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Know Your Worth / Cross-industry

Cross-industry careers

Foundational careers that work across industries. Compare the core skills, portfolio evidence, and commercial choices before exploring an industry specialty.

Browse 30 sectors + cross-industry careers

1–48 of 100 careers · 1,000 in the directory

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How to read these rates

Employee references are annual US median wages for the cited BLS occupation, which may cover several career paths. Freelance examples add $15,000 for benefits and $20,000 for business costs, then divide by 1,200 billable hours a year. Annual figures are rounded to the nearest $1,000 and hourly figures to the nearest dollar. Figures are before personal taxes, with no percentage fees. Open a guide to see the source or adjust the assumptions in the calculator.

Cross-industry

Accessibility consultant

Employee reference
$106K/yr
Freelance example
$117/hr

BLS · May 2025 · Computer systems analysts

A digital accessibility consultant identifies barriers that prevent people from using websites or applications. They combine technical inspection, assistive technology testing, and clear remediation guidance so teams can improve access in real user journeys.

View career → Accessibility consultant
Cross-industry

Accountant

Employee reference
$84K/yr
Freelance example
$99/hr

BLS · May 2025 · Accountants and auditors

An accountant interprets and checks financial records to support reporting and business decisions. The work can range from management accounts to specialized services, with qualifications and permitted responsibilities varying by location and service.

View career → Accountant
Cross-industry

Analytics Engineer

Employee reference
$140K/yr
Freelance example
$145/hr

BLS · May 2025 · Database Architects

Turn raw business data into tested models that analysts can reuse. Analytics engineers make reporting logic clearer through consistent transformations, documented relationships, and checks that catch errors before dashboards depend on them.

View career → Analytics Engineer
Cross-industry

Android Developer

Employee reference
$136K/yr
Freelance example
$142/hr

BLS · May 2025 · Software Developers

Develop Android applications that remain usable across varied devices and conditions. Reliable work accounts for lifecycle changes, permissions, background limits, accessibility, and the differences between supported screen and operating system versions.

View career → Android Developer
Cross-industry

API Integration Developer

Employee reference
$136K/yr
Freelance example
$142/hr

BLS · May 2025 · Software Developers

Connect separate systems so information moves accurately without repeated manual entry. Integration developers handle mismatched data, authentication, retries, and reconciliation so failures are visible rather than silently creating incorrect records.

View career → API Integration Developer
Cross-industry

Audio engineer

Employee reference
$73K/yr
Freelance example
$90/hr

BLS · May 2025 · Sound engineering technicians

An audio engineer records, edits, and mixes sound so a production is clear and suitable for its setting. Technical preparation and attentive listening help voices, music, and effects work together reliably.

View career → Audio engineer
Cross-industry

Backend Developer

Employee reference
$136K/yr
Freelance example
$142/hr

BLS · May 2025 · Software Developers

Build the services and rules behind an application. Backend work protects data integrity, enforces permissions, and makes business operations dependable when requests arrive together or connected services fail.

View career → Backend Developer
Cross-industry

Bookkeeper

Employee reference
$51K/yr
Freelance example
$71/hr

BLS · May 2025 · Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks

A bookkeeper keeps a business's transaction records organized and reconciled. Reliable records help owners understand cash movement, prepare for accountant review, and find missing or incorrectly classified items before they accumulate.

View career → Bookkeeper
Cross-industry

Brand designer

Employee reference
$63K/yr
Freelance example
$82/hr

BLS · May 2025 · Graphic designers

A brand designer translates positioning into a recognizable visual identity. The work creates consistent choices for logos, typography, color, and applications so an organization presents a coherent message.

View career → Brand designer
Cross-industry

Business analyst

Employee reference
$102K/yr
Freelance example
$114/hr

BLS · May 2025 · Management analysts

A business analyst translates an operational problem into clear requirements and decisions. They connect stakeholder needs, process details, and evidence so a team can improve a workflow without solving the wrong problem.

View career → Business analyst
Cross-industry

Career coach

Employee reference
$64K/yr
Freelance example
$83/hr

BLS · May 2025 · School and career counselors and advisors

A career coach helps a person clarify career options and take practical next steps. The work can include skills reflection, job search planning, and interview practice, with clear boundaries around the coach's qualifications and role.

View career → Career coach
Cross-industry

Cloud Architect

Employee reference
$134K/yr
Freelance example
$141/hr

BLS · May 2025 · Computer Network Architects

Plan cloud systems around business requirements, failure scenarios, and operating constraints. Cloud architects compare design choices, document why they fit, and guide migrations while keeping cost, security, and team capability visible.

View career → Cloud Architect
Cross-industry

Cloud Engineer

Employee reference
$134K/yr
Freelance example
$141/hr

BLS · May 2025 · Computer Network Architects

Build and operate cloud environments that applications can use safely and predictably. Cloud engineers turn infrastructure plans into repeatable configurations, manage access, and make cost and operational behavior visible to teams.

View career → Cloud Engineer
Cross-industry

Community manager

Employee reference
$75K/yr
Freelance example
$91/hr

BLS · May 2025 · Public relations specialists

A community manager helps people participate in a shared space with a clear purpose. The work builds useful conversations, welcomes members, and applies consistent moderation so the community can remain constructive.

View career → Community manager
Cross-industry

Content strategist

Employee reference
$78K/yr
Freelance example
$94/hr

BLS · May 2025 · Editors

A content strategist decides what information an organization should create, maintain, and retire. The work connects audience needs, business priorities, and editorial operations so content remains useful beyond its initial publication.

View career → Content strategist
Cross-industry

Content writer

Employee reference
$77K/yr
Freelance example
$93/hr

BLS · May 2025 · Writers and authors

A content writer creates useful articles, guides, and other material around audience questions. The value comes from original research, clear explanations, and trustworthy detail that helps readers make informed decisions.

View career → Content writer
Cross-industry

Copywriter

Employee reference
$77K/yr
Freelance example
$93/hr

BLS · May 2025 · Writers and authors

A copywriter creates persuasive messages that help an audience understand an offer and decide what to do next. Effective copy connects customer needs, credible claims, and a clear action.

View career → Copywriter
Cross-industry

Corporate trainer

Employee reference
$69K/yr
Freelance example
$87/hr

BLS · May 2025 · Training and development specialists

A corporate trainer helps employees practice a specific workplace skill. They turn subject knowledge into clear exercises, useful feedback, and job-relevant examples so participants can apply what they learn after the session.

View career → Corporate trainer
Cross-industry

Cybersecurity Analyst

Employee reference
$129K/yr
Freelance example
$137/hr

BLS · May 2025 · Information Security Analysts

Investigate security signals and help organizations reduce exposure to threats. Cybersecurity analysts connect logs, access reviews, and incident evidence to practical response decisions, while distinguishing urgent findings from background noise.

View career → Cybersecurity Analyst
Cross-industry

Data Analyst

Employee reference
$89K/yr
Freelance example
$103/hr

BLS · May 2025 · Operations Research Analysts

Turn messy records into clear answers for a business decision. Data analysts define useful measures, check data quality, and explain patterns without claiming that every observed relationship proves a cause.

View career → Data Analyst
Cross-industry

Database Administrator

Employee reference
$105K/yr
Freelance example
$116/hr

BLS · May 2025 · Database Administrators

Keep business databases available, recoverable, and appropriately protected. Database administrators manage access, diagnose performance issues, and test recovery procedures so important records remain usable when systems or people make mistakes.

View career → Database Administrator
Cross-industry

Data Engineer

Employee reference
$140K/yr
Freelance example
$145/hr

BLS · May 2025 · Database Architects

Build the pipelines that make data available for reporting and applications. Data engineers focus on dependable ingestion, clear schemas, recoverable failures, and a useful record of where each dataset came from.

View career → Data Engineer
Cross-industry

Data Scientist

Employee reference
$120K/yr
Freelance example
$129/hr

BLS · May 2025 · Data Scientists

Use statistical methods and models to investigate questions and support decisions under uncertainty. Data scientists judge whether available data can answer the question before investing in a more complicated prediction method.

View career → Data Scientist
Cross-industry

Data Visualization Specialist

Employee reference
$120K/yr
Freelance example
$129/hr

BLS · May 2025 · Data Scientists

Help people understand evidence through charts and interactive explanations. Visualization specialists choose suitable visual encodings, preserve important uncertainty, and design accessible ways to inspect a comparison without distorting the underlying data.

View career → Data Visualization Specialist
Cross-industry

Design systems designer

Employee reference
$104K/yr
Freelance example
$116/hr

BLS · May 2025 · Web and digital interface designers

A design systems designer creates reusable interface patterns and rules for product teams. The role improves consistency and collaboration by connecting accessible components, design guidance, and practical governance across products.

View career → Design systems designer
Cross-industry

DevOps Engineer

Employee reference
$99K/yr
Freelance example
$112/hr

BLS · May 2025 · Network and Computer Systems Administrators

Improve how software moves from a developer change to a reliable release. DevOps engineers connect build automation, deployment controls, and operational feedback so teams can find failures and recover with less confusion.

View career → DevOps Engineer
Cross-industry

Documentation specialist

Employee reference
$90K/yr
Freelance example
$105/hr

BLS · May 2025 · Technical writers

A documentation specialist organizes and maintains reliable instructions, procedures, and reference material. The role makes operational knowledge easier to find and update, reducing dependence on informal explanations and outdated files.

View career → Documentation specialist
Cross-industry

Ecommerce Developer

Employee reference
$93K/yr
Freelance example
$106/hr

BLS · May 2025 · Web Developers

Build and improve online stores so shoppers can choose products and complete orders reliably. Ecommerce development connects product data, accessible purchase flows, inventory rules, and the operational needs of store staff.

View career → Ecommerce Developer
Cross-industry

Editor

Employee reference
$78K/yr
Freelance example
$94/hr

BLS · May 2025 · Editors

An editor improves the structure, clarity, consistency, and reliability of material before publication. The role combines audience judgment with careful collaboration so the final work preserves meaning and meets its purpose.

View career → Editor
Cross-industry

Email marketing specialist

Employee reference
$79K/yr
Freelance example
$95/hr

BLS · May 2025 · Market research analysts

An email marketing specialist develops messages and journeys for an organization's subscribers and customers. The work connects relevant content, segmentation, testing, and delivery quality so communications serve a clear audience need.

View career → Email marketing specialist
Cross-industry

Embedded Software Developer

Employee reference
$136K/yr
Freelance example
$142/hr

BLS · May 2025 · Software Developers

Write software that interacts with physical hardware under memory, timing, and power constraints. Embedded developers make device behavior predictable and diagnosable while coordinating closely with electronics and mechanical design decisions.

View career → Embedded Software Developer
Cross-industry

Executive assistant

Employee reference
$77K/yr
Freelance example
$93/hr

BLS · May 2025 · Executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants

An executive assistant protects a leader's attention and keeps important commitments moving. The role combines judgment, coordination, confidentiality, and anticipation so decisions and relationships do not depend on an overflowing inbox.

View career → Executive assistant
Cross-industry

Financial analyst

Employee reference
$103K/yr
Freelance example
$115/hr

BLS · May 2025 · Financial and investment analysts

A financial analyst turns financial and operating information into decision support. In a business planning role, they build forecasts, investigate variances, and explain which assumptions change the economics of a proposed action.

View career → Financial analyst
Cross-industry

Frontend Developer

Employee reference
$93K/yr
Freelance example
$106/hr

BLS · May 2025 · Web Developers

Make complex applications understandable in the browser. Frontend developers connect interface designs to real data while handling accessibility, application state, performance, and the errors users encounter during everyday work.

View career → Frontend Developer
Cross-industry

Full Stack Developer

Employee reference
$136K/yr
Freelance example
$142/hr

BLS · May 2025 · Software Developers

Deliver a complete application across its interface, server, and data storage. Full stack developers create continuity between user needs and technical implementation, especially when a small team needs broad ownership.

View career → Full Stack Developer
Cross-industry

Game Developer

Employee reference
$136K/yr
Freelance example
$142/hr

BLS · May 2025 · Software Developers

Turn game rules and creative ideas into a playable experience. Game developers make interactions responsive, manage performance budgets, and connect code with art, audio, level design, and player feedback.

View career → Game Developer
Cross-industry

Grant writer

Employee reference
$73K/yr
Freelance example
$90/hr

BLS · May 2025 · Fundraisers

A grant writer turns an organization's program, evidence, and funding needs into a clear application. Strong work connects funder criteria with a credible project plan, budget, and explanation of intended impact.

View career → Grant writer
Cross-industry

Graphic designer

Employee reference
$63K/yr
Freelance example
$82/hr

BLS · May 2025 · Graphic designers

A graphic designer organizes images, typography, and layout to communicate a message. The work helps audiences understand information and recognize organizations across printed materials, campaigns, and digital assets.

View career → Graphic designer
Cross-industry

Growth marketer

Employee reference
$79K/yr
Freelance example
$95/hr

BLS · May 2025 · Market research analysts

A growth marketer tests ways to improve acquisition, activation, retention, or revenue. The work combines customer understanding and experiment design, with attention to whether measured changes reflect meaningful business outcomes.

View career → Growth marketer
Cross-industry

HR consultant

Employee reference
$76K/yr
Freelance example
$92/hr

BLS · May 2025 · Human resources specialists

An HR consultant helps an organization improve its people processes. They may clarify onboarding, performance conversations, role expectations, or employee records while working carefully with sensitive information and the organization's decision makers.

View career → HR consultant
Cross-industry

Implementation consultant

Employee reference
$106K/yr
Freelance example
$117/hr

BLS · May 2025 · Computer systems analysts

An implementation consultant helps a customer adopt a system in daily work. They translate requirements into configuration, migration, training, and launch steps, with attention to the people who must operate it afterward.

View career → Implementation consultant
Cross-industry

Instructional designer

Employee reference
$69K/yr
Freelance example
$87/hr

BLS · May 2025 · Training and development specialists

An instructional designer turns a learning need into structured practice, feedback, and assessment. The goal is to help a defined audience perform a task, rather than simply present information in a course.

View career → Instructional designer
Cross-industry

iOS Developer

Employee reference
$136K/yr
Freelance example
$142/hr

BLS · May 2025 · Software Developers

Build applications that fit the interaction patterns and capabilities of iPhone and iPad. The work connects platform conventions, accessible interfaces, persistent data, and careful testing across supported operating system versions.

View career → iOS Developer