Preparation tiers for every occupation

4 O*NET job zones

O*NET sorts every occupation into a job zone: a tier describing how much preparation the work typically takes, combining experience, education, and on-the-job training into a Specific Vocational Preparation (SVP) band. Higher zones generally take more schooling and experience. The wages below come from BLS OEWS (national, cross-industry, May 2024) and describe the occupations in each zone — not a promise to any one person.

The preparation & pay ladder

Zone 2 Very Little to Some Preparation Needed

Some preparation — vocational school, training, or related experience.

$46,435

331 occupations · SVP (Below 6.0) · Low AI exposure

Zone 3 Medium Preparation Needed

Medium preparation — vocational training, an associate's degree, or experience.

$60,690

212 occupations · SVP (6.0 to < 7.0) · Moderate AI exposure

Zone 4 Considerable Preparation Needed

Considerable preparation — usually a four-year bachelor's degree.

$87,955

226 occupations · SVP (7.0 to < 8.0) · High AI exposure

Zone 5 Extensive Preparation Needed

Extensive preparation — graduate or professional degrees and long experience.

$93,600

154 occupations · SVP (8.0 and above) · Moderate AI exposure

Note: this O*NET release groups zones 1 and 2 together, so the lowest-preparation tier is shown as a combined band.