Career Clusters
There are 16 Career Clusters within the national framework. Each cluster is a grouping of occupations and broad industries based on commonalities in knowledge and skills required to be successful within that particular workplace. These clusters provide a context for exploring the many different occupations available.
Agriculture, Food, & Natural ResourcesProducation, processing, marketing, distribution, financing, and development of agricultural commodities and resources including food, fiber, wood products, natural resources, horticulture and other plant and animal products/resources
Sample Occupations: Food Scientist, Environmental Engineer, Horticulturist, Aminal Scientist, Biochemist, Veterinarian Assistant |
Architecture & ConstructionDesigning, planning, managing, building and maintaining the built environment
Sample Occupations: Contractor, Architect, Electrician, Carpenter, Plumber, Heavy Equipment Operator |
Arts, A/V Technology & CommunicationsDesigning, producing, exhibiting, performing, writing, and publishing multimedia content including visual and performing arts and design, journalism, and entertainment services
Sample Occupations: Actor, Video Producer, Journalist, Audio Engineer, Telecommunications Tech, Printing/Graphics Tech |
Business Management & AdministrationPlanning, organizing, directing and evaluating business functions essential to efficient and productive business operations
Sample Occupations: Human Resources Administrator, Administrative Specialist, Financial Analyst, Intertational Trade Manager, Entrepreneur, Accountant |
Education & TrainingPlanning, managing and providing education and training services and related learning support services such as administration, teaching/training, administrative support and professional support services
Sample Occupations: Teacher, Principal, School Counselor, College Professor, Corporate Trainer, Coach |
FinancePlanning and related services for financial and investment planning, banking, insurance and business financial management
Sample Occupations: Stock Broker, Banker, Insurance Agent, Financial Planner, Loan Officer, Tax Examiner |
Government & Public AdministrationPlanning and executing government functions at the local, state and federal levels, including goverance, national security, foreign service, planning, revenue and taxation, and regulations
Sample Occupations: Legislator City Manager, Policy/Budger Analyst, Recreation/Parks Director, State/Federal Agency Director, Urban/Regional Planner |
Health SciencePlanning, managing and providing therapeutic services, diagnostic services, health informatics, support services, and biotechnology research development
Sample Occupations: Pediatrician, Physical Therapist, Radiologic Tech, Medical Assistant, Hospital Administrator |
Hospitality & TourismPreparing individuals for employment in career pathways that relate to families and human needs such as restaurant and food/beverage, lodging, travel and tourism, recreation, amusement and attractions
Sample Occupations: Lodging Manager, Chef, Travel & Tourism Manager, Food Service Manager |
Human ServicesPreparing individuals for employment in career pathways that relate to families and human needs such as counseling and mental health services, family and community services, personal care, and consumer services
Sample Occupations: Social Worker, Psychologist, Child Care Worker, Substance Abuse Specialist, Employment Specialist, Psychotherapist |
Information TechnologyBuilding linkages in IT occupations for entry level, technical, and professional careers related to the design, development, support and management of hardware, software, multimedia and systems integration services.
Sample Occupations: Software Engineer, Network Administrator, Web Design/Developer, Database Manager, Technical Writer, Multimedia Producer |
Law, Public Safety, Corrections & SecurityPlanning, managing, and providing legal, public safety, protective services and homeland security including professional and technical support services
Sample Occupations: Attorney, Fire Fighter, Police Officer, Judge, Paramedic |
ManufacturingPlanning , managing and performing the processing of materials ito intermediate or final products and related professional and technical support activities such as production planning and control, maintenance and manufacturing/process engineering
Sample Occupations: Machinist, Manufacturing Engineer, Automated Process Tech, Production Engineer/Tech, Welding Tech, Quality Tech |
MarketingPlanning, managing, and performing marketing activities to reach organizational objectives such as brand management, professional sales, merchandising, marketing communications and market research
Sample Occupations: Sales Associate, Interior Designer, Marketing Director, Buyer, Real Estate Broker, Customer Service |
Science, Technology, Engineering & MathematicsPlanning, managing, and providing scientific research and professional and techinical services including laboratory and testing services, and research and development services.
Sample Occupations: Chemical Engineer, Mathematician, Bio Tech, Electrical Engineer, Biologist, Oceanographer |
Transportation, Distribution & LogisticsThe planning, management, and movement of people, materials, and goods by road, pipeline, air, rail and water and related professional and technical support services such as transportation infrastructure planning and management, logistics services, mobile equipment and facility maintenance
Sample Occupations: Pilot, Auto Tech, Logistics Manager, Flight Attendant, Warehouse Manager, Truck Driver |