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
Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers3.83.8$63,890
First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers3.83.8$58,430
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians3.84.0$47,380
Personal Financial Advisors3.84.1$105,070
Patient Representatives3.83.8$50,290
Pest Control Workers3.83.4$45,250
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians3.83.6$78,190
Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys3.84.0$47,340
Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators3.83.8$43,370
Athletes and Sports Competitors3.83.1$66,710
Facilities Managers3.83.8$106,660
Paramedics3.83.9$60,600
First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers3.83.9$79,860
Insurance Sales Agents3.83.9$62,280
Set and Exhibit Designers3.83.8$75,240
Commercial and Industrial Designers3.84.0$83,910
Postmasters and Mail Superintendents3.83.9$96,660
Special Effects Artists and Animators3.83.8$102,030
Art Directors3.84.0$114,850
Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers3.83.8$76,910
Mechatronics Engineers3.84.0$122,930
Clinical Research Coordinators3.84.0$167,220
Acupuncturists3.83.8$76,040
Farm and Home Management Educators3.83.9$60,220
Curators3.84.4$63,420
Purchasing Managers3.84.0$148,080
Search Marketing Strategists3.83.9$78,760
Tutors3.83.8$43,350
Special Education Teachers, Secondary School3.83.9$74,260
Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists3.83.9$78,210
Adapted Physical Education Specialists3.83.8$76,580
Manufacturing Engineers3.84.0$102,440
Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents3.83.8$78,660
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education3.83.9$64,370
Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education3.83.1$38,140
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary3.83.8$63,820
Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary3.84.0$75,870
Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors3.83.9$115,160
Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary3.83.9$79,350
English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary3.84.0$78,760
Project Management Specialists3.83.8$102,320
Lodging Managers3.83.9$69,250
Chefs and Head Cooks3.83.9$62,470
Retail Loss Prevention Specialists3.83.6$42,540
Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary3.84.1$84,290
Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling3.83.9$79,520
Education Teachers, Postsecondary3.84.0$75,350
Fish and Game Wardens3.83.9$74,060
Surveyors3.84.0$75,440
Quality Control Systems Managers3.84.1$126,060

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