African American Solar Careers
What Solar Photovoltaic Installers Do
Solar photovoltaic (PV) installers, also known as PV installers, assemble, install, and maintain solar panel systems on rooftops or other structures.
Most solar panel installations are done outdoors, but PV installers sometimes work in attics and crawl spaces to connect panels to the electric grid. Installers must also travel to jobsites.
Although most installers need a high school diploma and typically receive on-the-job training lasting up to 1 year, some candidates take courses at a technical school or community college.
| Quick Facts: Solar Photovoltaic Installers | |
| 2018 Median Pay | $42,680 per year $20.52 per hour |
| Typical Entry-Level Education | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation | None |
| On-the-job Training | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| Number of Jobs, 2016 | 11,300 |
| Job Outlook, 2016-26 | 105% (Much faster than average) |
| Employment Change, 2016-26 | 11,800 |
Physician assistants, also known as PAs, practice medicine on teams with physicians, surgeons, and other healthcare workers. They examine, diagnose, and treat patients.
Physician assistants work in physicians’ offices, hospitals, outpatient clinics, and other healthcare settings. Most work full time.
Physician assistants typically need a master’s degree from an accredited educational program. All states require physician assistants to be licensed.
| Quick Facts: Physician Assistants | |
| 2018 Median Pay | $108,610 per year $52.22 per hour |
| Typical Entry-Level Education | Master’s degree |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation | None |
| On-the-job Training | None |
| Number of Jobs, 2016 | 106,200 |
| Job Outlook, 2016-26 | 37% (Much faster than average) |
| Employment Change, 2016-26 | 39,600 |
Software developers are the creative minds behind computer programs. Some develop the applications that allow people to do specific tasks on a computer or another device. Others develop the underlying systems that run the devices or that control networks.
Many software developers work for firms that deal in computer systems design and related services, manufacturing, or for software publishers.
Software developers usually have a bachelor’s degree in computer science and strong computer programming skills.
| Quick Facts: Software Developers | |
| 2018 Median Pay | $105,590 per year $50.77 per hour |
| Typical Entry-Level Education | Bachelor’s degree |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation | None |
| On-the-job Training | None |
| Number of Jobs, 2016 | 1,256,200 |
| Job Outlook, 2016-26 | 24% (Much faster than average) |
| Employment Change, 2016-26 | 302,500 |
Black and Brown NURSE PRACTITIONERS
Nurse practitioners, also referred to as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), coordinate patient care and may provide primary and specialty healthcare. The scope of practice varies from state to state.
Nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners work in a wide variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, physicians’ offices, and clinics. Most APRNs work full time.
Nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners must earn at least a master’s degree in one of the APRN roles. They must also be licensed in their state and pass a national certification exam.
| Quick Facts: Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners | |
| 2018 Median Pay | $113,930 per year $54.78 per hour |
| Typical Entry-Level Education | Master’s degree |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation | None |
| On-the-job Training | None |
| Number of Jobs, 2016 | 203,800 |
| Job Outlook, 2016-26 | 31% (Much faster than average) |
| Employment Change, 2016-26 | 64,200 |
Information security analysts plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems. Their responsibilities are continually expanding as the number of cyberattacks increases.
Most information security analysts work for computer companies, consulting firms, or business and financial companies.
Most information security analyst positions require a bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field. Employers usually prefer to hire analysts with experience in a related occupation.
| Quick Facts: Information Security Analysts | |
| 2018 Median Pay | $98,350 per year $47.28 per hour |
| Typical Entry-Level Education | Bachelor’s degree |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation | Less than 5 years |
| On-the-job Training | None |
| Number of Jobs, 2016 | 100,000 |
| Job Outlook, 2016-26 | 28% (Much faster than average) |
| Employment Change, 2016-26 | 28,500 |
Mathematicians and statisticians analyze data and apply mathematical and statistical techniques to help solve real-world problems in business, engineering, healthcare, or other fields.
Many mathematicians and statisticians work in the federal government and in private science and engineering research companies. They may work on teams with engineers, scientists, and other professionals.
Mathematicians and statisticians typically need at least a master’s degree in mathematics or statistics. However, some positions are available to those with a bachelor’s degree.
| Quick Facts: Mathematicians and Statisticians | |
| 2018 Median Pay | $88,190 per year $42.40 per hour |
| Typical Entry-Level Education | Master’s degree |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation | None |
| On-the-job Training | None |
| Number of Jobs, 2016 | 40,300 |
| Job Outlook, 2016-26 | 33% (Much faster than average) |
| Employment Change, 2016-26 | 13,500 |
What Wind Turbine Technicians Do
Wind turbine service technicians, also known as windtechs, install, maintain, and repair wind turbines.
Wind turbine service technicians generally work outdoors, in confined spaces, and often at great heights. Although the majority of windtechs work full time, they may also be on call to handle emergencies during evenings and weekends.
Most wind turbine service technicians learn their trade by attending a technical school. They also receive on-the-job training.
| Quick Facts: Wind Turbine Technicians | |
| 2018 Median Pay | $54,370 per year $26.14 per hour |
| Typical Entry-Level Education | Postsecondary nondegree award |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation | None |
| On-the-job Training | Long-term on-the-job training |
| Number of Jobs, 2016 | 5,800 |
| Job Outlook, 2016-26 | 96% (Much faster than average) |
| Employment Change, 2016-26 | 5,600 |
Genetic counselors assess individual or family risk for a variety of inherited conditions, such as genetic disorders and birth defects. They provide information and support to other healthcare providers, or to individuals and families concerned with the risk of inherited conditions.
Genetic counselors work in university medical centers, private and public hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, and physicians’ offices. They work with families, patients, and other medical professionals. Most genetic counselors work full time.
Genetic counselors typically need a master’s degree in genetic counseling or genetics, and board certification.
| Quick Facts: Genetic Counselors | |
| 2018 Median Pay | $80,370 per year $38.64 per hour |
| Typical Entry-Level Education | Master’s degree |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation | None |
| On-the-job Training | None |
| Number of Jobs, 2016 | 3,100 |
| Job Outlook, 2016-26 | 29% (Much faster than average) |
| Employment Change, 2016-26 | |
Physical therapists, sometimes called PTs, help injured or ill people improve their movement and manage their pain. These therapists are often an important part of the rehabilitation, treatment, and prevention of patients with chronic conditions, illnesses, or injuries.
Physical therapists typically work in private offices and clinics, hospitals, patients’ homes, and nursing homes. They spend much of their time on their feet, actively working with patients.
Physical therapists entering the profession need a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. All states require physical therapists to be licensed.
| Quick Facts: Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides | |
| 2018 Median Pay | $48,090 per year $23.12 per hour |
| Typical Entry-Level Education | See How to Become One |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation | None |
| On-the-job Training | See How to Become One |
| Number of Jobs, 2016 | 140,300 |
| Job Outlook, 2016-26 | 30% (Much faster than average) |
| Employment Change, 2016-26 | 42,700 |
Massage therapists treat clients by using touch to manipulate the muscles and other soft tissues of the body. With their touch, therapists relieve pain, help heal injuries, improve circulation, relieve stress, increase relaxation, and aid in the general wellness of clients.
Massage therapists work in an array of settings, such as spas, franchised clinics, physicians’ offices, hotels, and fitness centers. Some massage therapists also travel to clients’ homes or offices to give a massage.
Massage therapists typically complete a postsecondary education program of 500 or more hours of study and experience, although standards and requirements vary by state or other jurisdictions. Most states regulate massage therapy and require massage therapists to have a license or certification.
| Quick Facts: Massage Therapists | |
| 2018 Median Pay | $41,420 per year $19.92 per hour |
| Typical Entry-Level Education | Postsecondary nondegree award |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation | None |
| On-the-job Training | None |
| Number of Jobs, 2016 | 160,300 |
| Job Outlook, 2016-26 | 26% (Much faster than average) |
| Employment Change, 2016-26 | 42,100 |
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