There are hundreds of different kinds of jobs. As of November 2026, the US government lists more than 800 of them. Two government career websites describe the work in detail. One is called BLS. It has more than 800 detailed occupations. The other is called My Next Move. It has over 900.
People can change jobs. Many people work at a lot of different jobs in their lives.
Many workers care for others. Doctors find out what is wrong when people are sick or hurt. Then they treat them. Nurses care for patients. They teach people about their health. Veterinarians, or vets, care for the health of animals. They treat sick or hurt animals. They give medicine, set bones, treat wounds and do surgery. Firefighters put out fires and help in emergencies. Police officers protect people and their property.
Some workers keep the public up to date, and some build and fix things. Reporters and journalists keep the public up to date on current events. Graphic designers make pictures and designs, by hand or with computers, to share ideas. Construction workers do physical work on building sites. They move materials. Carpenters build and fix the wooden frames and other parts of buildings. Electricians put in and fix the wires and equipment that bring electricity to buildings.
Some workers move people and goods. Pilots fly airplanes. They take passengers and cargo from place to place. Truck drivers move goods from one place to another. Mail carriers sort mail and deliver it. School bus drivers drive students to and from school.
Other workers help people in everyday life. Librarians help people find information and take care of libraries. Elementary school teachers teach young students the subjects they need for later school. Cooks in restaurants make soups, meats, vegetables and desserts.
Electricians learn their work through an apprenticeship. Most do. It can last three or four years. Some start at a technical school instead. People learn the skills for a job before they do it on their own.
Words to know
- apprenticeship: learning by working
- occupations: kinds of jobs
- librarians: information helpers
- cargo: goods carried
- veterinarians: animal doctors
