Occupational Information Network (O*NET OnLine)

O*NET OnLine is a comprehensive, one-stop-shop database for occupational information, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). It serves as a centralized hub containing standardized descriptors for over 900 job titles across the U.S. economy.

Who should use it:

Students exploring potential majors and careers, conducting deep-dive industry research, job and internship seekers targeting specific roles, and candidates preparing for interviews.

How to use it:

  • Explore Careers by Personal Criteria: Use the “O*NET Data” tab to search careers by Work Activities, Work Context, Software Skills, Essential Skills, Transferable Skills, Knowledge, Abilities, Career Interest Types, Specific Interest Areas, and Work Styles.
  • Research Salary & Wage Data: Look up national, state, and local salary ranges for any occupation (powered by the Bureau of Labor Statistics) to set realistic pay expectations for job offers and salary negotiations.
  • Conduct Deep-Dive Occupational Research: Review extensive data on specific roles, including worker requirements, experience levels, daily work activities, technology tools, salary ranges, and workforce trends like Bright Outlook fields.
  • Connect with Professional Networks: Use their “Professional Associations Search” tool to find external professional associations, providing ideal pathways for networking and deeper industry insights.
  • Take Self-Assessments: Use the built-in Interest Profiler tools via My Next Move to match your personal strengths and preferences with compatible career fields.
  • Search Active Postings: Utilize the built-in job and internship search features to find real-time opportunities tied directly to specific occupation codes.
Why it’s helpful:

O*NET OnLine acts as an all-in-one resource that eliminates the guesswork in career planning. It gives both undergraduate and graduate students a full 360-degree look at what a role actually entails, ranging from daily work context and required technical tools to median salary ranges and projected employment growth (including “Bright Outlook” fields). Whether you are an undergrad testing the waters of a new major or a grad student mapping out a specialized career path, O*NET provides the exact data needed to inform your strategy, target professional organizations, and speak the language of prospective employers.

External websites may not fully comply with accessibility standards, and we cannot guarantee the accessibility of content outside the University. Please email careers@binghamton.edu if you encounter significant accessibility issues on these sites.



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