Reading Comprehension Skills and Careers

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

910 occupations report this skill · Category: Essential Skills · O*NET element 2.A.1.a

Occupations reporting Reading Comprehension

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

OccupationImportanceLevelNational median wage
Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors3.33.0$58,170
Mechanical Drafters3.33.9$71,550
Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians3.34.0$73,900
Hearing Aid Specialists3.33.4$65,160
Avionics Technicians3.33.5$82,280
Wind Turbine Service Technicians3.33.3$64,120
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers3.33.0$61,010
Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping3.33.0$46,380
Telemarketers3.33.3$35,450
Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians3.33.4$35,450
Demonstrators and Product Promoters3.33.3$39,320
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels3.33.1$92,460
Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic3.13.0$44,350
Self-Enrichment Teachers3.13.8$46,800
Graphic Designers3.13.8$62,960
Athletes and Sports Competitors3.13.0$66,710
Musicians and Singers3.12.9—
Photographers3.13.1$44,660
Receptionists and Information Clerks3.13.1$38,010
Dietetic Technicians3.13.3$37,640
Surgical Technologists3.13.6$64,650
Ophthalmic Medical Technicians3.13.6$45,570
Ophthalmic Medical Technologists3.13.9$50,290
Home Health Aides3.13.1—
Nursing Assistants3.13.0$42,260
Psychiatric Aides3.13.3$44,910
Occupational Therapy Aides3.13.4$39,160
Physical Therapist Aides3.13.0$35,240
Medical Equipment Preparers3.12.9$47,700
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers3.13.1$38,150
Phlebotomists3.13.5$45,230
Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists3.13.4$56,870
Transit and Railroad Police3.13.3$90,230
Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers3.13.1$47,810
Cooks, Short Order3.12.4$35,880
First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers3.13.6$58,430
Skincare Specialists3.13.1$45,330
Recreation Workers3.13.3$36,560
Residential Advisors3.13.4$42,240
Gambling Change Persons and Booth Cashiers3.13.0$36,220
Bill and Account Collectors3.13.6$47,030
Tellers3.13.3$43,030
Postal Service Clerks3.13.1$62,130
Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks3.13.1$45,260
Office Machine Operators, Except Computer3.12.9$40,960
Carpenters3.13.1$60,580
Electricians3.13.3$63,190
Sheet Metal Workers3.12.8$61,800
Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers3.13.1$109,910
Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas3.13.0$67,890

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