Career Path Explorer

Plan your professional licensing journey. Each career ladder shows the progression from entry-level to advanced roles with real salary data, what it takes to advance, and links to state-by-state requirements.

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Entry Education

Industry

Healthcare & Nursing

Nursing Career Ladder

4 steps|$39,530 → $129,210

+227%

5.5 yr–10.9 yr·~$2k licensing·+$90k salary

Step 1CNA

State-approved training program (4-12 weeks)

$39,530

median

+$23k1.1 yr–1.7 yr·Practical nursing program (12-18 months) + NCLEX-PN

Step 2LPN/LVN

Practical nursing program (12-18 months) + NCLEX-PN

$62,340

median

+$31k2.1 yr–4.3 yr·ADN or BSN degree + NCLEX-RN

Step 3Registered Nurse

ADN or BSN degree + NCLEX-RN

$93,600

median

+$36k2.2 yr–4.5 yr·MSN or DNP + national certification

Step 4Nurse Practitioner

MSN or DNP + national certification

$129,210

median

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Nurse-Midwifery Career Path

2 steps|$93,600 → $128,790

+38%

9.5 yr–13.0 yr·~$512 licensing·+$35k salary

Step 1Registered Nurse

ADN or BSN degree + NCLEX-RN

$93,600

median

+$35k7.3 yr–8.7 yr·MSN/DNP in midwifery + AMCB certification

Step 2Certified Nurse-Midwife

MSN/DNP in midwifery + AMCB certification

$128,790

median

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Nurse Anesthesia Career Path

2 steps|$93,600 → $223,210

+138%

8.8 yr–11.4 yr·~$649 licensing·+$130k salary

Step 1Registered Nurse

BSN + 1-2 years ICU experience

$93,600

median

+$130k6.7 yr–7.1 yr·DNP/DNAP in nurse anesthesia (3-4 years) + NBCRNA certification

Step 2CRNA (Nurse Anesthetist)

DNP/DNAP in nurse anesthesia (3-4 years) + NBCRNA certification

$223,210

median

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Emergency Medicine Career Ladder

3 steps|$41,340 → $133,260

+222%

3.9 yr–5.5 yr·~$2k licensing·+$92k salary

Step 1EMT

EMT-Basic course (120-150 hours) + NREMT

$41,340

median

+$17k1.1 yr–1.9 yr·Paramedic program (1-2 years) + NREMT-P

Step 2Paramedic

Paramedic program (1-2 years) + NREMT-P

$58,410

median

+$75k2.6 yr–3.1 yr·Master's in PA Studies + PANCE

Step 3Physician Assistant

Master's in PA Studies + PANCE

$133,260

median

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Physician Career Path

2 steps|$133,260 → $239,200

+79%

9.7 yr–14.6 yr·~$2k licensing·+$106k salary

Step 1Physician Assistant

Master's in PA Studies + PANCE

$133,260

median

+$106k7.1 yr–11.5 yr·Medical degree (4 years) + residency (3-7 years) + USMLE/COMLEX

Step 2Physician (MD/DO)

Medical degree (4 years) + residency (3-7 years) + USMLE/COMLEX

$239,200

median

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Trades & Construction

Electrical Career Ladder

3 steps|$38,500 → $78,690

AI-Proof Career

+104%

10.2 yr–10.9 yr·~$483 licensing·+$40k salary

Step 1Apprentice Electrician

Earn while you learn — paid from day one, no license required

$38,500

median

+$24k4.1 yr–4.3 yr·Apprenticeship (4-5 years) + journeyman exam

Step 2Electrician (Journeyman)

Apprenticeship (4-5 years) + journeyman exam

$62,350

median

+$16k1.9 yr–2.2 yr·Master electrician license + contractor license

Step 3Electrical Contractor

Master electrician license + contractor license

$78,690

median

View full career path details See what you'll need at each step →

Plumbing Career Ladder

3 steps|$38,000 → $78,690

AI-Proof Career

+107%

10.3 yr–11.0 yr·~$553 licensing·+$41k salary

Step 1Apprentice Plumber

Earn while you learn — paid from day one, no license required

$38,000

median

+$25k4.2 yr–4.4 yr·Apprenticeship (4-5 years) + journeyman exam

Step 2Plumber (Journeyman)

Apprenticeship (4-5 years) + journeyman exam

$62,970

median

+$16k1.9 yr–2.2 yr·Master plumber license + contractor license

Step 3Plumbing Contractor

Master plumber license + contractor license

$78,690

median

View full career path details See what you'll need at each step →

HVAC Career Ladder

3 steps|$36,000 → $78,690

AI-Proof Career

+119%

7.5 yr–8.2 yr·~$817 licensing·+$43k salary

Step 1HVAC Helper / Apprentice

Entry-level position — learn on the job, earn while training

$36,000

median

+$24k2.8 yr–3 yr·Technical training + EPA 608 certification

Step 2HVAC Technician

Technical training + EPA 608 certification

$59,810

median

+$19k1.9 yr–2.2 yr·Master HVAC license + contractor license

Step 3HVAC Contractor

Master HVAC license + contractor license

$78,690

median

View full career path details See what you'll need at each step →

Therapy & Rehabilitation

Physical Therapy Career Ladder

2 steps|$65,510 → $101,020

+54%

5.3 yr–5.9 yr·~$1k licensing·+$36k salary

Step 1Physical Therapist Assistant

Associate degree in PTA + NPTE-PTA

$65,510

median

+$36k3.1 yr–3.5 yr·Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) + NPTE

Step 2Physical Therapist

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) + NPTE

$101,020

median

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Occupational Therapy Career Ladder

2 steps|$68,340 → $98,340

+44%

4.8 yr–5.7 yr·~$2k licensing·+$30k salary

Step 1Occupational Therapy Assistant

Associate degree in OTA + NBCOT-COTA

$68,340

median

+$30k2.7 yr–3.3 yr·Master's/Doctorate in OT + NBCOT-OTR

Step 2Occupational Therapist

Master's/Doctorate in OT + NBCOT-OTR

$98,340

median

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Vision Care Career Ladder

2 steps|$46,560 → $134,830

+190%

4.2 yr–5.8 yr·~$5k licensing·+$88k salary

Step 1Optician

Opticianry program + ABO/NCLE certification

$46,560

median

+$88k4.2 yr–4.5 yr·OD degree (4 years) + NBEO exams

Step 2Optometrist

OD degree (4 years) + NBEO exams

$134,830

median

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Respiratory Care Career Path

2 steps|$80,450 → $155,000

+93%

8.3 yr–10.9 yr·~$907 licensing·+$75k salary

Step 1Respiratory Therapist

Associate/bachelor's in respiratory care + NBRC TMC + CSE

$80,450

median

+$75k6.2 yr–6.7 yr·Bachelor's + perfusion program (2 years) + ABCP certification

Step 2Perfusionist

Bachelor's + perfusion program (2 years) + ABCP certification

$155,000

median

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Dental & Pharmacy

Dental Career Ladder

3 steps|$47,300 → $172,790

+265%

6.5 yr–9.4 yr·~$3k licensing·+$125k salary

Step 1Dental Assistant

Dental assisting program (9-12 months)

$47,300

median

+$47k2.2 yr–4.3 yr·Associate/bachelor's in dental hygiene + NBDHE

Step 2Dental Hygienist

Associate/bachelor's in dental hygiene + NBDHE

$94,260

median

+$79k4.2 yr–4.6 yr·DDS/DMD degree (4 years) + INBDE

Step 3Dentist

DDS/DMD degree (4 years) + INBDE

$172,790

median

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Pharmacy Career Ladder

2 steps|$43,460 → $137,480

+216%

4.7 yr–5.6 yr·~$1k licensing·+$94k salary

Step 1Pharmacy Technician

Training program + PTCB/ExCPT certification

$43,460

median

+$94k4.1 yr–4.4 yr·PharmD degree (4 years) + NAPLEX + MPJE

Step 2Pharmacist

PharmD degree (4 years) + NAPLEX + MPJE

$137,480

median

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Veterinary

Veterinary Career Ladder

2 steps|$45,980 → $125,510

+173%

6.3 yr–8.8 yr·~$2k licensing·+$80k salary

Step 1Veterinary Technician

Associate degree in vet tech + VTNE

$45,980

median

+$80k4.1 yr–4.5 yr·DVM degree (4 years) + NAVLE

Step 2Veterinarian

DVM degree (4 years) + NAVLE

$125,510

median

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Real Estate & Insurance

Real Estate Career Ladder

3 steps|$56,320 → $65,420

+16%

3.9 yr–6.5 yr·~$661 licensing·+$9k salary

Step 1Real Estate Agent

Pre-licensing education (40-180 hours) + state exam

$56,320

median

+$16k2.6 yr–2.9 yr·2-3 years experience + additional education + broker exam

Step 2Real Estate Broker

2-3 years experience + additional education + broker exam

$72,280

median

1.2 yr–3.2 yr·AQB courses + supervised experience (varies by tier)

Step 3Real Estate Appraiser

AQB courses + supervised experience (varies by tier)

$65,420

median

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Insurance Career Ladder

2 steps|$60,370 → $76,790

+27%

3 mo–8 mo·~$261 licensing·+$16k salary

Step 1Insurance Agent

Pre-licensing education + state exam

$60,370

median

+$16k6 wks–5 mo·Adjuster licensing + claims experience

Step 2Insurance Adjuster

Adjuster licensing + claims experience

$76,790

median

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Mental Health & Counseling

Social Work Career Ladder

2 steps|$69,480 → $60,060

12.2 yr–13.1 yr·~$858 licensing

Step 1Social Worker (BSW/MSW)

BSW or MSW degree + ASWB exam

$69,480

median

4.2 yr–4.5 yr·MSW + 2-3 years supervised clinical experience + ASWB Clinical exam

Step 2Licensed Clinical Social Worker

MSW + 2-3 years supervised clinical experience + ASWB Clinical exam

$60,060

median

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Counseling Career Ladder

2 steps|$59,190 → $63,780

+8%

9.2 yr–10 yr·~$1k licensing·+$5k salary

Step 1Licensed Professional Counselor

Master's in counseling (60 credits) + NCE/NCMHCE

$59,190

median

+$5k4.6 yr–5 yr·Master's in MFT + 2-3 years supervised experience

Step 2Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist

Master's in MFT + 2-3 years supervised experience

$63,780

median

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Lab Sciences & Radiology

Radiology Career Ladder

3 steps|$77,660 → $97,020

+25%

6.3 yr–12.7 yr·~$761 licensing·+$19k salary

Step 1Radiologic Technologist

Associate/bachelor's in radiography + ARRT

$77,660

median

+$24k2.1 yr–4.2 yr·Bachelor's in radiation therapy + ARRT(T)

Step 2Radiation Therapist

Bachelor's in radiation therapy + ARRT(T)

$101,990

median

2.1 yr–4.2 yr·Associate/bachelor's + ARRT(N) or NMTCB

Step 3Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Associate/bachelor's + ARRT(N) or NMTCB

$97,020

median

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Clinical Lab Career Ladder

2 steps|$43,660 → $61,890

+42%

4.3 yr–5.1 yr·~$258 licensing·+$18k salary

Step 1Phlebotomist

Phlebotomy training (40-80 hours) + CPT certification

$43,660

median

+$18k4.2 yr–4.5 yr·Bachelor's in clinical lab science + ASCP certification

Step 2Clinical Lab Scientist

Bachelor's in clinical lab science + ASCP certification

$61,890

median

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Beauty & Cosmetology

Cosmetology Career Ladder

3 steps|$34,660 → $35,250

+2%

2.0 yr–3.4 yr·~$466 licensing·+$590 salary

Step 1Nail Technician

Nail tech program (300-600 hours)

$34,660

median

+$7k7 mo–12 mo·Esthetics program (600-750 hours)

Step 2Esthetician

Esthetics program (600-750 hours)

$41,560

median

1.1 yr–1.8 yr·Cosmetology program (1,000-1,500 hours)

Step 3Cosmetologist

Cosmetology program (1,000-1,500 hours)

$35,250

median

View full career path details

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