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 Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers3.03.1$65,380
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers3.03.0$58,640
Electromechanical Equipment Assemblers3.03.0—
Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters3.02.6$51,330
Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators3.02.8$46,880
Team Assemblers3.02.9—
Butchers and Meat Cutters3.03.0$40,140
Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks3.03.5$35,070
Bus Drivers, School3.03.0$47,920
Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic3.02.9$50,140
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic3.02.6$46,550
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic3.02.9$50,620
Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders3.02.9$54,430
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists3.03.0$35,790
Transportation Security Screeners3.03.0$66,770
Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders3.03.0$47,920
Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic3.02.9$63,870
Prepress Technicians and Workers3.03.0$48,690
Stonemasons3.02.4$57,390
Concierges3.03.0$38,950
Tour Guides and Escorts3.03.0—
Sailors and Marine Oilers3.03.0$51,520
Craft Artists3.03.0$46,080
Model Makers, Wood3.02.9$56,550
Childcare Workers3.03.0$34,980
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers3.03.6$68,120
Biomass Plant Technicians3.03.0$102,040
Security Guards3.03.0$38,020
Nannies3.03.0$34,980
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators3.03.0$60,020
Aircraft Service Attendants3.02.6$40,450
Animal Control Workers3.03.0$45,660
Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders3.02.9$51,610
Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders3.03.0$48,540
Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders3.02.8$45,760
Transportation Vehicle, Equipment and Systems Inspectors, Except Aviation3.03.1$92,100
Gem and Diamond Workers3.03.0$52,540
Firefighters3.03.1$59,280
Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians3.02.9$39,460
Model Makers, Metal and Plastic2.92.9$63,340
Baggage Porters and Bellhops2.92.6$37,080
Bridge and Lock Tenders2.92.4$57,700
Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic2.93.0$48,750
Floral Designers2.92.9$37,360
Passenger Attendants2.92.9$37,720
Watch and Clock Repairers2.92.9$67,230
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers2.92.3$68,840
Conveyor Operators and Tenders2.92.9$42,420
Coin, Vending, and Amusement Machine Servicers and Repairers2.92.9$47,450
Signal and Track Switch Repairers2.92.9$92,460

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