There are hundreds of kinds of jobs. As of November 2026, the US lists more than 800. My Next Move lists over 900. People can change jobs. Many people work at lots of different jobs in their lives.

Firefighters put out fires. They help in emergencies. People, buildings or nature are in danger. Doctors find out what is wrong when people are sick or hurt. Then they treat them. Nurses care for patients. Police officers protect people and their property. Dentists look at and treat teeth and gums.

Truck drivers move goods from one place to another. Mail carriers sort mail and deliver it. Pilots fly airplanes. They take passengers from place to place. School bus drivers drive students to and from school.

People learn the skills for a job before they do it on their own. Some learn by working next to an expert who teaches them. This is called an apprenticeship. Most electricians learn their work this way. It can last three or four years. Some start at a technical school instead.

Veterinarians, or vets, care for the health of animals. They treat sick or hurt animals. They give medicine, set bones and treat wounds.

Words to know

• apprenticeship: learning beside experts
• emergencies: times of danger
• veterinarians: animal health carers