% / 42.16% / ($59,300)
Computer User Support Specialists / 48.31% / 32.44% / ($59,240)
Insurance Sales Agents / 53.10% / 72.73% / ($59,080)
Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors / 81.54% / 30.91% / ($58,920)
Sheet Metal Workers / 100.01% / 62.55% / ($58,780)
Hearing Aid Specialists / 43.26% / 42.87% / ($58,670)
Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders / 98.23% / 50.55% / ($58,620)
Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents / 62.46% / 38.40% / ($58,530)
Quality Control Analysts / 72.10% / 71.31% / ($58,350)
Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas / 99.99% / 53.72% / ($58,210)
Firefighters / 96.50% / 63.76% / ($57,120)
Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers / 100.00% / 81.33% / ($57,070)
Biofuels Processing Technicians / 100.00% / 71.47% / ($56,940)
Chemical Technicians / 56.26% / 47.59% / ($56,750)
Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas / 99.99% / 54.34% / ($56,660)
Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers / 100.00% / 41.35% / ($56,430)
Postal Service Mail Carriers / 100.00% / 98.83% / ($56,330)
Riggers / 100.00% / 64.67% / ($56,220)
Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas / 100.00% / 53.07% / ($55,750)
Massage Therapists / 96.16% / 92.30% / ($55,310)
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators / 100.00% / 54.17% / ($54,890)
Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers / 100.00% / 52.98% / ($54,850)
Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers / 82.35% / 45.13% / ($54,690)
First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers / 88.58% / 46.75% / ($54,580)
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers / 99.99% / 38.91% / ($54,320)
Real Estate Sales Agents / 90.47% / 80.95% / ($54,300)
Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare / 83.48% / 33.51% / ($54,290)
Tire Builders / 99.47% / 76.18% / ($54,080)
Insulation Workers, Mechanical / 100.01% / 89.76% / ($53,920)
Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks / 100.01% / 46.62% / ($53,900)
Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers / 86.60% / 52.66% / ($53,550)
Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators / 100.01% / 94.65% / ($53,440)
Correctional Officers and Jailers / 100.00% / 77.83% / ($53,300)
Fallers / 100.00% / 44.59% / ($53,170)
Bailiffs / 99.99% / 61.67% / ($53,040)
Plasterers and Stucco Masons / 100.00% / 58.97% / ($52,640)
Costume Attendants / 68.86% / 51.62% / ($52,370)
Forest and Conservation Technicians / 85.19% / 50.94% / ($51,880)
Desktop Publishers / 61.30% / 45.93% / ($51,290)
Airfield Operations Specialists / 49.14% / 50.32% / ($51,140)
Glaziers / 100.01% / 55.76% / ($51,100)
Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers / 88.76% / 81.80% / ($51,030)
Machinists / 100.00% / 38.18% / ($50,840)
Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers / 99.99% / 76.91% / ($50,720)
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health / 31.83% / 68.18% / ($50,660)
Dredge Operators / 100.00% / 46.67% / ($50,440)
Engine and Other Machine Assemblers / 92.80% / 59.42% / ($50,270)
Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs / 68.62% / 43.38% / ($50,270)
Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders / 100.00% / 81.40% / ($50,250)
Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining / 100.00% / 51.60% / ($50,050)
Roofers / 93.40% / 50.59% / ($50,030)
Transportation Security Screeners / 100.00% / 96.29% / ($50,020)
Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians / 100.00% / 40.17% / ($49,990)
Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic / 99.88% / 51.19% / ($49,670)
Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers / 100.01% / 39.94% / ($49,230)
Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians / 100.00% / 46.96% / ($49,210)
Bridge and Lock Tenders / 100.00% / 65.00% / ($49,120)
Food Science Technicians / 52.50% / 67.10% / ($49,090)
Tree Trimmers and Pruners / 100.00% / 39.55% / ($49,070)
Tax Preparers / 76.20% / 47.61% / ($49,010)
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers / 99.05% / 39.51% / ($48,940)
Tile and Stone Setters / 100.00% / 50.34% / ($48,910)
Terrazzo Workers and Finishers / 100.01% / 63.18% / ($48,900)
Public Safety Telecommunicators / 95.26% / 68.18% / ($48,890)
Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles / 99.99% / 52.68% / ($48,840)
Timing Device Assemblers and Adjusters / 95.84% / 52.32% / ($48,840)
Proofreaders and Copy Markers / 52.69% / 47.90% / ($48,790)
Automotive Body and Related Repairers / 99.99% / 70.29% / ($48,740)
Pourers and Casters, Metal / 100.00% / 83.26% / ($48,690)
Mechanical Door Repairers / 100.00% / 69.74% / ($48,650)
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators / 96.78% / 49.34% / ($48,550)
Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters / 100.00% / 65.72% / ($48,480)
Paperhangers / 100.00% / 49.80% / ($48,460)
Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons / 100.00% / 88.40% / ($48,410)
Sailors and Marine Oilers / 99.22% / 77.61% / ($48,400)
Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers / 94.78% / 45.81% / ($48,380)
Locksmiths and Safe Repairers / 92.30% / 50.00% / ($48,380)
Cargo and Freight Agents / 69.25% / 74.53% / ($48,330)
Logging Equipment Operators / 100.00% / 75.24% / ($48,240)
Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 98.92% / 65.45% / ($48,120)
Agricultural Inspectors / 87.88% / 45.67% / ($48,010)
Recreational Vehicle Service Technicians / 100.00% / 48.27% / ($47,950)
Floor Sanders and Finishers / 100.00% / 30.71% / ($47,760)
Meter Readers, Utilities / 97.61% / 65.98% / ($47,720)
Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping / 65.40% / 30.88% / ($47,710)
Painters, Construction and Maintenance / 98.15% / 48.09% / ($47,700)
Dental Laboratory Technicians / 92.45% / 35.15% / ($47,690)
Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall / 100.00% / 81.05% / ($47,540)
Animal Breeders / 95.94% / 47.64% / ($47,540)
Carpet Installers / 100.00% / 31.43% / ($47,520)
Neurodiagnostic Technologists / 83.87% / 48.40% / ($47,470)
Patient Representatives / 61.52% / 43.37% / ($47,470)
Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers / 84.34% / 32.98% / ($47,450)
Gem and Diamond Workers / 80.99% / 47.06% / ($47,450)
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks / 81.29% / 32.20% / ($47,440)
Models / 96.06% / 96.07% / ($47,430)
Travel Agents / 85.65% / 31.99% / ($47,410)
Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance / 85.70% / 45.00% / ($47,390)
Loan Interviewers and Clerks / 61.75% / 36.81% / ($47,380)
Highway Maintenance Workers / 100.00% / 58.12% / ($47,360)
Pipelayers / 100.00% / 43.07% / ($47,330)
Hazardous Materials Removal Workers / 86.23% / 50.66% / ($47,280)
Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 100.01% / 82.14% / ($47,250)
Home Appliance Repairers / 100.01% / 55.34% / ($47,170)
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 90.27% / 50.57% / ($47,110)
Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 100.00% / 62.67% / ($47,040)
Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 100.00% / 69.40% / ($46,990)
Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners / 99.99% / 69.64% / ($46,910)
Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks / 93.41% / 36.31% / ($46,900)
Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance / 92.98% / 44.53% / ($46,860)
Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers / 92.91% / 31.80% / ($46,850)
Parking Enforcement Workers / 98.56% / 96.81% / ($46,840)
First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers / 99.58% / 37.01% / ($46,730)
First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers / 87.75% / 44.39% / ($46,650)
Dental Assistants / 100.00% / 61.45% / ($46,540)
Rock Splitters, Quarry / 81.02% / 87.71% / ($46,530)
Geothermal Technicians / 100.00% / 47.90% / ($46,500)
Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors / 61.91% / 52.38% / ($46,480)
Word Processors and Typists / 100.00% / 52.51% / ($46,450)
Motorboat Operators / 85.14% / 45.12% / ($46,420)
Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners / 100.01% / 61.51% / ($46,410)
Roustabouts, Oil and Gas / 100.00% / 43.99% / ($46,340)
Court, Municipal, and License Clerks / 85.74% / 37.43% / ($46,110)
Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 100.00% / 92.48% / ($46,100)
Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers / 100.00% / 58.28% / ($45,850)
Semiconductor Processing Technicians / 99.68% / 76.98% / ($45,850)
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors / 100.00% / 40.92% / ($45,760)
Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers / 99.63% / 30.05% / ($45,760)
Farm Labor Contractors / 99.87% / 47.64% / ($45,730)
Bus Drivers, School / 100.00% / 90.59% / ($45,660)
Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders / 98.16% / 65.88% / ($45,640)
Log Graders and Scalers / 100.00% / 49.41% / ($45,600)
Billing and Posting Clerks / 98.04% / 34.59% / ($45,590)
Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 100.00% / 67.28% / ($45,560)
Helpers--Extraction Workers / 100.01% / 89.58% / ($45,520)
Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 100.00% / 70.42% / ($45,350)
Self-Enrichment Teachers / 45.76% / 33.67% / ($45,330)
Construction Laborers / 100.00% / 83.68% / ($45,300)
Medical Equipment Preparers / 82.92% / 43.14% / ($45,280)
Coin, Vending, and Amusement Machine Servicers and Repairers / 100.00% / 72.61% / ($44,980)
Medical Appliance Technicians / 72.03% / 43.86% / ($44,960)
Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers / 99.99% / 93.70% / ($44,890)
Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys / 59.63% / 40.27% / ($44,890)
New Accounts Clerks / 100.00% / 58.40% / ($44,630)
Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 92.88% / 48.80% / ($44,620)
Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 100.00% / 62.22% / ($44,510)
Endoscopy Technicians / 100.01% / 73.08% / ($44,490)
Speech-Language Pathology Assistants / 57.73% / 85.80% / ($44,490)
Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators / 100.00% / 51.68% / ($44,470)
Fence Erectors / 99.99% / 88.21% / ($44,410)
Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 99.55% / 92.73% / ($44,390)
Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 99.70% / 84.76% / ($44,310)
Foundry Mold and Coremakers / 100.00% / 83.14% / ($44,300)
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive / 89.01% / 43.85% / ($44,280)
Bill and Account Collectors / 78.88% / 52.69% / ($44,250)
Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 100.00% / 99.79% / ($44,240)
Opticians, Dispensing / 100.00% / 50.00% / ($44,170)
Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics / 100.00% / 33.69% / ($44,140)
Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation / 87.18% / 80.53% / ($44,070)
Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers / 100.00% / 67.03% / ($44,030)
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians / 89.60% / 70.52% / ($43,740)
Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders / 99.99% / 80.47% / ($43,540)
Pest Control Workers / 100.00% / 92.46% / ($43,470)
Glass Blowers, Molders, Benders, and Finishers / 100.01% / 40.93% / ($43,310)
Stone Cutters and Carvers, Manufacturing / 99.03% / 48.34% / ($43,310)
Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping / 99.49% / 87.75% / ($43,270)
Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters / 100.00% / 35.91% / ($43,260)
Skincare Specialists / 78.15% / 70.98% / ($43,200)
Agricultural Technicians / 63.19% / 40.58% / ($43,180)
Precision Agriculture Technicians / 60.87% / 43.48% / ($43,180)
Animal Control Workers / 96.15% / 42.31% / ($43,170)
Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners / 90.92% / 36.37% / ($42,800)
Upholsterers / 100.00% / 31.96% / ($42,730)
Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 96.10% / 50.94% / ($42,670)
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 100.01% / 61.62% / ($42,610)
Cooks, Private Household / 100.00% / 42.31% / ($42,590)
Light Truck Drivers / 100.00% / 99.31% / ($42,470)
Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters / 93.77% / 65.96% / ($42,470)
Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders / 100.00% / 51.07% / ($42,420)
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 100.00% / 36.13% / ($42,400)
Medical Assistants / 82.53% / 81.37% / ($42,000)
Printing Press Operators / 100.00% / 40.17% / ($41,860)
Phlebotomists / 95.46% / 54.55% / ($41,810)
Ophthalmic Medical Technicians / 100.00% / 45.45% / ($41,780)
Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 100.00% / 63.96% / ($41,600)
Social and Human Service Assistants / 44.61% / 60.58% / ($41,410)
Photographers / 81.82% / 36.37% / ($40,760)
Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks / 99.42% / 76.21% / ($40,610)
Office Clerks, General / 99.76% / 47.07% / ($40,480)
Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan / 98.84% / 34.25% / ($40,300)
Pharmacy Technicians / 96.16% / 80.98% / ($40,300)
Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers / 100.00% / 97.14% / ($40,230)
Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators / 99.36% / 83.68% / ($40,200)
Etchers and Engravers / 99.99% / 41.69% / ($40,040)
Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders / 100.00% / 65.83% / ($39,850)
Furniture Finishers / 100.00% / 45.95% / ($39,790)
Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks / 89.25% / 85.10% / ($39,780)
Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 96.57% / 85.26% / ($39,740)
Psychiatric Technicians / 68.09% / 75.29% / ($39,700)
Agricultural Equipment Operators / 99.99% / 61.03% / ($39,690)
Customer Service Representatives / 85.79% / 48.94% / ($39,680)
Tutors / 54.54% / 72.73% / ($39,580)
Helpers--Carpenters / 100.00% / 94.63% / ($39,380)
Retail Loss Prevention Specialists / 89.50% / 61.98% / ($39,360)
Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders / 100.01% / 70.21% / ($39,340)
Library Technicians / 68.58% / 66.51% / ($39,310)
Conveyor Operators and Tenders / 100.00% / 94.70% / ($39,260)
Machine Feeders and Offbearers / 100.00% / 73.86% / ($39,250)
Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators / 100.00% / 80.06% / ($39,210)
Psychiatric Aides / 95.92% / 72.31% / ($39,160)
Manufactured Building and Mobile Home Installers / 100.00% / 77.97% / ($38,980)
Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand / 100.00% / 64.30% / ($38,940)
Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 100.00% / 57.82% / ($38,870)
Animal Trainers / 98.25% / 44.20% / ($38,810)
Helpers--Roofers / 83.98% / 61.91% / ($38,620)
Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders / 100.00% / 72.87% / ($38,550)
First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers / 100.00% / 65.46% / ($38,520)
Food Batchmakers / 99.99% / 83.20% / ($38,460)
Helpers--Electricians / 98.70% / 58.74% / ($38,340)
Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders / 100.00% / 78.21% / ($38,330)
Bicycle Repairers / 100.00% / 49.78% / ($38,320)
Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing / 98.28% / 68.80% / ($38,260)
Nursing Assistants / 87.36% / 81.52% / ($38,200)
Slaughterers and Meat Packers / 100.00% / 60.24% / ($38,160)
File Clerks / 91.72% / 39.40% / ($38,130)
Print Binding and Finishing Workers / 100.01% / 42.89% / ($38,100)
Telephone Operators / 100.00% / 45.37% / ($38,080)
Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood / 100.00% / 70.09% / ($38,000)
Residential Advisors / 59.02% / 65.91% / ($37,950)
Data Entry Keyers / 100.00% / 48.23% / ($37,790)
Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians / 91.17% / 67.45% / ($37,720)
Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand / 100.00% / 68.49% / ($37,660)
Recycling and Reclamation Workers / 91.99% / 97.72% / ($37,660)
Butchers and Meat Cutters / 100.00% / 32.98% / ($37,650)
Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters / 90.30% / 60.09% / ($37,650)
Tellers / 91.68% / 92.13% / ($37,640)
Office Machine Operators, Except Computer / 82.57% / 57.68% / ($37,450)
Counter and Rental Clerks / 79.75% / 74.93% / ($37,400)
Substitute Teachers, Short-Term / 55.21% / 66.44% / ($37,380)
Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers / 81.67% / 52.64% / ($37,360)
Concierges / 90.91% / 63.65% / ($37,150)
Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 100.00% / 76.39% / ($37,130)
Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education / 62.81% / 50.90% / ($37,130)
Security Guards / 98.04% / 80.52% / ($37,070)
Medical Transcriptionists / 100.00% / 66.02% / ($37,060)
Cutters and Trimmers, Hand / 100.00% / 58.19% / ($37,040)
Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons / 100.00% / 60.78% / ($37,010)
Shoe Machine Operators and Tenders / 100.00% / 80.85% / ($36,970)
Demonstrators and Product Promoters / 99.34% / 99.34% / ($36,970)
Occupational Therapy Aides / 98.20% / 75.70% / ($36,970)
Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service / 100.00% / 96.52% / ($36,880)
Parts Salespersons / 86.38% / 35.11% / ($36,860)
Orderlies / 100.00% / 84.96% / ($36,830)
Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service / 96.96% / 60.95% / ($36,750)
Couriers and Messengers / 100.00% / 83.57% / ($36,710)
Helpers--Production Workers / 100.00% / 85.58% / ($36,700)
Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers / 90.54% / 56.27% / ($36,650)
Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 100.00% / 74.10% / ($36,620)
Craft Artists / 86.96% / 34.79% / ($36,600)
Dietetic Technicians / 93.29% / 45.65% / ($36,520)
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers / 99.54% / 78.62% / ($36,440)
Stockers and Order Fillers / 99.71% / 85.41% / ($36,390)
Crossing Guards and Flaggers / 100.00% / 90.24% / ($36,370)
Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers / 98.70% / 95.45% / ($36,300)
Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers / 82.36% / 65.27% / ($36,230)
Pharmacy Aides / 100.00% / 79.83% / ($36,200)
Barbers / 97.06% / 74.52% / ($36,150)
Gambling Cage Workers / 100.00% / 57.48% / ($36,110)
Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers / 100.00% / 98.78% / ($36,020)
Receptionists and Information Clerks / 100.00% / 47.01% / ($35,840)
Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials / 80.95% / 57.14% / ($35,820)
Tire Repairers and Changers / 97.60% / 80.02% / ($35,790)
Cooks, Restaurant / 99.99% / 83.35% / ($35,780)
Passenger Attendants / 100.01% / 76.63% / ($35,620)
Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators / 94.81% / 66.47% / ($35,620)
Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 100.00% / 99.60% / ($35,530)
Driver/Sales Workers / 100.00% / 91.91% / ($35,420)
Textile Bleaching and Dyeing Machine Operators and Tenders / 100.01% / 93.56% / ($35,340)
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria / 93.22% / 64.36% / ($35,320)
Motion Picture Projectionists / 89.90% / 90.17% / ($35,160)
Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals / 99.77% / 54.31% / ($35,120)
Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners / 75.92% / 78.11% / ($35,020)
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists / 100.00% / 60.71% / ($34,970)
Bakers / 100.00% / 78.42% / ($34,950)
Door-to-Door Sales Workers, News and Street Vendors, and Related Workers / 100.00% / 95.83% / ($34,910)
Baggage Porters and Bellhops / 100.01% / 80.60% / ($34,840)
Packers and Packagers, Hand / 100.00% / 99.39% / ($34,830)
Floral Designers / 92.09% / 49.74% / ($34,690)
Telemarketers / 100.00% / 78.19% / ($34,480)
Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse / 75.14% / 71.76% / ($34,470)
Sewing Machine Operators / 99.99% / 58.36% / ($34,440)
Recreation Workers / 37.90% / 40.14% / ($34,410)
Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products / 100.00% / 87.28% / ($34,360)
Manicurists and Pedicurists / 100.00% / 83.60% / ($34,250)
Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment / 99.99% / 82.18% / ($34,150)
Cooks, Short Order / 100.01% / 81.36% / ($34,130)
Library Assistants, Clerical / 95.43% / 72.18% / ($34,020)
Forest and Conservation Workers / 57.20% / 41.32% / ($33,940)
Funeral Attendants / 88.97% / 69.50% / ($33,850)
Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants / 100.00% / 62.92% / ($33,820)
Retail Salespersons / 96.00% / 75.39% / ($33,680)
Physical Therapist Aides / 81.30% / 72.78% / ($33,520)
Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants / 100.01% / 94.39% / ($33,450)
Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners / 89.15% / 79.59% / ($33,450)
Gambling Change Persons and Booth Cashiers / 100.00% / 84.76% / ($33,230)
Food Servers, Nonrestaurant / 87.18% / 78.54% / ($33,110)
Parking Attendants / 99.04% / 97.27% / ($32,840)
Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians / 99.99% / 95.80% / ($32,580)
Food Preparation Workers / 95.85% / 88.15% / ($32,420)
Gambling Dealers / 100.00% / 62.42% / ($32,240)
Sewers, Hand / 99.48% / 60.39% / ($32,240)
Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials / 85.85% / 36.62% / ($32,240)
Waiters and Waitresses / 100.00% / 98.56% / ($31,940)
Bartenders / 98.88% / 57.35% / ($31,510)
Dishwashers / 100.00% / 100.00% / ($31,200)
Animal Caretakers / 86.63% / 65.83% / ($31,200)
Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers / 100.00% / 93.53% / ($31,180)
Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers / 100.00% / 95.07% / ($31,050)
Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks / 95.41% / 84.96% / ($30,790)
Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers / 98.78% / 76.80% / ($30,380)
Childcare Workers / 91.29% / 49.53% / ($30,370)
Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers / 98.34% / 88.28% / ($29,780)
Cashiers / 100.00% / 72.87% / ($29,720)
Fast Food and Counter Workers / 99.96% / 80.65% / ($29,540)
Baristas / 94.53% / 100.00% / ($29,540)
Shampooers / 100.00% / 93.40% / ($29,530)
Amusement and Recreation Attendants / 98.57% / 94.63% / ($29,390)
Cooks, Fast Food / 100.00% / 95.58% / ($29,260)
Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop / 86.88% / 85.05% / ($29,220)
Gambling and Sports Book Writers and Runners / 100.01% / 72.38% / ($29,170)
Dancers / 100.01% / 62.06% / (Salary Not Available)
Actors / 65.47% / 62.11% / (Salary Not Available)
Musicians and Singers / 40.26% / 34.04% / (Salary Not Available)

Step 2 of 4: Find a Job

Job Listings for: Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians.

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Note: Job search results work best for U.S.-based locations. For international searches, try searching for "[job title] in [city, country]" directly on the selected job board, or visit their country-specific website.

Step 3 of 4: Prepare For a Career

Prepare for the "Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians" Career
The details below will provide a pathway to your specific job goal and help you to identify an appropriate career ladder.




Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians

Description: Install or repair solar energy systems designed to collect, store, and circulate solar-heated water for residential, commercial or industrial use.
Please click on a section below to expand and see detailed occupational information related to "Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians":

Core Duties

Important Core Job Duties (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 94 (%) Description: Determine locations for installing solar subsystem components, including piping, water heaters, valves, and ancillary equipment.
Importance: 93 (%) Description: Test operation or functionality of mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and control systems.
Importance: 90 (%) Description: Demonstrate start-up, shut-down, maintenance, diagnostic, and safety procedures to thermal system owners.
Importance: 90 (%) Description: Identify plumbing, electrical, environmental, or safety hazards associated with solar thermal installations.
Importance: 89 (%) Description: Assess collector sites to ensure structural integrity of potential mounting surfaces or the best orientation and tilt for solar collectors.
Importance: 88 (%) Description: Install flat-plat, evacuated glass, or concentrating solar collectors on mounting devices, using brackets or struts.
Importance: 88 (%) Description: Apply weather seal, such as pipe flashings and sealants, to roof penetrations and structural devices.
Importance: 88 (%) Description: Fill water tanks and check tanks, pipes, and fittings for leaks.
Importance: 88 (%) Description: Install copper or plastic plumbing using pipes, fittings, pipe cutters, acetylene torches, solder, wire brushes, sand cloths, flux, plastic pipe cleaners, or plastic glue.
Importance: 87 (%) Description: Install solar thermal system controllers and sensors.
Importance: 85 (%) Description: Perform routine maintenance or repairs to restore solar thermal systems to baseline operating conditions.
Importance: 85 (%) Description: Cut, miter, and glue piping insulation to insulate plumbing pipes and fittings.
Importance: 85 (%) Description: Install circulating pumps using pipe, fittings, soldering equipment, electrical supplies, and hand tools.
Importance: 84 (%) Description: Install solar collector mounting devices on tile, asphalt, shingle, or built-up gravel roofs, using appropriate materials and penetration methods.
Importance: 84 (%) Description: Install plumbing, such as dip tubes, port fittings, drain tank valves, pressure temperature relief valves, or tanks, according to manufacturer specifications and building codes.
Importance: 84 (%) Description: Install monitoring system components, such as flow meters, temperature gauges, and pressure gauges, according to system design and manufacturer specifications.
Importance: 84 (%) Description: Connect water heaters and storage tanks to power and water sources.
Importance: 82 (%) Description: Install heat exchangers and heat exchanger fluids according to installation manuals and schematics.
Importance: 76 (%) Description: Apply operation or identification tags or labels to system components, as required.
Importance: 75 (%) Description: Design active direct or indirect, passive direct or indirect, or pool solar systems.
Supplemental Duties
Important Supplemental Job Duties (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 59 (%) Description: Apply ultraviolet radiation protection to prevent degradation of plumbing.
Work Activities

Important General Work Activities (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 83 (%) Description: Getting Information: Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Importance: 82 (%) Description: Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates: Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Importance: 79 (%) Description: Thinking Creatively: Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Importance: 77 (%) Description: Performing General Physical Activities: Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Importance: 74 (%) Description: Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others: Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Importance: 74 (%) Description: Processing Information: Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Importance: 73 (%) Description: Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events: Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Importance: 73 (%) Description: Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings: Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Importance: 71 (%) Description: Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships: Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Importance: 71 (%) Description: Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge: Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Importance: 71 (%) Description: Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials: Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Importance: 70 (%) Description: Handling and Moving Objects: Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Importance: 68 (%) Description: Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards: Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Importance: 68 (%) Description: Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Importance: 68 (%) Description: Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People: Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Importance: 68 (%) Description: Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Importance: 67 (%) Description: Training and Teaching Others: Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Documenting/Recording Information: Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others: Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Importance: 65 (%) Description: Developing and Building Teams: Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Importance: 65 (%) Description: Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information: Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Importance: 63 (%) Description: Performing for or Working Directly with the Public: Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Importance: 63 (%) Description: Coaching and Developing Others: Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Importance: 62 (%) Description: Analyzing Data or Information: Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Importance: 62 (%) Description: Communicating with People Outside the Organization: Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Importance: 60 (%) Description: Selling or Influencing Others: Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Specific Work Activities

Important Specific Work Activities
How can you begin to build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. Specific Work Activities appear below:
Apply adhesives to construction materials.
Apply identification labels or tags.
Apply sealants or other protective coatings.
Assess locations for potential green technology installations.
Communicate with clients about products, procedures, and policies.
Cut carpet, vinyl or other flexible materials.
Determine appropriate locations for operations or installations.
Inspect industrial or commercial equipment to ensure proper operation.
Inspect plumbing systems or fixtures.
Install gauges or controls.
Install insulation in equipment or structures.
Install plumbing or piping.
Install solar energy systems.
Maintain mechanical equipment.
Pour materials into or on designated areas.
Test electrical equipment or systems to ensure proper functioning.
Knowledge Required

Knowledge Required (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 93 (%) Description: Mechanical: Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Importance: 91 (%) Description: Building and Construction: Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Importance: 87 (%) Description: Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Importance: 80 (%) Description: English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Importance: 79 (%) Description: Engineering and Technology: Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Importance: 77 (%) Description: Education and Training: Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Importance: 77 (%) Description: Design: Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Importance: 74 (%) Description: Public Safety and Security: Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Importance: 70 (%) Description: Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Importance: 69 (%) Description: Production and Processing: Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Importance: 67 (%) Description: Administration and Management: Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Essential Skills

Essential Skills (in order of importance)
These are the foundational skills most central to success in this occupation. For the Top 5 most important, how can you begin building experience and confidence using these skills now?
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 56 (%) Description: Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Importance: 54 (%) Description: Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Importance: 54 (%) Description: Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Importance: 54 (%) Description: Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Importance: 54 (%) Description: Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Transferable Skills

Transferable Skills (in order of importance)
These are skills that can transfer across occupations and industries. For the Top 5 most important, how can you strengthen these skills now so they support both this career and future career flexibility?
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 79 (%) Description: Installation: Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Importance: 56 (%) Description: Quality Control Analysis: Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Importance: 54 (%) Description: Operations Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Troubleshooting: Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Time Management: Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Day-in-the-Life Summaries

Day-in-the-Life Summaries
These summaries show the main types of activities you are likely to perform on a regular basis in this occupation. How can you imagine your typical workday — using these examples to see if this type of work fits you?
Activity: Apply protective solutions or coatings.
Activity: Assemble equipment or components.
Activity: Assess characteristics of land or property.
Activity: Build structures.
Activity: Cut materials.
Activity: Determine operational methods or procedures.
Activity: Explain regulations, policies, or procedures.
Activity: Inspect commercial, industrial, or production systems or equipment.
Activity: Install energy or heating equipment.
Activity: Install plumbing or piping equipment or systems.
Activity: Maintain tools or equipment.
Activity: Mark materials or objects for identification.
Activity: Perform general construction or extraction activities.
Activity: Test performance of equipment or systems.
Software Skills

Software Skills
These are examples of software tools commonly used in this occupation, organized from most to least important for your career preparation. How can you start learning or practicing the highest-priority tools so that you feel confident using them on the job?
High-Priority Tech Skills
Office suite software:
Microsoft Office software
Emerging Tech Skills
Computer aided design CAD software:
Autodesk AutoCAD
Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
Customer relationship management CRM software:
Salesforce software
Development environment software:
Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications VBA
Electronic mail software:
Microsoft Outlook
Graphics or photo imaging software:
Adobe Photoshop
Object or component oriented development software:
Oracle Java
Presentation software:
Microsoft PowerPoint
Spreadsheet software:
Microsoft Excel
Word processing software:
Microsoft Word
General Software Tools
Calendar and scheduling software:
Work scheduling software
Computer aided design CAD software:
Computer-aided drafting or design software
Dassault Systemes CATIA
PTC Pro/ENGINEER Wildfire
Computer aided manufacturing CAM software:
1CadCam Unigraphics
Development environment software:
National Instruments LabVIEW
Inventory management software:
Inventory control system software
Project management software:
Cost estimating software
Preparation Required
Preparation Required - How much preparation is needed to obtain this type of job?
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, desktop publishers, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters and simultaneous captioners, and medical assistants.
Education Required

Education Required - by frequency of educational attainment
This shows you details about the level of education most commonly held by workers in this occupation. How can you begin planning the educational pathway that will prepare you best for this type of work?
Frequency of Attainment (%) Level of Education
Frequency of Attainment: 43.2 (%) Level of Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Frequency of Attainment: 24.9 (%) Level of Education: Some College Courses
Frequency of Attainment: 11.2 (%) Level of Education: Bachelor's Degree
Frequency of Attainment: 11.2 (%) Level of Education: Post-Baccalaureate Certificate - awarded for completion of an organized program of study; designed for people who have completed a Baccalaureate degree but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees carrying the title of Master.
Frequency of Attainment: 7.5 (%) Level of Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
Frequency of Attainment: 1.9 (%) Level of Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Training and Experience Required

Training and Experience Required - by frequency of training and work experience attainment
This section shows you how often different types of training and work experience are required for this occupation. How can you start gaining the kinds of experience and training that are most common for this type of work?
Frequency of Attainment (%) Level of Training and Work Experience
Frequency of Attainment: 29.2 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: None
Frequency of Attainment: 16.8 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
Frequency of Attainment: 15.7 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
Frequency of Attainment: 13.7 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months
Frequency of Attainment: 13.1 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years
Frequency of Attainment: 11.6 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
Certifications
Certifications
These are examples of certifications that may be important for this occupation. How can you begin exploring which certifications fit your goals and what steps you would need to take to earn them?
Master Specialist Hands On Supply Water Temperature Reset Controls Set-up and Testing External Link
PV Commissioning & Maintenance Specialist External Link
Job Listings
Job Listings and Similar Occupational Titles - scroll and click to identify common requirements, keywords, and skills in current job listings
Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians
Heat Exchanger
Installer
Solar Boilers Technician
Solar Energy Technician
Solar Hot Water Installer (SHW Installer)
Solar Installation Technician
Solar Installer
Solar Insulation Technician
Solar Maintenance Technician
Solar Pool Heating Installer
Solar Power Installer
Solar System Installer
Solar Technician
Solar Thermal Installer
Solar Thermal Technician
Solar Water Heater Installer
Thermal Operator
Thermal Systems Technician
Thermal Technician
Related Careers to Consider
Related Careers to Consider
This lists up to 20 careers that might be of interest to you (related to what "Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians" do, what they know, and what they're called), ranked by best fit. How do these related occupations align with your interests, skills, and goals?
1 - Solar Photovoltaic Installers
2 - Solar Energy Systems Engineers
3 - Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers
4 - Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall
5 - Solar Energy Installation Managers
6 - Insulation Workers, Mechanical
7 - Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
8 - Geothermal Technicians
9 - Wind Turbine Service Technicians
10 - Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door
11 - Hydroelectric Plant Technicians
12 - Mechanical Engineers
13 - Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar
14 - Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers
15 - Electrical Engineers
16 - Biomass Plant Technicians
17 - Weatherization Installers and Technicians
18 - Maintenance and Repair Workers, General
19 - Power Plant Operators
20 - Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

Step 4 of 4: Career-Specific Resources (detailed and constantly updated)

This section contains detailed resources appropriate to "Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians". Explore these resources to start learning more. Links are constantly updated, so bookmark this page.

Videos

Here is a listing of videos related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.


Resumes

Here are resources that allow you to see example resumes for this occupation. It may be helpful to see examples from others who have this type of experience.


Job Description

Here are resources that provide job descriptions, which are vital for resume and interview preparation.


Interviews

There are many great resources that can help guide you through the interview process. These links provide help in preparing and performing an effective interview, specific to this occupation.


Salary Data

Here are links to help you identify salary ranges for this occupation. These data are necessary prior to effective salary negotiations.


Raises

Here are resources that help you to prepare to ask for a raise. These links will help you to prepare for the salary negotiation process.


Jobs

Here are resources that lead to links for actual jobs related to "Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians". Use these links to find a job.


Jobs

Here are resources that lead to links for actual jobs related to "Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians". Use these links to find a job.


Classifieds

There are various sources for job classified ads. These links should help get you started to find a job for this occupation.


Step-by-Step

Here are links to help guide you, step-by-step, to become a(n): Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians


Career Change

Here are resources to help you prepare for a career change. It is helpful to look carefully at the information provided in Section 3: Career Change (detailed previously on this page) prior to using these links. There is much to learn ...


LinkedIn®

Here are links to various posts and groups from LinkedIn ® that relate to this occupation. Great way to start building professional contacts in the field that might be most appropriate for you.


Career Path

Here are links to various resources to help you explore the career path related to the "Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians" occupation.






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