Find your route: lower what you owe, raise what you earn

Help customers by phone, chat or email: answer questions, fix orders and solve billing problems.

Typical tasks

Answering calls and chats, looking up accounts, logging notes, passing hard cases to a supervisor.

What you need

High school diploma or equivalent. Reliable internet and a quiet space for remote roles.

Getting started

Short on-the-job training, often a few weeks.

Job outlook

Declining (-5%, 2025-35), but turnover still creates openings.

Where to look

• Company career pages (search the company name + careers)
• American Job Center near you

Scam watch

A real employer never sends you a check to buy equipment, and never asks you to pay for training.

Possible next step

Administrative assistant, bookkeeping clerk, team lead.

Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Median means half of workers earn more and half earn less; your pay depends on location, employer and hours.

Keep an office running: enter data, file records, answer phones and prepare documents.

Typical tasks

Typing data into systems, scanning and filing, sorting mail, simple spreadsheets.

What you need

High school diploma or equivalent. Basic computer and typing skills.

Getting started

Short on-the-job training, up to about 1 month.

Job outlook

Declining (-6%, 2025-35) as software automates filing.

Where to look

• American Job Center near you
• Local staffing agencies (they should never charge you a fee)

Scam watch

"Data entry from home" offers that pay very high rates for simple typing, or ask for an upfront fee, are a common scam pattern.

Possible next step

Bookkeeping clerk, administrative assistant.

Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Median means half of workers earn more and half earn less; your pay depends on location, employer and hours.

Organize schedules, email, documents and records for a manager or a small business.

Typical tasks

Calendars, travel booking, inbox triage, preparing reports, ordering supplies.

What you need

High school diploma or equivalent. Comfortable with email, calendars and office software.

Getting started

Usually learned over several weeks on the job.

Job outlook

Overall -2% (2025-35); medical secretaries +5%.

Where to look

• Company career pages
• Freelance marketplaces for virtual assistant work

Scam watch

Be careful with "personal assistant" offers from strangers who want you to receive packages or move money.

Possible next step

Executive assistant, medical secretary, office manager.

Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Median means half of workers earn more and half earn less; your pay depends on location, employer and hours.

Drive passengers with an app such as Uber or Lyft, usually as an independent contractor in your own car.

Typical tasks

Accepting trips in the app, navigating, keeping the car clean and safe.

What you need

Valid driver's license, an eligible vehicle, insurance and a background check (each app sets its rules).

Getting started

Short on-the-job training; app sign-up and checks can take days to weeks.

Job outlook

Growing (+9%, 2025-35), driven mostly by ride-hailing.

Where to look

• Uber guide
• Lyft guide
• Delivery apps: DoorDash

Scam watch

Never share your app login or one-time codes with anyone who calls or texts "from support".

Possible next step

Delivery or commercial truck driving (CDL).

Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Median means half of workers earn more and half earn less; your pay depends on location, employer and hours.

Pick, pack, load and move goods in warehouses, stores and distribution centers.

Typical tasks

Picking orders, packing boxes, loading trucks, using scanners and hand trucks.

What you need

No formal credential. Able to stand, lift and follow safety rules.

Getting started

On-the-job training of about 1 month or less, including safety (OSHA) basics.

Job outlook

Growing about as fast as average (+4%, 2025-35).

Where to look

• Employer career pages of local warehouses and stores
• American Job Center near you

Scam watch

Real warehouse jobs do not ask you to pay for a uniform, badge or "placement" before you start.

Possible next step

Forklift or equipment operator, team lead, logistics clerk.

Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Median means half of workers earn more and half earn less; your pay depends on location, employer and hours.

Help shoppers, run the register and keep a store stocked and tidy.

Typical tasks

Greeting customers, ringing up sales, restocking shelves, handling returns.

What you need

No formal credential; some employers prefer a high school diploma.

Getting started

On-the-job training of a few days to a few months.

Job outlook

Little or no change (0%, 2025-35), but many openings from turnover.

Where to look

• Store career pages
• American Job Center near you

Scam watch

Apply on the store's own website; be wary of "recruiters" who message you first and ask for personal data.

Possible next step

Shift lead, retail supervisor, customer service.

Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Median means half of workers earn more and half earn less; your pay depends on location, employer and hours.

Help older adults or people with disabilities with daily living at home.

Typical tasks

Bathing and dressing help, meals, light housework, companionship, reminders.

What you need

High school diploma often typical. Agencies that receive federal funding require formal training and a test; state rules vary.

Getting started

Training length depends on your state and employer.

Job outlook

Growing much faster than average (+18%, 2025-35).

Where to look

• Local home care agencies' career pages
• American Job Center near you

Scam watch

Check that an agency is licensed in your state before you share documents.

Possible next step

Certified nursing assistant (CNA), then LPN.

Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Median means half of workers earn more and half earn less; your pay depends on location, employer and hours.

Provide basic care to patients under the direction of nurses.

Typical tasks

Helping patients move, bathe and eat; taking vital signs; reporting changes to nurses.

What you need

Complete a state-approved program, then pass your state's competency exam.

Getting started

Program length varies by state; some employers help pay for it.

Job outlook

Growing about as fast as average (+3%, 2025-35).

Where to look

• Find a local training program
• American Job Center near you

Scam watch

Only use programs your state approves; ask the state nursing board if unsure.

Possible next step

Licensed practical nurse (LPN), then registered nurse.

Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Median means half of workers earn more and half earn less; your pay depends on location, employer and hours.

Draw blood for tests, transfusions and donations.

Typical tasks

Verifying patient identity, drawing blood, labeling samples, keeping equipment clean.

What you need

Usually a certificate from a postsecondary phlebotomy program; some employers train.

Getting started

Programs usually take less than 1 year.

Job outlook

Growing much faster than average (+7%, 2025-35).

Where to look

• Find a local training program

Scam watch

Compare program cost and pass rates before you sign; avoid pressure to take a loan the same day.

Possible next step

Medical lab assistant, medical assistant.

Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Median means half of workers earn more and half earn less; your pay depends on location, employer and hours.

Do clinical and office tasks in a medical practice.

Typical tasks

Taking vital signs, preparing exam rooms, scheduling, updating records.

What you need

Usually a postsecondary certificate; some learn on the job.

Getting started

Programs often take about 1 to 2 years.

Job outlook

Growing much faster than average (+13%, 2025-35).

Where to look

• Find a local training program

Scam watch

Check that a school is accredited and ask what share of graduates find jobs.

Possible next step

Medical office manager, nursing.

Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Median means half of workers earn more and half earn less; your pay depends on location, employer and hours.

Drive tractor-trailers or heavy trucks to move goods between cities and states.

Typical tasks

Driving long routes, inspecting the truck, logging hours, loading and unloading.

What you need

High school diploma plus a commercial driver's license (CDL); state rules apply.

Getting started

Truck-driving programs often last 3 to 6 months, then several weeks with a mentor driver.

Job outlook

Growing about as fast as average (+4%, 2025-35).

Where to look

• Registered apprenticeships
• Find a local training program

Scam watch

Read company-paid training contracts carefully: some require repayment if you leave early.

Possible next step

Owner-operator, trainer, dispatcher.

Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Median means half of workers earn more and half earn less; your pay depends on location, employer and hours.

Install and repair heating, air conditioning and refrigeration systems.

Typical tasks

Diagnosing problems, replacing parts, installing systems, handling refrigerants.

What you need

Usually a postsecondary certificate or an apprenticeship; EPA refrigerant certification is required for most.

Getting started

Certificate programs take 6 months to 2 years; apprenticeships are paid and take several years.

Job outlook

Growing much faster than average (+11%, 2025-35).

Where to look

• Registered apprenticeships
• Find a local training program

Scam watch

A paid apprenticeship pays you to learn; be cautious with programs that promise jobs in exchange for big upfront fees.

Possible next step

Lead technician, HVAC contractor.

Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Median means half of workers earn more and half earn less; your pay depends on location, employer and hours.

Install and maintain electrical power, lighting and wiring.

Typical tasks

Reading blueprints, running wire, installing fixtures, testing circuits safely.

What you need

High school diploma or equivalent; most enter a 4- to 5-year paid apprenticeship. Many states require a license.

Getting started

You earn while you learn: about 2,000 paid hours of training per year of apprenticeship. Apprentice pay starts below the median shown and rises as you progress.

Job outlook

Growing much faster than average (+9%, 2025-35).

Where to look

• Registered apprenticeships
• American Job Center near you

Scam watch

Registered apprenticeships are listed on Apprenticeship.gov; check any program against it.

Possible next step

Journeyman, master electrician, electrical contractor.

Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Median means half of workers earn more and half earn less; your pay depends on location, employer and hours.

Record financial transactions and keep a company's books accurate.

Typical tasks

Entering invoices and payments, reconciling accounts, preparing simple reports.

What you need

Often some college coursework; some employers hire with a high school diploma.

Getting started

Moderate on-the-job training, often on accounting software.

Job outlook

Declining (-6%, 2025-35) due to automation; turnover still creates openings.

Where to look

• Company career pages
• Find a local training program

Scam watch

Never "process payments" through your own bank account for an employer you have not met; that is a known scam.

Possible next step

Accounting clerk, payroll specialist, accountant (with a degree).

Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Median means half of workers earn more and half earn less; your pay depends on location, employer and hours.