10 Career Pathways at Maryland Colleges to Consider

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Choosing a career can be exciting yet daunting, especially when you may not know about all the options available to you. In this month’s blog posts we uncover 10 career pathways you might not have thought about and we assess the details that matter, including potential salaries. 

What’s more, all suggested pathways can be studied at local Maryland colleges and universities. Read on to find out more:

Wind Turbine Service Technicians

Job details: Caring about the environment is a big topic right now. But who makes this all work? Energy technicians, that’s who! And if we’re talking about one of the biggest resources of green, clean energy, then we’re talking about wind turbines. Did you know that there are more than 57,000 wind turbines across the United States? That’s why we need service technicians who ensure turbines keep doing their job while being able to troubleshoot problems on the spot. Loving heights is a plus! 

Where to study: Alternative Energy Technology (AET) Program at Hagerstown Community College

Growth: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) forecasts that from 2020 to 2030, opportunities for wind turbine service technicians will increase by 68%.

Major: This is a technical qualification so a high school diploma or associate's degree is needed.

Potential salary: The median salary for wind turbine technicians in 2020 was $56,230

Nurse Practitioners

Job details: Simply put, a nurse practitioner is a registered nurse who has earned a graduate-level degree such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Not only do they help patients address the causes of their problems but they can also teach the patient about potential treatment plans and prevention skills. Their skills are people-focused and science-based: the best of both worlds! In 23 states (including Connecticut) nurse practitioners are allowed to practice fully without the supervision of a physician.

Where to study: Coppin State University

Growth: The facts are clear- the population is getting older and nurses are in high demand. We’re looking at a growth of 31% through 2024. Check out this article if you want to learn more.

Major: Bachelor’s degree in nursing + 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale. 

Potential salary: Nurse practitioners regularly earn over $100,000 per year, depending on their focus.

Solar Photovoltaic Installers

Job details: Don’t let this complicated name put you off. If you care about the environment but want a career that’s a little less indoors and a lot more hands-on, then this could be the career pathway for you. Solar panels are in high demand and this job is to install them correctly and efficiently. In fact, solar power is the most abundant energy source on Earth!

Potential salary: The average salary of a solar photovoltaic installer in Maryland is about $47,180 per year.

College major: Solar Photovoltaic Installer

Where to study: Harford Community College offers this course and what’s more, you’ll be taught by a certified solar photovoltaic technician.

Future growth potential: Solar energy is becoming popular and with the costs of solar panels decreasing, the demand for them is on the rise. This means more jobs are being created for solar photovoltaic installers and the career is becoming more recognized.

Statisticians

Job details: If you love math, enjoy solving problems, and really find a thrill in finding patterns in everyday life, then statistics could be an option to consider. Statistics are not only about finance — they are also needed to solve big problems like hunger in developing countries or curing diseases!

Where to study: The University of Maryland has a great program dedicated to statistics and math.

Growth: According to The University of Maryland, “employment of statisticians will grow by 34 percent between 2016 and 2026” because businesses will start to use more statistical analysis to influence their decision-making processes.

Major: Statisticians will need to have a bachelor’s degree in applied mathematics, statistics, or a closely related field. 

Potential salary: The median annual income for statisticians is $87,780

Physical Therapist Assistants

Job details: Physical therapy isn’t only about sore backs and sprained ankles. Physical therapists are hands-on guides when it comes to ensuring that people live pain-free lives, whether in sports, entertainment, or everyday life. Physical therapist assistants are all about direct patient care and teaching their patients how to perform specific exercises in order to live with less pain. Fun fact: Currently, 70% of physical therapists are women in the U.S.!

Where to study: College of Southern Maryland

Growth: People are starting to take care of themselves and this includes seeking alternative help when they are experiencing aches or chronic pain. Physical therapist assistants are in demand and the courses offered tend to be competitive for this reason. At 29%, the job growth rate for physical therapist assistants and aides is much higher than average.

Major: An associate’s degree from an accredited program and a license or certification is often required.

Potential salary: The median annual salary is $49,990 for PTAs