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
Floor Sanders and Finishers2.62.4$50,440
Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall2.62.3$49,120
Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers2.62.1$58,970
Roofers2.62.5$55,440
Recycling and Reclamation Workers2.62.9$40,240
Packers and Packagers, Hand2.62.0$36,280
Helpers--Production Workers2.62.1$39,070
Food Preparation Workers2.62.0$35,320
Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers2.62.1$39,630
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors2.62.0$49,690
Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders2.62.6$48,250
Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers2.62.6$41,640
Postal Service Mail Carriers2.62.9$60,550
Tree Trimmers and Pruners2.62.5$50,960
Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners2.62.1$35,510
Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders2.52.1$38,670
Helpers--Electricians2.52.6$42,670
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers2.52.1$53,750
Fence Erectors2.52.1$47,980
Shampooers2.52.3$32,600
Orderlies2.52.0$38,290
Models2.52.0$48,470
Logging Equipment Operators2.52.3$49,740
Parking Attendants2.51.9$35,150
Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners2.52.3$36,840
Dredge Operators2.52.4$49,640
Tire Repairers and Changers2.52.0$37,710
Sewers, Hand2.52.3$36,480
Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators2.52.1$53,340
Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers2.52.5$47,630
Pile Driver Operators2.52.3$73,300
Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers2.52.3$34,890
Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood2.42.6$42,770
Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers2.42.3$38,300
Roof Bolters, Mining2.42.3$78,540
Amusement and Recreation Attendants2.42.0$32,150
Fast Food and Counter Workers2.42.1$31,200
Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters2.42.0$42,360
Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters2.42.1$47,550
Paperhangers2.42.4$52,140
Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers2.41.9$57,020
Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles2.42.4$56,460
Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers2.42.0$33,980
Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment2.31.9$35,830
Tire Builders2.32.1$57,390
Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products2.31.6$35,730
Foundry Mold and Coremakers2.32.0$48,110
Agricultural Equipment Operators2.31.9$41,730
Crossing Guards and Flaggers2.32.0$38,100
Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators2.32.1$70,070

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