M - P

59. Machinists

Median Annual Salary: $51,430
Description: Craft precision parts using machines for industries. Great for technical young people who enjoy hands-on, detail-oriented work.
Advantages: Good pay, technical skills, high demand, job security.
Disadvantages: Repetitive tasks, physical demands, shift work.
Education Needed: High school diploma; technical training or apprenticeship.
Top 10 Personality Traits: Detail-oriented, Technical, Hard-working, Precise, Reliable, Analytical, Disciplined, Problem-solver, Practical, Diligent.

60. Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners

Median Annual Salary: $33,400
Description: Keep hotels and homes spotless, ensuring comfort. Ideal for young people wanting entry-level, flexible work with immediate impact.
Advantages: No education needed, flexible hours, steady demand.
Disadvantages: Low pay, physically demanding, repetitive tasks.
Education Needed: No formal education; on-the-job training.
Top 10 Personality Traits: Hard-working, Reliable, Detail-oriented, Diligent, Team-oriented, Practical, Efficient, Resilient, Composed, Cooperative.

61. Maintenance and Repair Workers, General

Median Annual Salary: $46,700
Description: Fix buildings and equipment, keeping spaces functional. Perfect for hands-on young people who enjoy problem-solving and variety.
Advantages: Moderate pay, high demand, diverse tasks, no degree needed.
Disadvantages: Physical demands, on-call hours, injury risks.
Education Needed: High school diploma; on-the-job training or technical school.
Top 10 Personality Traits: Problem-solver, Hard-working, Reliable, Practical, Resourceful, Detail-oriented, Diligent, Technical, Adaptable, Composed.

62. Management Analysts

Median Annual Salary: $99,410
Description: Improve business efficiency with strategic advice. Ideal for analytical young people who want high-paying, impactful consulting roles.
Advantages: High salary, diverse projects, growth potential, remote options.
Disadvantages: High pressure, long hours, competitive field.
Education Needed: Bachelor’s degree in business; MBA often preferred.
Top 10 Personality Traits: Analytical, Problem-solver, Strategic Thinker, Communicative, Innovative, Organized, Ambitious, Detail-oriented, Persuasive, Logical.

63. Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists

Median Annual Salary: $74,680
Description: Study markets to boost sales, shaping brand strategies. Perfect for data-driven creatives who want dynamic, high-demand careers.
Advantages: Good pay, creative and analytical mix, growth potential.
Disadvantages: Deadline pressure, competitive field, data-heavy tasks.
Education Needed: Bachelor’s degree in marketing or business.
Top 10 Personality Traits: Analytical, Creative, Communicative, Detail-oriented, Innovative, Organized, Problem-solver, Curious, Adaptable, Strategic Thinker.

64. Mechanical Engineers

Median Annual Salary: $99,510
Description: Design machines and systems, from cars to robotics. Great for innovative young people who want high-paying, technical careers.
Advantages: High salary, diverse industries, impactful projects, job security.
Disadvantages: Complex projects, long hours, degree required.
Education Needed: Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering; licensure optional.
Top 10 Personality Traits: Analytical, Innovative, Problem-solver, Detail-oriented, Technical, Disciplined, Creative, Logical, Responsible, Focused.

65. Medical Assistants

Median Annual Salary: $42,000
Description: Support doctors with patient care and admin tasks. Ideal for caring young people who want quick-entry healthcare roles with impact.
Advantages: High demand, short training, meaningful work, growth potential.
Disadvantages: Moderate pay, physical demands, shift work.
Education Needed: High school diploma; certificate or associate’s degree.
Top 10 Personality Traits: Compassionate, Empathetic, Reliable, Organized, Detail-oriented, Communicative, Patient, Hard-working, Team-oriented, Responsible.

66. Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants

Median Annual Salary: $41,260
Description: Manage healthcare office tasks, supporting patient care. Great for organized young people who want stable, entry-level healthcare roles.
Advantages: Steady work, moderate pay, transferable skills.
Disadvantages: Repetitive tasks, high responsibility, shift work.
Education Needed: High school diploma; certificate or associate’s degree helpful.
Top 10 Personality Traits: Organized, Detail-oriented, Reliable, Communicative, Efficient, Responsible, Patient, Empathetic, Professional, Discreet.

67. Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

Median Annual Salary: $64,290
Description: Teach young teens, shaping their academic and personal growth. Perfect for passionate educators who want rewarding, stable careers.
Advantages: Meaningful impact, summers off, job security, benefits.
Disadvantages: Moderate pay, classroom challenges, high responsibility.
Education Needed: Bachelor’s degree in education; teaching license required.
Top 10 Personality Traits: Compassionate, Patient, Communicative, Creative, Inspiring, Organized, Empathetic, Dedicated, Responsible, Enthusiastic.

68. Nursing Assistants

Median Annual Salary: $38,200
Description: Provide basic care in hospitals or nursing homes. Ideal for caring young people who want quick-entry, impactful healthcare roles.
Advantages: High demand, short training, meaningful work, growth path.
Disadvantages: Low pay, physically demanding, emotional stress.
Education Needed: High school diploma; CNA certification (weeks to months).
Top 10 Personality Traits: Compassionate, Empathetic, Reliable, Patient, Hard-working, Caring, Resilient, Team-oriented, Composed, Responsible.

69. Office Clerks, General

Median Annual Salary: $40,480
Description: Handle office tasks like filing and scheduling. Great for organized young people seeking entry-level, flexible office work with variety.
Advantages: No degree needed, flexible hours, transferable skills.
Disadvantages: Low pay, repetitive tasks, limited advancement.
Education Needed: High school diploma; on-the-job training.
Top 10 Personality Traits: Organized, Reliable, Detail-oriented, Efficient, Communicative, Adaptable, Responsible, Team-oriented, Diligent, Professional.

70. Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators

Median Annual Salary: $54,400
Description: Operate heavy machinery to build infrastructure. Perfect for active young people who enjoy hands-on, high-demand construction roles.
Advantages: Good pay, high demand, exciting work, no degree needed.
Disadvantages: Physical risks, weather exposure, irregular hours.
Education Needed: High school diploma; training or apprenticeship; certification.
Top 10 Personality Traits: Hard-working, Reliable, Cautious, Practical, Team-oriented, Disciplined, Composed, Resourceful, Diligent, Responsible.

71. Packers and Packagers, Hand

Median Annual Salary: $34,970
Description: Pack goods for shipping in warehouses. Great for young people wanting entry-level, active roles in the fast-growing logistics industry.
Advantages: No education needed, high demand, flexible hours.
Disadvantages: Low pay, repetitive tasks, physical demands.
Education Needed: No formal education; on-the-job training.
Top 10 Personality Traits: Hard-working, Reliable, Efficient, Team-oriented, Diligent, Practical, Adaptable, Composed, Physically Fit, Cooperative.

72. Painters, Construction and Maintenance

Median Annual Salary: $46,970
Description: Paint buildings and structures, adding beauty and protection. Ideal for creative, hands-on young people who enjoy physical work.
Advantages: No degree needed, creative outlet, steady demand.
Disadvantages: Physical demands, chemical exposure, moderate pay.
Education Needed: No formal education; on-the-job training or apprenticeship.
Top 10 Personality Traits: Hard-working, Detail-oriented, Creative, Reliable, Diligent, Practical, Team-oriented, Adaptable, Precise, Resilient.

73. Paralegals and Legal Assistants

Median Annual Salary: $62,840
Description: Support lawyers with research and paperwork. Perfect for analytical young people who want legal careers without law school.
Advantages: Good pay, office-based, growth potential, interesting work.
Disadvantages: High responsibility, deadline pressure, limited autonomy.
Education Needed: Associate’s or bachelor’s degree; paralegal certificate helpful.
Top 10 Personality Traits: Detail-oriented, Analytical, Organized, Reliable, Communicative, Ethical, Responsible, Diligent, Problem-solver, Discreet.

74. Pharmacists

Median Annual Salary: $132,750
Description: Dispense medications and advise patients, ensuring health. Ideal for science lovers who want high-paying, impactful healthcare roles.
Advantages: High salary, respected role, job security, patient impact.
Disadvantages: Long education, high responsibility, shift work.
Education Needed: Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD); licensure required.
Top 10 Personality Traits: Detail-oriented, Compassionate, Analytical, Responsible, Ethical, Communicative, Reliable, Patient, Disciplined, Knowledgeable.

75. Pharmacy Technicians

Median Annual Salary: $40,300
Description: Assist pharmacists with medication dispensing. Great for young people wanting quick-entry healthcare roles with patient impact.
Advantages: High demand, short training, stable work, growth potential.
Disadvantages: Moderate pay, repetitive tasks, shift work.
Education Needed: High school diploma; certification or on-the-job training.
Top 10 Personality Traits: Detail-oriented, Reliable, Organized, Communicative, Hard-working, Responsible, Patient, Team-oriented, Efficient, Ethical.

76. Physical Therapists

Median Annual Salary: $99,710
Description: Help patients recover mobility through therapy. Perfect for caring young people who want high-paying, rewarding healthcare careers.
Advantages: High salary, meaningful work, job security, patient impact.
Disadvantages: Long education, physical demands, emotional stress.
Education Needed: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT); licensure required.
Top 10 Personality Traits: Compassionate, Empathetic, Communicative, Patient, Responsible, Motivating, Reliable, Knowledgeable, Caring, Encouraging.

77. Physicians, All Other

Median Annual Salary: $238,700
Description: Diagnose and treat patients, saving lives. Ideal for driven young people who want prestigious, high-paying medical careers.
Advantages: Top salary, respected role, impactful work, job security.
Disadvantages: Long education, high stress, long hours.
Education Needed: Medical degree (MD/DO); residency; licensure.
Top 10 Personality Traits: Compassionate, Analytical, Responsible, Ethical, Resilient, Communicative, Detail-oriented, Knowledgeable, Calm Under Pressure, Dedicated.

78. Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

Median Annual Salary: $61,550
Description: Install and repair plumbing systems, ensuring functionality. Great for hands-on young people who want skilled trades with good pay.
Advantages: High demand, good salary, entrepreneurial potential, varied work.
Disadvantages: Physical demands, on-call hours, messy work.
Education Needed: High school diploma; apprenticeship or technical training.
Top 10 Personality Traits: Problem-solver, Hard-working, Reliable, Practical, Detail-oriented, Disciplined, Resourceful, Technical, Composed, Diligent.

79. Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers

Median Annual Salary: $71,380
Description: Protect communities by enforcing laws and ensuring safety. Perfect for courageous young people who want impactful, action-oriented careers.
Advantages: Good pay, benefits, job security, community impact.
Disadvantages: High risk, stressful situations, irregular hours.
Education Needed: High school diploma; police academy training; some college helpful.
Top 10 Personality Traits: Courageous, Responsible, Ethical, Composed, Reliable, Calm Under Pressure, Team-oriented, Disciplined, Communicative, Resilient.

80. Postal Service Mail Carriers

Median Annual Salary: $57,460
Description: Deliver mail, connecting communities. Great for reliable young people who enjoy independent, active work with stable hours.
Advantages: Good pay, benefits, job security, independent work.
Disadvantages: Physically demanding, weather exposure, repetitive tasks.
Education Needed: High school diploma; on-the-job training; pass exam.
Top 10 Personality Traits: Reliable, Hard-working, Responsible, Independent, Diligent, Composed, Organized, Efficient, Practical, Disciplined.

81. Production Workers, All Other

Median Annual Salary: $38,750
Description: Support manufacturing by assembling or processing goods. Ideal for hands-on young people wanting entry-level roles in production.
Advantages: No degree needed, steady work, varied tasks.
Disadvantages: Low pay, repetitive tasks, physical demands.
Education Needed: High school diploma; on-the-job training.
Top 10 Personality Traits: Hard-working, Reliable, Team-oriented, Diligent, Practical, Efficient, Composed, Adaptable, Responsible, Cooperative.