Top Jobs in Technical Careers

Transport Operation

AIRCRAFT PILOTS are highly trained professionals who fly airplanes and helicopters to carry out a wide variety of tasks. Although most pilots transport passengers, cargo, and mail, others dust crops, spread seed for reforestation, test aircraft, direct fire fighting efforts, track criminals, monitor traffic, rescue and evacuate injured persons, and take aerial photographs. Helicopter pilots are involved in fire fighting, police work, rescue, construction, and various other operations. A certificate, 2-year degree, or 4-year degree is required for this occupation. Average salary ranged from $79,500 to $120,000 a year in 2008.

SHIP CAPTAINS are in overall command of the operation of ships and all departments and individuals aboard ships that transport passengers, freight, and other cargo across oceans, bays, lakes, and coastal waters. Ship captains direct the work of the other officers and the crew. They set the course and speed and maneuver the vessel to avoid reefs, outlying shoals, other ships, and other hazards. Ship captains periodically determine the geographical position of the ship using charts, navigational aids, and celestial observations. They calculate landfall (sighting of land). Ship captains give orders or signal crew members who steer the vessel, operate engines, signal to other ships, perform maintenance and handle lines, or operate towing or dredging gear. Ship captains use a pilot when guiding the ship through hazardous waters, when entering or leaving an unfamiliar port, or when passing through locks. A 4-year or graduate degree is required for this occupation. Average salary ranged from $55,500 to $86,500 a year in 2008.

Agriculture and Forestry

AQUACULTURISTS or fish farmers cultivate and harvest finfish, shellfish, and other aquatic or marine life in ponds or tanks. They collect marine life, such as finfish or shellfish, using nets, lines, pots, shovels, tongs, or dredge baskets. A 4-year or graduate degree is required for this occupation. Average salary ranged from $39,500 to $65,500 a year in 2008.

FORESTERS manage, develop, use, and help protect forests and other natural resources. Those working in private industry may get timber from private landowners. To do this, foresters get in touch with local forest owners and get permission to take inventory of the type, amount, and location of standing timber on the land, a process known as timber cruising. Foresters figure the worth of the timber, negotiate the buying of the timber, and draw up a contract. They subcontract for tree removal, help in road layout, and keep close contact with workers and landowners to make sure work meets specifications and requirements. Throughout the process, foresters consider the economics of the purchase as well as the environmental impact on natural resources. A 4-year or graduate degree is required for this occupation. Average salary ranged from $34,500 to $69,500 a year in 2008.

Computer and Information Specialties

DATABASE ADMINISTRATORS control the day-to-day operation of a computer database. They determine who can see which parts of a database by defining the rights of each user. They protect the database by backing it up daily or more often. When a computer crashes, power goes out, or other problems occur, they correct errors in the database caused by these problems. It may take a few minutes or several hours to correct the errors. A 4-year or graduate degree is required for this occupation. Average salary ranged from $60,000 to $99,500 a year in 2008.

INFORMATION SYSTEMS MANAGERS direct the work of systems analysts, computer programmers, and other computer-related workers. They use advanced technical knowledge to oversee a variety of activities. Information systems managers plan and coordinate activities such as the installation and upgrading of hardware and software; programming and systems design; the development of large computer networks; and the implementation of Internet and Intranet sites. Information systems managers analyze the computer and information needs of their organization and determine personnel and equipment requirements. They assign and review the work of computer staff and purchase necessary equipment. A 4-year or graduate degree is required for this occupation. Average salary ranged from $74,500 to $152,500 a year in 2008.

Construction & Maintenance

CONSTRUCTION ELECTRICIANS install, connect, test, and maintain electrical systems for a variety of purposes, including climate control, security, and communications in office buildings, homes, schools, stores, factories, hospitals, and other structures where electrical power is used. They may also install and maintain the electronic controls for machines in business and industry. Although most electricians specialize in either construction or maintenance, a growing number do both. Additional training or a 2-year degree is required for this occupation. Average salary ranged from $40,500 to $58,000 a year in 2008.

ELEVATOR MECHANICS assemble, install, and replace elevators, escalators, dumbwaiters, moving walkways, and similar equipment in new and old buildings. They maintain and repair the equipment once it is in service. Elevator mechanics are also responsible for modernizing older equipment. Additional training or a 2-year degree is required for this occupation. Average salary ranged from $45,500 to $69,000 a year in 2008.

Manufacturing & Processing

For the millions of workers who assemble manufactured goods, service electronic equipment, work in construction, load trucks, or perform thousands of other activities, a BLUE-COLLAR WORKER SUPERVISOR is the boss. Blue-collar worker supervisors may also be called first-line supervisors, or foremen/forewomen. In the textile industry, these supervisors may be called second hands; on ships, they may be called boatswains. In the construction industry, supervisors can be referred to as superintendents or crew chiefs. Additional training or a 2-year or 4-year degree is required for this occupation. Average salary ranged from $35,500 to $73,000 a year in 2008.

Commercial DIVERS are the engineers, scientists, and construction workers who build and maintain our underwater infrastructure. From the oil and gas pipelines in the Gulf of Mexico to the fisheries in Alaska, divers perform an essential role that is vital to the day-to-day life of everyone. Professional divers consist of a diverse group of individuals and companies involved in a wide range of activities. Additional training or a 2-year degree is required for this occupation. Average salary ranged from $33,000 to $47,500 a year in 2008.

Mechanical & Electrical Specialties

ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT REPAIRERS (INDUSTRY) install and repair equipment used in industrial automated equipment controls, missile control systems, radar systems, medical diagnostic equipment, antenna systems, communications equipment, and transmitters. Electronic equipment repairers install electronic components of new equipment and coordinate with workers installing other components. They make sure everything is running properly by using testing equipment. When trouble occurs, electronic equipment repairers determine the problem and make repairs. Electronic equipment repairers also perform preventive maintenance. Additional training or a 2-year degree is required for this occupation. Average salary ranged from $35,300 to $60,000 a year in 2008.

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