What Is a Career Cluster? 14 Types To Know
Career clusters can help you pick a career path. Learn about 14 of the most common clusters today.
![[Featured Image] An aspiring professional smiles as they research “What is a career cluster” and find their professional path.](https://d3njjcbhbojbot.cloudfront.net/api/utilities/v1/imageproxy/https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/zOB9WC0Cus0gkZK7tTUcR/2c1ce3f52e52201fdb184b44ca4ed42b/GettyImages-1369014230.jpg?w=1500&h=680&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive&auto=format%2Ccompress&dpr=1&w=1000)
Career clusters are collections of jobs with shared characteristics, such as industry and objective. Job seekers use career clusters to help them find professions that match their particular interests and skills.
Learn about 14 career clusters and their common professions. To help you get started, suggested online courses accompany each cluster, offering an opportunity for you to start your career path today.
The 14 career clusters
The National Career Clusters Framework, a common organizing tool used by many universities and state agencies, includes 14 clusters covering a wide range of industries and fields [1]. Those 14 career clusters are as follows:
Advanced manufacturing
Construction
Supply chain and transportation
Arts, entertainment, and design
Hospitality, events, and tourism
Financial services
Education
Health care and human services
Public service and safety
Agriculture
Energy and natural resources
Digital technology
Marketing and sales
Management and entrepreneurship
Learn more about what the 14 career pathways are, the types of personalities they suit, and the skills they require.
Note: Unless otherwise stated, all of the information below is taken from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) [2].
1. Advanced manufacturing
The advanced manufacturing career cluster involves jobs focused on producing physical goods, such as cars, food, and other products. Typically, the work in this cluster takes place inside factories that create both mechanically and manually.
According to the BLS, most of the jobs in the manufacturing career cluster require a high school diploma or less, along with short-term on-the-job training. A few jobs, such as camera equipment repairer, may require an associate degree along with long-term on-the-job training.
The nature of this cluster means that it suits individuals who enjoy working with their hands in industrial environments that require teamwork and coordination. Some jobs commonly found in this cluster include:
Mechanic
Assembler
Safety coordinator
First-line supervisor
Welder
specialization
Digital Technologies and the Future of Manufacturing
Emerging Digital Technologies in Manufacturing. Learn about breakthrough digital technologies in manufacturing and the business value they deliver.
4.6
Beginner level
Average time: 1 month(s)
Learn at your own pace
Skills you'll build:
Bussiness, technology, Manufacturing Process Management, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), Information technology infrastructure, Business, Digital Twins, Business Case, 3D printing, Manufacturing Ecosystem, Additive manufacturing
2. Construction
The construction career cluster involves jobs focused on designing and building physical structures and infrastructure, such as homes, office buildings, and roads. As a result, the jobs in this cluster involve everything from working on construction sites to designing skyscrapers in architectural offices.
According to the BLS, more than half of the jobs in this cluster require a high school diploma or equivalent, some of which might require short on-the-job training. Additionally, some jobs, such as an architect, might require a bachelor’s degree or higher.
This cluster suits individuals who enjoy building with their hands or the design process. Some jobs commonly found in this cluster include:
Construction laborers
Electricians
Roofers
Architects
How do I choose a career cluster?
To choose a career cluster, consider your favorite subjects, your academic strengths, and your long-term career goals. You can read about the different clusters and the job paths within each cluster to see if any pique your interest. Working with a career counselor can also help you get more information about specific career paths.
3. Supply chain and transportation
The supply chain and transportation career cluster includes jobs focused on moving both people and products between different locations, such as by truck, train, or airplane. The work environment for this cluster varies by position, requiring some to be constantly on the move in vehicles and others to coordinate deliveries from an office.
According to the BLS, most of the jobs in the supply chain and transportation cluster require a high school diploma or equivalent and some short-term on-the-job training. Some positions, though, may require job seekers to have a bachelor’s degree, licensure, and several years of experience, such as is the case for airplane pilots.
This career cluster suits individuals who enjoy traveling, operating vehicles, and dealing with logistics. Some jobs commonly found in this cluster include:
Truck driver
Dispatcher
Train conductor
Delivery driver
Pilot
professional certificate
Google Project Management:
Get on the fast track to a career in project management. In this certificate program, you’ll learn in-demand skills, and get AI training from Google experts. Learn at your own pace, no degree or experience required.
4.8
Beginner level
Average time: 6 month(s)
Learn at your own pace
Skills you'll build:
Project Management, Change Management, Strategic Thinking, Career Development, Organizational Culture, Risk Management, Quality Management, Project Execution, Agile Management, Problem Solving, Coaching, Scrum, Influencing, Effective Communication, Stakeholder Management, Business Writing, Project Charter, Procurement, Task Estimation, Project Planning
4. Arts, entertainment, and design
The arts, entertainment, and design career cluster involves jobs focused on such creative tasks as acting, writing, graphic design, and working on film productions. The diverse nature of these occupations means that those employed in them work in a variety of environments, from outdoor film shoots where collaboration is key to solitary rooms where writers can gain the peace and quiet required to compose their next draft.
According to the BLS, many of the jobs in this cluster require at least a bachelor’s degree, but you can obtain some jobs with a high school degree or equivalent and short on-the-job training.
The nature of this cluster means that it suits individuals who enjoy creative undertakings and turning abstract ideas into reality through concrete problem-solving. Some jobs commonly found in this cluster include:
Interior designer
Sound engineer
Photographer
Art director
specialization
Graphic Design
Make Compelling Design. Learn and apply the principles of graphic design towards a comprehensive branding project.
4.7
Beginner level
Average time: 2 month(s)
Learn at your own pace
Skills you'll build:
Art History, Branding Communication, Visual Communication, Typography, Graphic Design, Adobe Indesign, Art, Creativity, Graphics, History, Graphic Arts, Adobe Illustrator, Design Theory, Color Theory, Adobe Photoshop
5. Hospitality, events, and tourism
The hospitality and tourism career cluster includes jobs focused on providing lodgings, food, and travel services to customers, such as through restaurants and hotels. There is a range of work environments in this career cluster—from friendly reception desks that require face-to-face interaction with customers to hectic kitchens where cooks work diligently to get food out on time.
According to the BLS, most of the careers in this cluster require a high school diploma or less. However, some jobs may benefit from additional training or professional training, such as culinary school or a hospitality management program.
The nature of this career cluster suits individuals who enjoy working in a team environment and occupying customer-facing positions. Some jobs commonly found in this cluster include:
Waiter
Maid
Janitor
Chef
Hotel manager
specialization
Hotel Management: Distribution, Revenue and Demand Management
Build a Hospitality Business. Prepare for a professional career in the hotel industry in just three courses.
4.7
Beginner level
Average time: 1 month(s)
Learn at your own pace
Skills you'll build:
Pricing, Revenue Management, Forecasting, Hotel Management, Demand Management, Asset Management, Hospitality Management, Hospitality Management Studies, Segmentation Analysis
6. Financial services
The financial services career cluster focuses on jobs that work with money, including lending, collecting, and financial planning. The jobs in the finance cluster require a willingness to work in an indoor office environment and a capacity for dealing with facts and figures.
According to the BLS, most of the jobs in this career cluster require a bachelor’s degree. A few, such as financial clerks, may only require a high school diploma or equivalent with short-term on-the-job training.
The nature of this cluster means that it suits those who enjoy working with numbers and spreadsheets in an office environment. Some jobs commonly found in this cluster include:
Bill collector
Teller
Loan officer
specialization
Financial Management
Become a Strategic Financial Manager . Develop an integrated financial management framework.
4.7
Intermediate level
Average time: 3 month(s)
Learn at your own pace
Skills you'll build:
Mergers and Acquisitions, Financial Accounting, Financial Statements, Corporate Finance, Stocks (Finance), Risk Management, Accruals, Financial Market, Investment Strategy, Debt, Cash Flow Statements, Cash Flows, Project, Finance, Mergers And Acquisitions (M&A), Cash Flow, Cash Flow Statement, Financial Statement, Stock, Investment, Accounting, Accrual, Financial Markets
7. Education
The education career cluster involves jobs focused on teaching, such as at schools, museums, and libraries. The jobs in this cluster usually involve working collaboratively indoors, often in roles that require a sensitive understanding of others to help them best understand concepts.
According to the BLS, almost every job in this cluster requires a bachelor’s degree or higher. In some cases, you may need to have an advanced professional or terminal degree.
The nature of this cluster means that it is likely best suited to those who enjoy learning and have the patience and empathy to teach others. Some jobs commonly found in this cluster include:
Librarian
K–12 schoolteacher
Archivist
Counselor
College professor
8. Health care and human services
The health care and human services career cluster includes jobs focused on health care for both people and animals, including nurses, physicians, and veterinarians. The careers in the cluster are in numerous medical environments, ranging from relatively quiet home care environments to fast-paced emergency rooms. This cluster also includes jobs in personal care, community and social services, and biotechnology research and development.
According to the BLS, the education level for jobs in the health science cluster varies considerably depending on the role. While in some cases job seekers only need a high school diploma or equivalent, in others, they will need to have an advanced degree and many years of medical training.
The nature of this cluster means that it suits those who enjoy helping others, studying health, and problem-solving. Some jobs commonly found in this cluster include:
Surgeon
Social worker
Cosmetologist
Biomedical scientist
9. Public service and safety
The public service and safety career cluster focuses on jobs that have to do with the running and implementation of services within governmental structures, such as within the military, courts, and political bodies. Although this cluster includes jobs that vary considerably among workplaces and tasks, each of them connect to larger organizational structures focused on the public.
According to the BLS, most jobs in the cluster require a bachelor’s degree. While some might allow for a high school diploma or equivalent accompanied by short-term on-the-job training, others may require a master’s degree or higher.
The nature of this cluster means that it suits those who enjoy working in highly structured environments that focus on public services and projects. Some jobs commonly found in this cluster include:
Court clerk
Soldier
Tax examiner
Urban planner
Legislator
10. Agriculture
The agriculture career cluster involves jobs working with animals, plants, and land. Often, this work takes place outside, as is the case with horticulturists who cultivate and manage gardens. However, some of this work does involve research conducted in laboratory settings, such as natural science managers who oversee the work of chemists, physicists, and biologists.
The BLS notes that many jobs in this cluster require a high school diploma or equivalent, while some require further training or advanced degrees.
Jobs in this cluster suit individuals who enjoy working outside in natural environments. Some common jobs in this cluster include:
Agriculture worker
Horticulturists
Conservationists
Natural science managers
11. Energy and natural resources
The energy and natural resources career cluster involves jobs focused on the responsible use of resources to positively impact the environment. These jobs strive to promote sustainability, renewable resources, and clean energy for a better future.
According to the BLS, jobs in this cluster require various degrees, with some jobs in the cluster accessible for those with a high school diploma. Other positions, however, require associate or bachelor’s degrees.
The nature of this cluster suits those who want to protect the environment through green initiatives through alternative energy sources, natural resource conservation, and mining technology. Some jobs commonly found in this cluster include:
Environmental science and protection technician
Wind turbine technician
Conservation scientist
Environmental engineer
Read more: 5 Jobs That Help Fight Climate Change
12. Digital technology
The digital technology career cluster involves the use of artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, data analytics, and other emerging technologies. This cluster is a cross-cutting one, meaning the skills individuals develop in digital technology are useful in all clusters.
According to the BLS, many of the roles in this cluster require bachelor’s degrees, with some requiring advanced degrees as well. However, some individuals may be able to secure positions in cybersecurity with a high school diploma.
The digital technology cluster suits individuals who enjoy working on the cutting edge of new technological developments. Some jobs in this cluster include:
Cybersecurity consultant
professional certificate
Google IT Support
Get on the fast track to a career in IT. In this certificate program, you’ll learn in-demand skills, and get AI training from Google experts. Learn at your own pace, no degree or experience required.
4.8
Beginner level
Average time: 6 month(s)
Learn at your own pace
Skills you'll build:
Cybersecurity, Wireless Security, Cryptography, Network Security, Directory Service, Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP), Backup, Domain Name System (DNS), Ipv4, Network Model, Troubleshooting, Binary Code, Customer Support, Linux, Powershell, Linux File Systems, Command-Line Interface
13. Marketing and sales
The marketing career cluster includes jobs focused on promoting products and services to help businesses reach their marketing goals. Typically, jobs in this cluster take place in either office environments or stores, where marketers can meet customers directly.
According to the BLS, many of the jobs in the marketing career cluster require a high school diploma or equivalent. Some jobs, though, may require a bachelor’s degree and significant work experience, such as is the case with marketing managers.
The nature of this cluster means that it suits individuals who enjoy the art of persuasion and helping businesses get the word out about their products. Some jobs commonly found in this cluster include:
Public relations liaison
Copywriter
professional certificate
Google Digital Marketing & E-commerce
Get on the fast track to a career in digital marketing. In this certificate program, you’ll learn in-demand skills, and get AI training from Google experts. Learn at your own pace, no degree or experience required.
4.8
Beginner level
Average time: 6 month(s)
Learn at your own pace
Skills you'll build:
Search Engine Optimization (SEO), E-Commerce, Email Marketing, display advertising, Marketing, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Portfolio preparation, Building customer loyalty, E-commerce store optimization, Job preparedness, Social Media Branding, Social Media Analytics, Social Listening, Customer Engagement, Social Media Bidding, Google, Search Engine Marketing, Customer Awareness, Website Structure, Email marketing analytics, Email Writing, Contact management, Email marketing strategy, Email list segmentation, E-Commerce Strategy, Seasonality, E-commerce platforms, Fulfillment and delivery, Customer loyalty, Customer Outreach, Marketing Analytics, Media planning and strategies, Spreadsheet management, Presenting to stakeholders, Digital marketing KPIs
14. Management and entrepreneurship
The management and entrepreneurship career cluster involves jobs focused on planning, organizing, and running a business. Typically, this job requires individuals to collaborate with others in an office setting.
According to the BLS, a bit more than half of the jobs in the cluster require a high school degree or equivalent, often with short-term on-the-job training. Some jobs may require a bachelor’s degree and many years of experience, such as chief executive officers (CEOs).
The nature of this cluster means that it suits those who enjoy working with others to solve analytical and logistical problems. Some jobs commonly found in this cluster include:
Receptionist
Clerk
CEO
specialization
Business Foundations
Solve Real Business Problems. Build a foundation of core business skills in marketing, finance, accounting and operations.
4.7
Beginner level
Average time: 2 month(s)
Learn at your own pace
Skills you'll build:
Financial Accounting, Accounting, Financial Statement, Balance Sheet, Decision-Making, Change Management, Human Resources (HR), Process Management, Operations Management, Six Sigma, Inventory, Finance, Marketing, Positioning (Marketing), Marketing Strategy, Customer Satisfaction, Discounted Cash Flow, Corporate Finance, Cash Flow Analysis
Choose your career path on Coursera
The first step to a new career is finding out what interests you and learning all you can to succeed. Whether you are just exploring fields or looking to get started in one, you might consider taking an online, flexible course. Offering over 7,000 courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready Professional Certificates, Coursera likely has something for you.
Article sources
Career Tech. “The National Career Clusters Framework, https://careertech.org/career-clusters/.” Accessed December 19, 2024.
Keep reading
- October 30, 2024
- October 21, 2024
- October 25, 2024
- September 27, 2024
- November 6, 2024
- February 22, 2025
Coursera Staff
Editorial Team
Coursera’s editorial team is comprised of highly experienced professional editors, writers, and fact...
This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.
Whether you're starting your career or trying to advance to the next level, experts at Google are here to help.
Build Agile skills to stay organized and complete projects faster.
