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
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators2.93.4$50,690
Tile and Stone Setters2.92.8$55,690
Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers2.92.8$48,220
Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation2.92.8$46,340
Animal Trainers2.93.1$39,990
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators2.92.5$59,850
Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers2.92.3$37,800
Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic2.92.6$46,170
Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers2.92.8$46,350
Pipelayers2.92.8$49,000
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters2.92.8$63,800
Animal Breeders2.92.9$51,130
Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop2.92.1$31,200
Stone Cutters and Carvers, Manufacturing2.92.9$46,170
Structural Iron and Steel Workers2.93.0$62,780
Helpers--Carpenters2.92.3$43,780
Bakers2.92.6$37,160
Baristas2.92.8$31,200
Motorboat Operators2.93.0$47,520
Glass Blowers, Molders, Benders, and Finishers2.93.0$46,170
Meter Readers, Utilities2.92.9$48,150
Costume Attendants2.93.1$50,400
Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters2.92.9$46,680
Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas2.92.9$58,620
Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining2.92.6$74,500
Log Graders and Scalers2.92.9$46,330
Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs2.92.8$37,290
Food Servers, Nonrestaurant2.92.1$35,360
Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic2.93.0$49,030
Personal Care Aides2.93.0—
Parking Enforcement Workers2.92.9$46,730
Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators2.92.5$46,420
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria2.92.9$37,450
Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic2.92.8$52,800
Automotive Body and Related Repairers2.92.9$54,890
Textile Bleaching and Dyeing Machine Operators and Tenders2.92.8$38,180
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics2.92.9$50,620
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists2.92.9$61,770
Machinists2.93.0$58,750
Rail Car Repairers2.92.8$67,530
Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics2.92.6$47,880
Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers2.92.9$33,580
Bailiffs2.92.9$56,600
Industrial Machinery Mechanics2.93.0$64,520
Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders2.92.9$43,220
Tool and Die Makers2.93.1$64,050
Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons2.92.6$61,290
Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants2.82.5$36,300
Continuous Mining Machine Operators2.82.3$61,810
Manicurists and Pedicurists2.82.1$35,760

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