16 Career Clusters: What They Are & How To Choose One

When you're figuring out your next move—whether you're a college student just starting out or a professional ready for a change—knowing where to focus your effort makes a big difference. There are endless career pathways and job options. One framework, known as career clusters, groups similar roles together, making it easier to compare where you are to where you want to go.

This guide breaks down each of the career clusters and explores how they can guide your next move.

Struggling to find the right career? Take Teal's free Work Styles Assessment.

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What are career clusters?

Career clusters are groups of occupations with similar knowledge bases. There are 16 clusters in the National Career Clusters Framework. Certain skills and work styles are broadly applicable to many jobs in the same cluster. These related but distinct categories help students and career changers find related roles and potential career pathways.

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The 16 career clusters: explanation and outlook

Here’s an overview of the 16 recognized career clusters with additional information from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics:

1. Agriculture, food, and natural resources

Focuses on the production, processing, marketing, distribution, and development of agricultural commodities and natural resources.

• Key industries: Farming, forestry, food production, environmental conservation
• Job roles: Agricultural technician, food safety specialist, conservation officer
• Skills required: Biology, chemistry, environmental science, business management
• Future outlook: Growing job options emphasize sustainable practices and integrating new technology

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2. Architecture and construction

Encompasses designing, planning, managing, building, and maintaining the built environment.

• Key industries: Residential and commercial construction, urban planning, interior design
• Job roles: Architect, civil engineer, construction manager, carpenter
• Skills required: Math, physics, design software, project management
• Future outlook: Increasing focus on sustainable building practices and smart home technology

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3. Arts, audio/video technology, and communications

Covers designing, producing, exhibiting, performing, writing, and publishing multimedia content.

• Key industries: Film, television, radio, journalism, visual arts
• Job roles: Graphic designer, video editor, journalist, sound technician
• Skills required: Creativity, technical proficiency, communication, storytelling
• Future outlook: Growth driven by digital media and content creation

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4. Business management and administration

The planning, organizing, directing, and evaluation of business functions and operations.

• Key industries: Corporate management, human resources, operations, marketing
• Job roles: Business analyst, operations manager, HR specialist, administrative assistant
• Skills required: Leadership, communication, analytical thinking, organization
• Future outlook: Continued demand across all sectors for management roles

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5. Education and training

The planning, managing, and provision of education and training services and related learning and teaching of students.

• Key industries: K-12 education, college education, corporate training, library services
• Job roles: Teacher, instructional coordinator, librarian, corporate trainer
• Skills required: Communication, empathy, instructional design, leadership
• Future outlook: Consistent demand, especially for educators in specialized and STEM fields

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6. Finance

Services related to financial and investment planning, banking, insurance, and business financial management.

• Key industries: Banking, insurance, investment, financial planning
• Job roles: Financial analyst, accountant, loan officer, insurance agent, real estate agent
• Skills required: Math, attention to detail, analytical thinking, customer service
• Future outlook: High demand for financial services, especially in advisory roles

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7. Government and public administration

Planning and executing governmental functions at the local, state, and federal levels.

• Key industries: Public policy, city management, urban planning, federal agencies
• Job roles: City planner, public administrator, policy analyst, government affairs specialist
• Skills required: Leadership, communication, analytical thinking, public speaking
• Future outlook: Stable, with growth in policy and community-focused roles

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8. Health science

Jobs involved in the planning, managing, and providing therapeutic services, diagnostic services, health informatics, support services, and biotechnology research and development.

• Key industries: Hospitals, clinics, biotech companies, public health organizations
• Job roles: Registered nurse, medical technologist, health information technician, physical therapist
• Skills required: Biology, chemistry, patient care, critical thinking
• Future outlook: High growth, especially in aging population care and biotechnology

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9. Hospitality and tourism

The management, marketing, and operation of restaurants, lodging, attractions, recreation events, and travel-related services.

• Key industries: Hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, event planning
• Job roles: Hotel manager, event planner, chef, travel agent
• Skills required: Customer service, communication, organization, marketing
• Future outlook: Growth in luxury and experiential travel markets

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10. Human services

Involves helping individuals and families meet their personal needs.

• Key industries: Counseling, social work, community services, personal care
• Job roles: Social worker, counselor, personal care aide, community service manager
• Skills required: Empathy, communication, problem-solving, case management
• Future outlook: High demand for social services and mental health professionals

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11. Information technology

Designing, developing, supporting, and managing hardware, software, multimedia, and systems integration services.

• Key industries: Software development, cybersecurity, IT services, telecommunications
• Job roles: Software developer, network administrator, cybersecurity analyst, IT support specialist
• Skills required: Programming, problem-solving, analytical thinking, systems analysis
• Future outlook: Rapid growth, especially in cybersecurity and cloud computing

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12. Law, public safety, corrections, and security

Planning, managing, and providing legal, public safety, protective services, and homeland security services.

• Key industries: Law enforcement, legal services, emergency management, corrections
• Job roles: Lawyer, police officer, firefighter, paralegal, emergency manager
• Skills required: Critical thinking, communication, problem-solving, attention to detail
• Future outlook: Consistent demand, with growth in cybersecurity and emergency management

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13. Manufacturing

Encompasses planning, managing, and performing the processing of materials into intermediate or final products.

• Key industries: Automotive, electronics, aerospace, consumer goods
• Job roles: Manufacturing engineer, machinist, quality control inspector, production manager
• Skills required: Mechanical aptitude, problem-solving, quality control, teamwork
• Future outlook: Automation and advanced manufacturing technologies driving change

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14. Marketing

Planning, managing, and performing marketing activities to reach organizational objectives such as sales and revenue.

• Key industries: Advertising, public relations, market analysis, digital marketing
• Job roles: Marketing manager, market researcher, public relations specialist, digital strategist
• Skills required: Creativity, communication, analytical thinking, digital literacy
• Future outlook: Growth in digital marketing and data-driven strategies

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15. Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)

Planning, managing, and advancing scientific, professional, and technical services.

• Key industries: Biotechnology, aerospace, environmental science, engineering
• Job roles: Scientist, engineer, statistician, big data analyst
• Skills required: Analytical thinking, problem-solving, math, research
• Future outlook: High demand in emerging fields like AI, robotics, and environmental science

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16. Transportation, distribution, and logistics

Encompasses planning, managing, and moving people, materials, and goods by road, pipeline, air, rail, and water.

• Key industries: Logistics, aviation, trucking, warehousing
• Job roles: Logistics manager, truck driver, supply chain analyst, warehouse supervisor
• Skills required: Organization, time management, problem-solving, attention to detail
• Future outlook: Growth driven by e-commerce and global supply chain needs

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How to find your career cluster: assess and connect

So how can these clusters help you grow professionally? Career growth starts with some honest self-reflection. Professional assessment tools like a  Student Interest Survey can help learners identify their top three Career Clusters of interest. Here are some other resources to aid you:

• Try work personality tests like Myers-Briggs or Teal’s Work Styles to pinpoint your strengths and preferences.

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• Conduct a skills workbook exercise to reflect on your core talents and how they might align with different clusters or roles.
• Use online resources like Teal’s Career Paths tool to explore detailed information about careers.
• Participate in college career fairs and informational interviews to gain real-world insights into clusters you’re curious about.

Now, connect the dots between your self-assessments and the 16 career clusters detailed above. Look for overlaps between your preferences and the skill requirements of different clusters.

Need more direction? Send your unique Work Styles Assessment link to your coworkers, classmates, parents, or friends to rate their opinion of your strengths. Compare their answers with yours to see patterns of what you like and what you’re good at.

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How to use career clusters to find a job

Once you’ve identified your target jobs, put your knowledge into action for an effective job search.

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Leverage clusters for long-term success

• Explore the career paths within—and between—multiple clusters because many successful careers span more than one cluster.
• Adapt to future trends by staying informed on industry shifts or policy changes.
• Address skill gaps with a continuous learning mindset, exploring emerging topics like AI and automation as they relate to your professional development.

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Tailor your resume and cover letter

• Highlight industry-specific keywords and experiences to demonstrate your knowledge and fit.
• Focus on transferable skills that bridge your past experience with your target roles to navigate vertical and lateral moves.

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Determine which career cluster's the best fit for you

When you understand and leverage career clusters, you're not just planning for your next job; you're building a foundation for long-term success. By focusing on the skills, knowledge, and pathways that align with your interests, you can navigate the workforce with confidence.

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Ready to take control of your career? Start with Teal’s work styles quiz to identify where you'll thrive. Use these insights to find the best career cluster for you and shape your professional journey.