PATHWAY HIGHLIGHTS
Our Pathways video series highlights the career journeys and pathways that leaders and members of our community took to get where they are today. We hope that by sharing these stories, we can help shape the course of dialogue for future generations of workers and those currently in the workforce contemplating change. Select a video below to learn more about a pathway, or learn more about our Pathways campaign here.
HEALTH CARE
What kind of jobs are included in Health Care?
Pierce County’s health care industry accounts for 15 percent of the county’s total employment and nearly 45,000 workers. Demand nationwide for health care workers is growing and expected to grow well into the future.
The health care sector includes jobs in the following lines of work:
Learn more about specific jobs, wage potential and the training needed to get hired by exploring the links below.
Did you know?
- The health care sector is the top private employer in Pierce County.
- Demand for direct care workers (nurses and aides) is growing faster than any other type of health care occupations.
- Registered nurses are the most in-demand workers of all industries in Pierce County. There are more job openings than applicants, and demand continues to grow.
DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES
Operate equipment and analyze specimen.
Median Wage: $75,500
Minimum Education: Associate degree
Median Wage: $97,400
Minimum Education: Associate degree
Median Wage: $58,300
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Median Wage: $96,800
Minimum Education: Associate degree
Median Wage: $59,500
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
Median Wage: $62,140
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
Median Wage: $44,500
Minimum Education: Post-secondary non-degree award
Median Wage: $77,600
Minimum Education: Associate degree
HEALTH INFORMATICS
Acquire, store, retrieve and utilize health care information.
Median Wage: $57,600
Minimum Education: Post-secondary non-degree award
Median Wage: $47,400
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
HUMAN SERVICES
Work directly with patients and families by providing non-medical health services.
Median Wage: $76,300
Minimum Education: Master’s degree
Median Wage: $46,200
Minimum Education: Master’s degree
Median Wage: $71,480
Minimum Education: Master’s degree
Median Wage: $64,900
Minimum Education: Master’s degree
Median Wage: $45,600
Minimum Education: High School Diploma or equivalent
Median Wage: $83,600
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
Median Wage: $51,480
Minimum Education: Master’s degree
SUPPORT SERVICES
Help patients and hospital workers through customer service and organizational management.
Median Wage: $35,200
Minimum Education: None
Median Wage: $61,100
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
Median Wage: $124,800
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
Median Wage: $46,200
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Median Wage: $36,700
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Median Wage: $36,200
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
THERAPEUTIC SERVICES
Administer medical care directly to patients.
Median Wage: $306,400
Minimum Education: Doctoral degree or professional degree
Median Wage: $99,300
Minimum Education: Doctoral or professional degree
Median Wage: $47,500
Minimum Education: Post-secondary non-degree award
Median Wage: $98,400
Minimum Education: Associate degree
Median Wage: $150,900
Minimum Education: Doctoral or professional degree
Median Wage: $68,400
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
Median Wage: $209,400
Minimum Education: Doctoral or professional degree
Median Wage: $59,700
Minimum Education: Post-secondary degree
Median Wage: $80,800
Minimum Education: Master’s degree
Median Wage: $35,900
Minimum Education: High School Diploma or equivalent
Median Wage: $62,100
Minimum Education: Post-secondary non-degree award
Median Wage: $72,800
Minimum Education: Post-secondary non-degree award
Median Wage: $47,400
Minimum Education: Post-secondary non-degree award
Median Wage: $37,500
Minimum Education: Post-secondary non-degree award
Median Wage: $127,600
Minimum Education: Master’s degree
Median Wage: $97,900
Minimum Education: Master’s degree
Median Wage: $46,400
Minimum Education: High School Diploma or equivalent
Median Wage: $45,700
Minimum Education: Post-secondary non-degree award
Median Wage: $291,600
Minimum Education: Doctoral or professional degree
Median Wage: $35,900
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Median Wage: $97,800
Minimum Education: Doctoral or professional degree
Median Wage: $61,100
Minimum Education: Associate degree
Median Wage: $128,100
Minimum Education: Master’s degree
Median Wage: $233,900
Minimum Education: Doctoral or professional degree
Median Wage: $96,900
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
Median Wage: $76,100
Minimum Education: Associate degree
Median Wage: $59,100
Minimum Education: Associate degree
Want to explore other career paths?
CONSTRUCTION
What kind of jobs are included in Construction?
Pierce County is home to more than 20,000 construction jobs and expects retirements to increase demand for workers in the years to come. While most entry-level construction jobs require no formal education, apprenticeship programs are an important way to develop the right skills. Information on apprenticeship programs can be found here.
The construction sector includes jobs in the following lines of work:
Learn more about specific jobs, wage potential and the training needed to get hired by exploring the links below.
Did you know?
- Pierce County’s construction industry is predicted to grow by more than 1,700 jobs per year between now and 2030.
- Many construction employers offer on-the-job training.
- Construction industry wages are higher than the average wage in the Pierce County area.
CONSTRUCTION
Complete tasks related to creating or updating buildings (residential and commercial) and infrastructure.
Median Wage: $75,600
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Median Wage: $60,900
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Median Wage: $46,100
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Median Wage: $69,300
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Median Wage: $50,300
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Median Wage: $101,600
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
Median Wage: $57,500
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Median Wage: $75,000
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Median Wage: $77,200
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Median Wage: $41,300
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Median Wage: $99,600
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent + experience in field
Median Wage: $64,100
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Median Wage: $37,100
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Median Wage: $39,500
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Median Wage: $45,700
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Median Wage: $35,900
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Median Wage: $58,500
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Median Wage: $78,100
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Median Wage: $53,100
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Median Wage: $61,200
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Median Wage: $54,700
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Median Wage: $76,700
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Median Wage: $62,500
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Median Wage: $59,700
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Median Wage: $95,400
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Median Wage: $97,000
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Median Wage: $72,300
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Median Wage: $61,700
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Median Wage: $57,500
Minimum Education: On-the-job training
DESIGN / PRE-CONSTRUCTION
Design and plan construction projects.
Median Wage: $91,300
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
Median Wage: $59,900
Minimum Education: Associate degree
Median Wage: $77,100
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
Median Wage: $76,600
Minimum Education: Associate degree
Median Wage: $98,700
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
Median Wage: $62,300
Minimum Education: Associate degree
Median Wage: $56,800
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Median Wage: $92,100
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
Median Wage: $95,720
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
MAINTENANCE & OPERATIONS
Keep systems operational in finished buildings and other infrastructure.
Median Wage: $60,200
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Median Wage: $97, 700
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent, post-secondary certification preferred
Median Wage: $61,200
Minimum Education: Post-secondary non-degree award
Median Wage: $64,400
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Want to explore other career paths?
TRANSPORTATION, WAREHOUSING & LOGISTICS
What kind of jobs are included in Transportation, Warehousing & Logistics?
Pierce County’s transportation, warehousing & logistics sector is its most diverse, offering a wide range of skilled jobs that are linked to activities at the Port of Tacoma and beyond.
The transportation, warehousing & logistics sector includes jobs in the following lines of work:
- Facility & Mobile Equipment Maintenance
- Facility & Mobile Equipment Operators
- Facility & Mobile Loading & Assembly
- Logistics Planning, Management & Regulation
- Transportation Operators
- Transportation Systems Maintenance
- Transportation Systems Management
- Warehousing & Distribution Center Operations
Learn more about specific jobs, wage potential and the training needed to get hired by exploring the links below.
Did you know?
- Pierce County is home to 12,000 jobs in this industry, comprising 14 percent of the industry’s workforce statewide.
- The industry is predicted to grow over the next 5-10 years.
- Most jobs don’t require a degree, and there are many local options for skills-based training.
FACILITY & MOBILE EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE
Help with installation, maintenance and repair of vehicles, machinery and warehouse equipment.
Median Wage: $68,400
Minimum Education: Apprenticeship
Median Wage: $77,200
Minimum Education: Apprenticeship
Median Wage: $65,200
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Median Wage: $67,400
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
FACILITY & MOBILE EQUIPMENT OPERATORS
Operate machinery for moving and assembling materials in a warehouse facility.
Median Wage: $37,600
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Median Wage: $78,100
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Median Wage: $39,300
Minimum Education: On-the-job training
Median Wage: $49,400
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
FACILITY & MOBILE LOADING & ASSEMBLY
Manually move freight, stock or other cargo materials or assist with general labor needs.
Median Wage: $38,500
Minimum Education: On-the-job training
Median Wage: $37,200
Minimum Education: On-the-job training
Median Wage: $36,400
Minimum Education: On-the-job training
Median Wage: $37,700
Minimum Education: On-the-job training
Median Wage: $57,900
Minimum Education: On-the-job training
LOGISTICS PLANNING, MANAGEMENT & REGULATION
Plan, direct or coordinate purchasing, warehousing, distribution, forecasting, customer service or planning services.
Median Wage: $122,600
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
Median Wage: $54,400
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Median Wage: $110,560
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
Median Wage: $46,000
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Median Wage: $45,600
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
TRANSPORTATION OPERATORS
Transport cargo over various distances.
Median Wage: $79,000
Minimum Education: Post secondary non-degree award or military experience (pilot) + ATP certificate from FAA
Median Wage: $93,900
Minimum Education: Crane Operator Certification
Median Wage: $30,700
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent + drivers license
Median Wage: $59,700
Minimum Education: Commercial Drivers License
Median Wage: $43,700
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Median Wage: $37,700
Minimum Education: On-the-job training
Median Wage: $46,300
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent + drivers license
Median Wage: $77,500
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent + on-the-job training
Median Wage: $33,600
Minimum Education: On the job training
TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS MAINTENANCE
Diagnose, adjust, repair or overhaul transportation vehicles and systems.
Median Wage: $75,400
Minimum Education: Post-secondary non-degree award (FAA certification)
Median Wage: $62,700
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent + ASE certification (National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence)
Median Wage: $62,700
Minimum Education: Associate degree + ASE certification (National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence)
Median Wage: $46,800
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent, post-secondary certification preferred
Median Wage: $60,900
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent, post-secondary certification preferred
Median Wage: $97,800
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent, post-secondary certification preferred
TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT
Supervise operation of transportation systems.
Median Wage: $49,260
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Median Wage: $53,990
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Median Wage: $54,620
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent + on-the-job training
Median Wage: $67,300
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent + on-the-job training
Median Wage: $98,560
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
WAREHOUSING & DISTRIBUTION CENTER OPERATIONS
Plan, direct or coordinate transportation, storage or distribution of cargo from warehouses.
Median Wage: $35,970
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Median Wage: $54,950
Minimum Education: Associate degree or higher preferred + production experience
Median Wage: $31,270
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Median Wage: $98,560
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
Want to explore other career paths?
ICT & CYBERSECURITY
What kind of jobs are included in ICT & Cybersecurity?
Pierce County is conveniently situated to have a robust information & communication technology (ICT) & cybersecurity sector, between major name brand employers to the north and Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM). Not only is the sector itself growing here, but ICT & cybersecurity jobs are in high demand across all other sectors too.
The ICT & cybersecurity sector includes jobs in the following lines of work:
- Information Support and Services
- Network Systems
- Programming and Software Development
- Web and Digital Communications
- Cybersecurity
- Telecommunications
- Engineering
Learn more about specific jobs, wage potential and the training needed to get hired by exploring the links below.
Did you know?
- Jobs in this field are increasingly needed across nearly every industry.
- Wages in this industry are much higher than the average Pierce County wage. The median wage in ICT & Cybersecurity tops $72,000 annually.
- Information Security Analyst positions are growing the fastest at 3.8 percent growth per year.
INFORMATION SUPPORT & SERVICES
Deploy technology and operations related to computer systems, software and databases; provide technical assistance and manage information systems.
Median Wage: $80,990
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
Median Wage: $75,400
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
Median Wage: $48,500
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Median Wage: $131,600
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
Median Wage: $34,600
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Median Wage: $75,400
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
Median Wage: $75,400
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
Median Wage: $75,400
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
Median Wage: $75,400
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
Median Wage: $75,400
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
Median Wage: $75,400
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
Median Wage: $52,800
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
NETWORK SYSTEMS
Design, build and monitor computer and information networks, such as local and wide area networks, intranets and extranets.
Median Wage: $98,400
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
Median Wage: $64,200
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
Median Wage: $86,000
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
Median Wage: $91,300
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
Median Wage: $83,200
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
PROGRAMMING & SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT
Design, write and test computer code that enables people to perform specific actions on a computer or another device based on consumer demand.
Median Wage: $110,600
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
Median Wage: $115,100
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
Median Wage: $105,600
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
Median Wage: $75,400
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
WEB & DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS
Design and produce interactive multimedia products and services, including digitally generated or computer-enhanced media.
Median Wage: $81,300
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
Median Wage: $75,400
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
CYBERSECURITY
Implement and maintain technologies and practices to protect networks, computers, programs and data from cyberattacks and unauthorized access.
Median Wage: $94,400
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
Median Wage: $75,400
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Design, operate, install or repair technological tools used for communicating.
Median Wage: $36,800
Minimum Education: Associate degree
Median Wage:
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
Median Wage: $52,800
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Median Wage: $50,200
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Median Wage: $27,100
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
ENGINEERING
Invent, innovate, improve and maintain machines, tools, systems and processes.
Median Wage: $84,900
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
Median Wage: $99,200
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
Median Wage: $102,500
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
Median Wage: $75,400
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
Want to explore other career paths?
ADVANCED MANUFACTURING
What kind of jobs are included in Advanced Manufacturing?
Pierce County is part of a four-county region with a thriving manufacturing industry, including aerospace, computer equipment and ship building. While college degrees are not often required for entry-level work in this sector, apprenticeship and training programs like AJAC offer skill-building opportunities to set job seekers up for success.
The advanced manufacturing sector includes jobs in the following lines of work:
- Maintenance, Installation & Repair
- Manufacturing Production Process Development
- Production
- Quality Assurance
Learn more about specific jobs, wage potential and the training needed to get hired by exploring the links below.
Did you know?
- Regionwide, the average wage in Advanced Manufacturing is $63,000 per year.
- This sector is predicted to grow in the next 5-10 years.
- The number of women working in this sector is increasing.
Maintenance, Installation & Repair
Help with installation, repair and maintenance of manufacturing equipment.
Median Wage: $46,600
Minimum Education: Associate degree or post-secondary award
Median Wage: $55,000
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Manufacturing Production Process Development
Plan and design products and processes to ensure quality and efficiency.
Median Wage: $139,700
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
Median Wage: $102,500
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
Median Wage: $131,600
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
Median Wage: $61,600
Minimum Education: Associate degree or post-secondary award
Median Wage: $106,500
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
Median Wage: $61,600
Minimum Education: Associate degree or post-secondary award
Median Wage: $98,200
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
Median Wage: $54,100
Minimum Education: Some college
Median Wage: $74,000
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
Median Wage: $71,000
Minimum Education: Associate degree or post-secondary award
Median Wage: $67,980
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
Median Wage: $105,600
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
Production
Operate machinery and oversee operations to manufacture products consumers want and need.
Median Wage: $55,900
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Median Wage: $33,600
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Median Wage: $59,800
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Median Wage: $40,900
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Median Wage: $32,900
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Median Wage: $112,700
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
Median Wage: $47,900
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Median Wage: $84,900
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
Median Wage: $30,400
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Median Wage: $35,100
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Median Wage: $23,800
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Median Wage: $26,300
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Median Wage: $38,400
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Median Wage: $66,980
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Median Wage: $31,700
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Median Wage: $43,800
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Quality Assurance
Inspect, test and monitor products throughout the manufacturing process for uniformity, safety and reliability.
Median Wage: $51,400
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Median Wage: $44,500
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Want to explore other career paths?
MILITARY & DEFENSE
What kind of jobs are included in Military & Defense?
Pierce County is home to Joint Base Lewis-McChord and more than 32,000 active duty military, 8,000 reservists and 9,000 civilian employees. Total personnel at JBLM exceeded 50,000 as of 2015. Not surprisingly, Pierce County’s defense-related industries are vibrant: in 2015 alone, businesses here received nearly half a billion dollars in Department of Defense contracts.
The military & defense sector includes jobs in the following lines of work:
- Maintenance & Repair
- Military Business Logistics
- Business Administration
- Business Operations
- Health Care & Support Services
Learn more about specific jobs, wage potential and the training needed to get hired by exploring the links below.
Did you know?
- Enlisting in the military is a great way to gain valuable career skills without the expense of attending a college or university.
- The military hires a wide variety of civilian positions, but you can also enter as a service member to receive job training and enter one of the civilian positions when you transition out.
Maintenance & Repair
Help with repair and maintenance of equipment relating to military operations.
Median Wage: $69,000
Minimum Education: Associate degree or post-secondary award
Median Wage: $67,900
Minimum Education: Associate degree or post-secondary award
Median Wage: $51,100
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Military Business Logistics
Direct transportation, distribution and purchasing functions related to military operations.
Median Wage: $111,200
Minimum Education: Associate degree or post-secondary award
Median Wage: $77,600
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
Median Wage: $42,600
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Median Wage: $64,800
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
Business Administration
Manage companies or agencies through oversight of budgets, personnel, policies and more.
Median Wage: $70,600
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
Median Wage: $88,900
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
Median Wage: $40,800
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Median Wage: $35,100
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Median Wage: $98,000
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
Median Wage: $62,400
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
Business Operations
Conduct day-to-day operations for companies or agencies related to the military.
Median Wage: $72,800
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Median Wage: $94,500
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
Median Wage: $40,600
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Median Wage: $60,900
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Health Care & Support Services
Provide health care and social service support either on or off base to military personnel and veterans.
Median Wage: $181,900
Minimum Education: Doctoral degree
Median Wage: $38,700
Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Median Wage: $100,200
Minimum Education: Master’s degree or higher
Median Wage: $65,000
Minimum Education: Associate degree or post-secondary award
Median Wage: $76,100
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
Median Wage: $212,300
Minimum Education: Doctoral degree
Median Wage: $69,000
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree or higher
Median Wage: $70,100
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
Median Wage: $51,600
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
Median Wage: $41,100
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
