Critical Thinking Skills and Careers

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

910 occupations report this skill · Category: Essential Skills · O*NET element 2.A.2.a

Occupations reporting Critical Thinking

Importance and level are O*NET scale values. Ordered by reported importance. A skill rating does not indicate hiring outcomes.

OccupationImportanceLevelNational median wage
Bakers2.92.9$37,160
Timing Device Assemblers and Adjusters2.92.9$62,620
Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators2.92.9$46,880
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors2.82.6$49,690
Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators2.82.9$70,070
Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners2.82.1$36,840
Construction Laborers2.82.6$47,120
Rock Splitters, Quarry2.82.6$48,740
Recycling and Reclamation Workers2.82.8$40,240
Packers and Packagers, Hand2.82.0$36,280
Stockers and Order Fillers2.82.3$37,330
Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers2.82.4$34,890
Sewing Machine Operators2.82.1$36,670
Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators2.82.3$46,420
Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters2.83.0$46,680
Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service2.82.8$38,630
Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop2.82.6$31,200
Amusement and Recreation Attendants2.82.8$32,150
Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers2.82.8$32,910
Food Preparation Workers2.82.0$35,320
Cashiers2.82.8$32,880
Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners2.82.9$72,420
Gambling Dealers2.82.9$34,320
Animal Caretakers2.82.9$35,360
Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons2.82.3$40,470
Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse2.82.6$35,660
Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers2.82.3$33,980
Crossing Guards and Flaggers2.82.5$38,100
Plasterers and Stucco Masons2.82.6$57,660
Floor Sanders and Finishers2.82.4$50,440
Orderlies2.82.1$38,290
Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers2.82.6$41,600
Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders2.82.9$48,250
Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners2.82.1$35,510
Tire Repairers and Changers2.62.1$37,710
Helpers--Production Workers2.62.0$39,070
Cutters and Trimmers, Hand2.62.1$38,020
Cooks, Fast Food2.62.1$30,890
Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic2.62.6$46,170
Terrazzo Workers and Finishers2.62.4$76,170
Funeral Attendants2.62.6$35,680
Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers2.61.6$39,150
Barbers2.62.8$38,210
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic2.62.8$50,620
Baristas2.62.6$31,200
Helpers--Roofers2.62.0$44,160
Models2.61.9$48,470
Shampooers2.52.1$32,600
Manicurists and Pedicurists2.52.5$35,760
Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products2.52.3$35,730

Career and skills data: O*NET 31.0 (onetcenter.org). Figures are published survey estimates, not real-time market data.