Use primary occupation sources
Start with the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook for occupation overviews and O*NET for tasks, skills, work context and related roles. Read the underlying occupation, geography and date when using any data. This site does not publish salary or job-growth figures.
Compare with actual employers
Review several current employer descriptions independently. Separate required qualifications from preferred ones and note duties that repeat. Titles can vary across organizations. A national occupation summary does not establish that a specific employer is hiring or will accept a particular credential.
Check the constraints
Consider schedule, physical demands, travel, customer interaction, location, accessibility and any license requirements. Ask what an ordinary week looks like, not just which parts someone enjoys. A role may use your strengths while still conflicting with your needs.
Make a comparison sheet
For each possible direction, record the tasks, evidence you already have, gaps, route to entry and unanswered questions. Mark assumptions explicitly. Do not rank a role solely by a headline wage or a course provider's claim. Choose a low-risk test before spending heavily.
Evidence to gather next
- Read BLS and O*NET descriptions for the occupation behind the title.
- Compare several employer descriptions for repeated tasks and required qualifications.
- Record schedule, location, accessibility and licensing constraints as well as attractive features.
Can I use a national salary figure as my expected offer?
No. Occupation data describe a defined population and period, not your likely offer. Geography, experience, role details and employer conditions matter. Consult the dated source directly and use your own clearly labeled financial scenarios rather than treating a broad statistic as promised income.