A guide to using the table
The table that follows is divided into sections that correspond to the 10 groups in the Standard Occupational Classification System. Key phrases are used for projected employment change and job market conditions. Use the index beginning on page 48 to find a specific occupation.
Employment data
The table provides a snapshot of how employment is expected to change in more than 270 occupations. For each occupation, it shows estimated employment in 2002, the projected numeric change (how many jobs are expected to be gained or lost) over the 2002-12 decade, and the projected percent change (the rate of job growth or loss). Then, it gives a summary of job prospects and factors affecting employment.
The employment data in the table come from the BLS Industry-Occupation Matrix, except where noted. This symbol (**) marks the occupations that are projected to grow much faster than average or to gain at least 200,000 new jobs.
Occupational groups Occupations are grouped according to the similarity of the tasks that workers perform. The table lists employment and outlook summaries for occupations in the following 10 groups and also provides a general statement about opportunities in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Management, business, and financial operations. Workers in these occupations establish plans and policies, manage money, and direct business activities.
Professional and related. Workers in this group perform a variety of skilled functions, such as teaching, designing, or diagnosing and treating illness.
Service. This group includes workers who assist the public in a number of ways, providing services from grounds maintenance to community safety.
Sales and related. Workers in this group advertise and sell goods and services and purchase commodities and property for resale.
Office and administrative support. Workers in these occupations prepare and organize documents, provide information to the public, gather and deliver goods, and operate office software and equipment.
Farming, fishing, and forestry. Workers in this group tend and harvest renewable resources and manage forests and public parks.
Construction trades and related. Workers in these occupations build and repair homes, businesses, roads, and other structures.
Installation, maintenance, and repair. These workers install and repair all types of goods and equipment.
Production. Workers in this group assemble goods or create energy, usually by operating machines and other equipment.
Transportation and material moving. Workers in these occupations move people and materials.
Key phrases in the “Brief”
For descriptions about changing employment between
2002 and 2012:
If the statement reads … Employment is projected to …
Much faster than average Increase 36 percent or more
Faster than average Increase 21 to 35 percent
Average Increase 10 to 20 percent
More slowly than average Increase 3 to 9 percent
Little or no growth Increase 0 to 2 percent
Declining employment Decrease 1 percent or more
If available, information about expected competition
for jobs is provided.
* “Very good” or “excellent” indicates that job openings
may be more numerous than jobseekers.
* “Good” or “favorable” indicates that job openings and
jobseekers are expected to be about equal.
* “Keen competition” indicates that jobseekers may
outnumber job openings.
Employment change,
Employment, projected 2002-12 (1)
Occupation 2002 Numeric Percent
Management
Administrative services
managers 320,500 63,500 20
Advertising, marketing,
promotions, public
relations, and sales
managers 700,100 185,300 26
Computer and information
systems managers 284,400 102,600 36
**
Construction managers 388,800 46,700 12
Education administrators 426,600 100,800 24
Engineering and natural
sciences managers 257,300 24,700 10
Farmers, ranchers, and
agricultural managers 1,376,000 -227,000 -17
Financial managers 599,100 109,500 18
Food service managers 385,500 44,300 12
Funeral directors 24,300 1,600 7
Human resources, training,
and labor relations
managers and
specialists 676,700 170,800 25
Industrial production
managers 182,200 14,300 8
Lodging managers 68,800 4,500 7
Medical and health
services managers 243,600 71,300 29
Property, real estate, and community
association managers 292,900 37,400 13
Purchasing managers, buyers,
and purchasing agents 527,100 41,300 8
Top executives 2,668,600 469,300 18
**
Business and financial operations
Accountants and auditors 1,055,200 205,500 19
**
Budget analysts 62,200 8,700 14
Claims adjusters,
appraisers, examiners, and
investigators 241,400 33,900 14
Cost estimators 188,000 35,000 19
Financial analysts and personal
financial advisors 298,300 75,800 25
Insurance underwriters 101,800 10,200 10
Loan counselors and
officers 254,600 47,600 19
Management analysts 577,400 175,700 30
Tax examiners, collectors,
and revenue agents 74,800 3,8000 5
Professional and related
Computer and mathematical
Actuaries 15,300 2,300 15
Computer programmers 498,600 72,700 15
Computer software
engineers 675,200 307,200 45
** **
Computer support specialists and
systems administrators 758,300 247,300 33
**
Computer systems analysts, database
administrators, and
computer scientists 979,200 416,000 42
** **
Mathematicians 2,900 -30 -1
Operations research analysts 61,700 3,900 6
Statisticians 20,000 1,000 5
Architects, surveyors, and cartographers
Architects, except
landscape and naval 113,200 19,500 17
Landscape architects 23,100 5,100 22
Surveyors, cartographers, photogrammetrists,
and surveying
technicians 124,500 17,500 14
Engineers (2)
36,508 108,600 7
Aerospace engineers 77,900 -4,100 -5
Agricultural engineers 2,900 300 10
Biomedical engineers 7,600 2,000 26
Chemical engineers 32,900 100 0
Civil engineers 228,100 18,200 8
Computer hardware
engineers 73,900 4,500 6
Electrical and electronics engineers,
except computer 291,900 16,700 6
Environmental engineers 47,100 18,000 38
*
Industrial engineers, including
health and safety 193,800 19,700 10
Materials engineers 24,300 1,000 4
Mechanical engineers 215,100 10,300 5
Mining and geological engineers,
including mining
safety engineers 5,200 -100 -3
Nuclear engineers 15,600 -20 0
Petroleum engineers 13,600 -1,300 -10
Drafters and engineering technicians
Drafters 216,100 6,000 3
Engineering technicians 478,300 48,200 10
Life scientists
Agricultural and food
scientists 18,000 1,600 9
Biological scientists 75,400 14,300 19
Conservation scientists
and foresters 32,800 1,400 4
Medical scientists 61,700 16,800 27
Physical scientists
Atmospheric scientists 7,700 1,200 16
Chemists and materials
scientists 91,300 11,300 12
Environmental scientists
and geoscientists 100,700 20,300 20
Physicists and
astronomers 14,400 1,000 7
Social scientists and related
Economists 16,100 2,200 13
Market and survey
researchers 154,700 38,300 25
Psychologists 139,100 33,800 24
Urban and regional
planners 32,200 3,400 11
Social scientists, other 16,500 1,600 10
Science technicians
208,500 27,100 13
Community and social services
Clergy (3) (3) (3)
Counselors 525,900 118,900 23
Probation officers and correctional
treatment specialists 84,300 12,400 15
Social and human service
assistants 305,200 148,700 49
*
Social workers 476,600 127,100 27
Legal
Court reporters 17,800 2,300 13
Judges, magistrates, and
other judicial workers 51,400 4,200 8
Lawyers 695,200 117,900 17
Paralegals and legal
assistants 199,600 57,300 29
Education, training, library, and museum
Archivists, curators, and
museum technicians 22,300 3,800 17
Instructional
coordinators 98,500 25,000 25
Librarians 167,100 16,800 10
Library technicians 119,300 20,000 17
Teacher assistants 1,276,700 294,100 23
**
Teachers–adult literacy and remedial
and self-enrichment
education 280,400 96,700 34
Teachers–postsecondary 1,581,200 602,700 38
** **
Teachers–preschool, kindergarten,
elementary, middle,
and secondary 3,754,400 665,600 18
Teachers–special
education 432,900 129,800 30
Art and design
Artists and related
workers 148,700 21,400 14
Designers 531,900 92,700 17
Entertainers and performers and sports and related
Actors, producers and
directors 139,200 25,100 18
Athletes, coaches, umpires,
and related workers 158,400 29,000 18
Dancers and
choreographers 37,300 5,000 13
Musicians, singers, and
related workers 215,400 34,800 16
Media and communication-related
Announcers 75,700 -7,600 -10
Broadcast and sound engineering
technicians and radio
operators 93,000 18,200 20
Interpreters and
translators 24,100 5,300 22
News analysts, reporters,
and correspondents 65,700 4,100 6
Photographers 130,400 17,800 14
Public relations
specialists 158,100 52,100 33
Television, video, and motion picture
camera operators and
editors 47,500 8,900 19
Writers and editors 318,600 51,100 16
Health diagnosing and treating
Audiologists 10,900 3,200 29
Chiropractors 48,900 11,400 23
Dentists 152,600 6,300 4
Dietitians and
nutritionists 48,900 8,700 18
Occupational therapists 81,600 28,700 35
Optometrists 32,100 5,500 17
Pharmacists 230,200 69,200 30
Physical therapists 136,900 48,300 35
Physician assistants 63,000 30,800 49
*
Physicians and surgeons 583,000 113,500 19
Podiatrists 13,300 2,000 15
Recreational therapists 26,700 2,400 9
Registered nurses 2,284,500 623,200 27
**
Respiratory therapists 112,200 38,900 35
Speech-language
pathologists 94,300 25,600 27
Veterinarians 57,500 14,400 25
Health technologists and technicians
Cardiovascular technologists
and technicians 43,400 14,600 34
Clinical laboratory technologists
and technicians 297,400 57,600 19
Dental hygienists 148,000 63,700 43
Diagnostic medical
sonographers 36,500 8,800 24
Emergency medical technicians
and paramedics 179,100 59,300 33
Licensed practical and licensed
vocational nurses 701,900 141,800 20
Medical records and health
information
technicians 146,900 68,700 47
Nuclear medicine
technologists 17,100 4,100 24
Occupational health and safety
specialists and
technicians 41,400 5,400 13
Opticians, dispensing 63,200 11,500 18
Pharmacy technicians 210,800 60,700 29
Radiologic technologists
and technicians 174,100 40,000 23
Surgical technologists 72,200 20,200 28
Veterinary technologists
and technicians 52,700 23,200 44
**
Healthcare support
Dental assistants 266,000 113,000 42
**
Medical assistants 364,600 214,800 59
Medical
transcriptionists 100,800 22,800 23
Nursing, psychiatric, and
home health aides 2,014,300 630,400 31
**
Occupational therapist
assistants and aides 26,800 10,800 40
Pharmacy aides 60,300 10,600 18
Physical therapist
assistants and aides 87,200 39,500 45
**
Protective service
Correctional officers 475,600 111,100 23
Fire fighting
occupations 358,900 71,800 20
Police and detectives 840,100 192,700 23
Private detectives and
investigators 48,000 12,200 25
Security guards and gaming
surveillance officers 1,004,400 319,300 32
**
Food preparation and serving related
Chefs, cooks, and food
preparation workers 2,968,200 366,700 12
**
Food and beverage serving
and related workers 6,539,000 1,133,000 17
**
Building and grounds cleaning and maintenance
Building cleaning
workers 3,988,700 587,700 15
**
Grounds maintenance
workers 1,310,000 282,500 22
**
Pest control workers 61,600 10,400 17
Personal care and service
Animal care and service
workers 151,300 31,500 21
Barbers, cosmetologists, and other
personal appearance
workers 754,100 111,100 15
Child care workers 1,211,100 141,600 12
Flight attendants 104,000 16,600 16
Gaming services
occupations 192,000 40,400 21
Personal and home care
aides 607,600 245,900 40
** **
Recreation and fitness
workers 484,800 143,100 30
Sales and Related
Cashiers 3,465,000 462,100 13
**
Counter and rental
clerks 435,800 114,400 26
Demonstrators, product promoters,
and models 179,200 30,300 17
Insurance sales agents 381,400 32,100 8
Real estate brokers and
sales agents 406,800 19,900 5
Retail salespersons 4,075,800 595,900 15
**
Sales engineers 81,700 16,300 20
Sales representatives, wholesale
and manufacturing 1,857,100 356,300 19
**
Sales worker
supervisors 2,395,000 204,000 9
**
Securities, commodities, and financial
services sales agents 299,900 39,000 13
Travel agents 118,500 -16,400 -14
Office and administrative support
Communications equipment
operators 303,700 -31,900 -11
Computer operators 181,800 -30,400 -17
Customer service
representatives 1,894,100 459,700 24
**
Data entry and information
processing workers 632,800 -114,300 -18
Desktop publishers 35,000 10,200 29
Financial clerks (2) 3,725,900 260,700 7
**
Bill and account
collectors 413,000 101,000 24
Billing and posting clerks and
machine operators 506,600 40,200 8
Bookkeeping, accounting,
and auditing clerks 1,983,100 59,300 3
Gaming cage workers 18,300 2,700 15
Payroll and timekeeping
clerks 197,700 12,900 7
Procurement clerks 76,800 -5,200 -7
Tellers 530,400 49,800 9
Information and record
clerks (2) 5,090,000 913,900 18
**
Brokerage clerks 77,900 -11,400 -15
Credit authorizers, checkers,
and clerks 79,700 -5,400 -7
File clerks 264,600 -700 0
Hotel, motel, and resort
desk clerks 177,700 42,500 24
Human resources assistants, except
payroll and
timekeeping 173,800 33,500 19
Interviewers 457,200 18,700 4
Library assistants,
clerical 120,400 25,900 21
Order clerks 329,700 -18,600 -6
Receptionists and
information clerks 1,100,300 324,600 29
**
Reservation and transportation
ticket agents and
travel clerks 177,300 21,700 12
Material recording, scheduling, dispatching,
and distributing
occupations (2) 4,004,900 20,500 1
Cargo and freight agents 59,100 9,200 15
Couriers and messengers 132,300 5,300 4
Dispatchers 262,200 36,200 14
Meter readers, utilities 54,000 -7,600 -14
Production, planning,
and expediting clerks 287,600 40,400 14
Shipping, receiving, and
traffic clerks 803,000 24,200 3
Stock clerks and order
fillers 1,627,700 -68,100 -4
Weighers, measurers, checkers,
and samplers,
recordkeeping 80,700 11,800 15
Office and administrative support worker
supervisors and
managers 1,459,400 95,900 7
Office clerks, general 2,991,100 309,600 10
**
Postal Service workers 664,200 -28,500 -4
Secretaries and
administrative
assistants 4,104,300 183,600 4
Farming, fishing, and forestry
Agricultural workers 795,100 35,600 4
Fishers and fishing
vessel operators 36,400 -9,800 -27
Forest, conservation, and
logging workers 81,100 -1,500 -2
Construction trades and related
Boilermakers 24,600 400 2
Brickmasons, blockmasons,
and stonemasons 164,900 23,400 14
Carpenters 1,208,600 122,400 10
Carpet, floor, and tile installers
and finishers 163,700 27,400 17
Cement masons, concrete finishers,
segmental pavers, and
terrazzo workers 190,200 48,700 26
Construction and building
inspectors 83,700 11,600 14
Construction equipment
operators 415,800 44,500 11
Construction laborers 937,800 132,700 14
Drywall installers, ceiling tile
installers, and
tapers 176,100 37,500 21
Electricians 659,400 154,500 23
Elevator installers and
repairers 21,000 3,600 17
Glaziers 48,500 8,300 17
Hazardous materials removal
workers 37,600 16,200 43
*
Insulation workers 53,500 8,500 16
Painters and
paperhangers 467,600 53,100 11
Pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters,
and steamfitters 550,100 98,800 18
Plasterers and stucco
masons 59,100 8,000 14
Roofers 166,200 30,900 19
Sheet metal workers 205,000 40,600 20
Structural and reinforcing iron
and metal workers 106,700 17,200 16
Installation, maintenance, and repair
Electrical and electronic equipment mechanics, installers, and
repairers
Computer, automated teller, and
office machine
repairers 156,300 23,500 15
Electrical and electronics
installers and
repairers 172,200 14,200 8
Electronic home entertainment equipment
installers and
repairers 42,600 3,700 9
Radio and telecommunications equipment
installers and
repairers 226,000 -3,500 -2
Vehicle and mobile equipment mechanics, installers, and repairers
Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics
and service
technicians 154,000 15,200 10
Automotive body and
related repairers 220,100 28,600 13
Automotive service technicians
and mechanics 818,200 101,200 12
Diesel service technicians
and mechanics 267,200 37,800 14
Heavy vehicle and mobile equipment
service technicians
and mechanics 175,600 15,400 9
Small engine mechanics 66,900 12,500 19
Other installation, maintenance, and repair
Coin, vending, and amusement machine
servicers and
repairers 42,700 6,500 15
Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration
mechanics and
installers 248,700 79,100 32
Home appliance
repairers 42,000 2,300 5
Industrial machinery installation,
repair, and maintenance workers,
except millwrights 289,200 16,300 6
Line installers and
repairers 268,400 33,000 12
Maintenance and repair workers,
general 1,265,600 206,800 16
**
Millwrights 69,500 3,700 5
Precision instrument and
equipment repairers 63,700 5,500 9
Assemblers and fabricators
2,121,800 -77,300 4
Food processing occupations
756,600 79,300 10
Metal workers and plastics workers
Computer control programmers
and operators 151,200 14,800 10
Machinists 386,800 31,900 8
Machine setters, operators, and
tenders–metal and
plastic 1,267,400 63,400 5
Tool and die makers 109,500 400 0
Welding, soldering, and
brazing workers 451,700 66,700 15
Printing
Bookbinders and bindery
workers 98,000 -4,700 -5
Prepress technicians and
workers 147,600 -5,100 -3
Printing machine
operators 198,700 9,100 5
Textile, apparel, and furnishings occupations
36,124 -152,500 -14
Woodworkers
373,600 19,200 5
Plant and system operators
Power plant operators, distributors,
and dispatchers 50,900 -300 -1
Stationary engineers and
boiler operators 55,400 100 0
Water and liquid waste treatment plant
and system operators 99,300 15,900 16
Other production occupations
Dental laboratory
technicians 46,900 1,700 4
Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers,
and weighers 515,400 24,100 5
Jewelers and precious stone
and metal workers 40,300 1,800 4
Ophthalmic laboratory
technicians 33,100 3,000 9
Painting and coating workers,
except construction and
maintenance 186,600 24,300 13
Photographic process workers
and processing machine
operators 82,400 6,500 8
Semiconductor
processors 46,500 -4,900 -11
Transportation and material moving
Air transportation
Aircraft pilots and flight
engineers 100,200 17,800 18
Air traffic controllers 25,600 3,200 13
Material moving occupations
4,869,400 442,600 9
**
Motor vehicle operators
Bus drivers 654,400 106,300 16
Taxi drivers and
chauffeurs 132,200 28,700 22
Truck drivers and
driver/sales workers 3,220,800 592,200 18
**
Rail transportation occupations
101,100 -5,400 -5
Water transportation occupations
68,000 2,300 3
Job opportunities in the U.S. Armed Forces
2,500,000 (4) (5) (5)
Occupation Employment prospects
Management
Administrative services
managers Average growth. Businesses are placing
more importance on maintaining and
operating facilities efficiently,
increasing the need for these workers.
Applicants are expected to face keen
competition due to the substantial
supply of experienced workers seeking
managerial jobs.
Advertising, marketing,
promotions, public
relations, and sales
managers Faster than average growth. Employment
growth is projected as businesses
increasingly compete for consumers. Keen
competition is expected for these highly
coveted jobs. Opportunities should be
best for those who have a bachelor’s
degree and who have related experience,
creativity, and strong communication
skills.
Computer and information
systems managers Much faster than average growth. More
sophisticated technologies and greater
use of computer networks should increase
employment of computer workers and,
therefore, their managers. Opportunities
are expected to be best for workers who
have a master’s degree in business
administration with technology as a core
component, advanced technical knowledge,
and strong communication and administra-
tive skills.
Construction managers Average growth. Increased technology and
regulation have made construction pro-
jects more complex and should spur
growth. Good employment opportunities
are expected, in part because of the
need to replace workers who retire.
Prospects should be best for those who
have a bachelor’s or higher degree in
construction science, construction
management, or civil engineering and
have experience working in construction.
Education administrators Faster than average growth. Demand
should be driven by increasing student
enrollments, particularly in postsecond-
ary schools in the private and for-
profit sectors and in pre-schools and
childcare centers, many of which are
expanding in response to government
programs. Job opportunities should be
excellent because of the large number
of workers expected to retire.
Engineering and natural
sciences managers Average growth. Job growth should be
closely related to that of the engineers
and scientists these workers supervise.
Opportunities are expected to be best
for workers who have advanced technical
knowledge and good business and
communication skills.
Farmers, ranchers, and
agricultural managers Declining employment. Increased worker
productivity and the continuing conso-
lidation of small farms are expected to
reduce employment of farmers and
ranchers but create modest job growth
for salaried agricultural managers.
Raising nursery and greenhouse products
and organic food is expected to provide
the best opportunities.
Financial managers Average growth. Employment is expected
to grow as the economy expands and as
organizations continue to rely on these
workers’ financial expertise. But keen
competition for jobs is expected;
candidates who have a master’s degree in
accounting or finance are expected to
have the most favorable prospects.
Food service managers Average growth. As demand and population
grow, the number of eating and drinking
places is expected to increase, creating
jobs for these workers. Applicants who
have an associate or bachelor’s degree
in restaurant and institutional food
service management should have the best
prospects.
Funeral directors Slower than average growth. Employment
growth is expected as both the popula-
tion and the number of deaths increase.
Employment opportunities are expected
to be good, particularly for workers who
also embalm. But graduates of mortuary
science programs may have to relocate
to find jobs.
Human resources, training,
and labor relations
managers and
specialists Faster than average growth. New employ-
ment regulations, ongoing efforts to
recruit and retain employees, and the
growing importance of employee training
should increase demand for workers in
this occupation. However, the abundant
supply of qualified applicants is
expected to create keen competition for
jobs.
Industrial production
managers Slower than average growth. The
increasing productivity of production
workers is expected to limit employment
growth of their managers. Applicants
who have a degree in industrial engi-
neering, management, or business
administration, particularly those who
have a bachelor’s degree in engineering
and a master’s degree in business
administration or industrial management,
should enjoy the best job prospects.
Lodging managers Slower than average growth. Employment
growth is expected to be tempered by an
increase in low-cost and extended-stay
hotels, which require fewer managers,
and the transfer of some managerial
duties to front desk clerks. Job
opportunities are expected to be best
for those who have a college degree in
hotel or restaurant management.
Medical and health
services managers Faster than average growth. Employment
is expected to grow fastest–and
opportunities are expected to be
especially good–in home healthcare
services, outpatient care centers, and
offices of physicians and other health
practitioners. Applicants who have a
master’s degree, healthcare experience,
and strong business skills should have
the best prospects.
Property, real estate, and community
association managers Average employment growth. A growing
number of apartments, houses, and
offices are expected to require
managers. New homes increasingly are
organized with community or homeowner
associations that provide services and
oversight and require professional
management. Opportunities should be best
for those who have a bachelor’s degree
in business administration, real
estate, or a related field and have a
professional designation.
Purchasing managers, buyers,
and purchasing agents Slower than average growth. Increased
use of computerized purchasing systems
should restrain employment growth. The
best opportunities are expected for
purchasing agents of complex equipment,
workers in the services sector, and
those who have a bachelor’s degree in
business.
Top executives Average growth. Projected employment
growth of these workers varies by
industry–for example, growth is
projected to be faster than average in
professional, scientific, and technical
services but to decline in some manu-
facturing industries. Keen competition
is expected because the prestige and
high pay attract many qualified
applicants. Expected to have the best
opportunities are experienced managers
whose accomplishments reflect strong
leadership and an ability to improve an
organization’s efficiency or
competitive position.
Business and financial operations
Accountants and auditors Average growth. Employment growth is
expected because of changing financial
regulations, rising scrutiny of business
finances, and an increase in the number
of businesses. Job prospects are
expected to be favorable overall and
best for those who have a master’s
degree, professional certification,
and knowledge of accounting software.
Budget analysts Average growth. Employment growth
should be driven by the continuing
demand for expert analysis of complex
financial information. Job competition
is expected to be keen; candidates who
have a master’s degree should have the
best opportunities.
Claims adjusters,
appraisers, examiners, and
investigators Average growth. Because these jobs are
not easily automated, employment should
grow as the number of insurance claims
increases. Keen competition is expected
for investigator jobs, with college
graduates having the best prospects.
Cost estimators Average growth. Growth of the construc-
tion industry is expected to drive
demand for these workers. Job prospects
in construction and manufacturing–the
primary employers of cost estima-
tors–should be best for those who have
industry work experience and a
bachelor’s degree in a related field.
Financial analysts and personal
financial advisors Faster than average growth. Rising
levels of investment by businesses and
individuals should drive growth. Baby
boomers saving for retirement and a
population that is generally better
educated and wealthier are expected to
require more financial advice. However,
competition for financial analyst jobs
is expected to be keen.
Insurance underwriters Average growth. Underwriting software
should continue to increase worker
productivity. But because human skills
are still needed, employment is expected
to increase with rising insurance needs.
Opportunities should be best for under-
writers specializing in long-term care
and other areas that are expected to
have significant new business.
Loan counselors and
officers Average growth. Population increases and
economic expansion are expected to spur
above-average demand for loans, but
increased automation of lending pro-
cesses should curb employment. Those who
have a bachelor’s degree and have
banking, lending, or sales experience
should have the best job prospects.
Management analysts Faster than average growth. Organiza-
tional changes, growth of international
business, and changing technology are
expected to provide opportunities for
these workers. Despite fast growth,
keen job competition is anticipated
because the high salaries, good
benefits, and prestigious work attract
many jobseekers. Opportunities are
expected to be best for those who have
a master’s degree and management
experience.
Tax examiners, collectors,
and revenue agents Slower than average growth. Government
budgetary constraints, the increased
use of computers in filing and
processing tax returns, and the
contracting out of tax collections to
the private sector are expected to
dampen employment growth. Because of
the relatively small number of openings,
jobseekers should expect keen
competition.
Professional and related
Computer and mathematical
Actuaries Average growth. More workers should be
needed to analyze an increasing array
of risks related to health, terrorism,
and environmental hazards. Employment
in the insurance industry–the largest
employer of actuaries–should be stable.
The best opportunities are expected to
be in consulting.
Computer programmers Average growth. Job growth is expected
to be slower than in the previous
decade, as some routine programming
tasks increasingly are eliminated by
sophisticated software or are outsour-
ced overseas. Prospects should be best
for those with a bachelor’s degree who
know many programming languages and
tools; those without formal education
or equivalent. Work experience may face
keen competition.
Computer software
engineers Much faster than average growth. Strong
demand for software engineers is
projected as organizations continue to
adopt and integrate new technologies
and seek to maximize the efficiency of
their computer systems. Job growth will
be slower than in the previous decade
as the software industry matures and as
some routine tasks are increasingly
outsourced overseas. Very good
opportunities are expected for those
who have work experience and at least a
bachelor’s degree in computer
engineering or computer science.
Computer support specialists and
systems administrators Faster than average growth. As
computers and software becomes more
complex and new innovations are
introduced, support specialists will be
needed to help users. Job growth is not
expected to be as explosive as in the
previous decade, partly because some of
these jobs are being outsourced
overseas. Strong demand for network
administrators also is expected as
electronic commerce and computer
applications develop and cybersecurity
becomes a priority. Job prospects
should be best for associate or
bachelor’s degree holders who keep
current with the latest skills and
technologies.
Computer systems analysts, database
administrators, and
computer scientists Much faster than average growth. Growth
should be driven by rapid increases in
computer systems design and related
services. Employment prospects should
be favorable, especially for candidates
who have either a bachelor’s degree in
computer science or computer
engineering or a master’s degree in
business administration with a concen-
tration in information systems.
Mathematicians Declining employment. The number of
jobs for people with the title of
mathematician is expected to decline,
despite rising demand for workers with
mathematical skills. This work is
becoming more integrated with other
fields, such as engineering, computer
science, physics, and finance. Workers
who have strong backgrounds in these
related disciplines should have better
opportunities. Competition should be
keen.
Operations research
analysts Slower than average growth. Projected
employment reflects a slowing in the
use of this job title. Many operations-
research positions instead use titles
such as operations analyst, management
analyst, systems analyst, or policy
analyst. But opportunities are expected
to increase as organizations strive to
improve their productivity and
competitiveness. Jobseekers who have a
graduate degree in operations research,
management science, or a closely related
field should have the best prospects.
Statisticians Slower than average growth. The use of
this job title is expected to slow as
workers who study statistics increa-
singly hold jobs with other titles.
Opportunities will be best for those who
analyze and interpret data related to
economics, biological science,
psychology, and computer software
engineering.
Architects, surveyors, and cartographers
Architects, except
landscape and naval Average employment growth. Growth in
construction, particularly of nonresi-
dential structures such as office
buildings, shopping centers, schools,
and healthcare facilities, is expected
to spur employment. Due to the
popularity of the occupation, jobseekers
may face keen competition.
Landscape architects Faster than average growth. Homeowners’
and businesses’ increasing desire for
extensive landscaping projects and the
need to design large-scale government
transportation and water management
projects are expected to generate high
demand for these workers.
Surveyors, cartographers, photogrammetrists,
and surveying
technicians Average growth. Increasing availability
and use of geographic data and
geographic information systems (GIS) are
expected to spur employment. Technician
jobs are expected to grow faster than
average, creating many opportunities,
but low entry requirements could create
competition among applicants. For
surveyors, cartographers, and photo-
grammetrists, opportunities are expected
to be best for those who have at
least a bachelor’s degree and strong
technical skills.
Engineers (2)
Slower than average growth. Expected
changes in employment and, thus, job
opportunities vary by specialty.
Overall, job opportunities in
engineering are expected to be good.
Aerospace engineers Declining employment. Foreign
competition and the slow-down in air
travel are expected to limit demand for
commercial aircraft and reduce
employment in this occupation.
Nevertheless, favorable opportunities
are expected because of the declining
number of degrees granted in aerospace
engineering over the last decade.
Agricultural engineers Average growth. Job opportunities should
result from an increased demand for
resource conservation and the global
standardization of agricultural
equipment.
Biomedical engineers Faster than average growth. The demand
for more advanced medical equipment is
expected to spur employment growth. The
number of degrees granted in biomedical
engineering has increased, however,
making competition for jobs more
likely.
Chemical engineers Little or no growth. Chemical companies
are expected to continue researching
and developing new chemicals and
processes. The pharmaceuticals industry
and the research and testing services
industry may provide the best opportu-
nities. Overall employment in the
chemical manufacturing industry is
projected to decline, but the need to
replace workers who retire should create
some opportunities.
Civil engineers Slower than average growth. Spurred by
general population growth and an
increased emphasis on infrastructure and
security, employment of these workers is
projected to increase somewhat.
Computer hardware
engineers Slower than average growth. Although the
use of information technology continues
to expand rapidly, intense foreign
competition and high worker productivity
are projected to restrain employment
growth. Computer hardware engineers may
face keen competition for jobs because
the number of degrees granted in this
field has increased rapidly.
Electrical and electronics engineers,
except computer Slower than average growth. Despite
rising demand for electrical and
electronic goods–such as advanced
coumaunications equipment, defense-
related electronic equipment, and
consumer electronics products–
engineering services and electronic
products from other countries are
expected to limit employment growth.
Favorable opportunities are expected,
in part because of the need to replace
workers who retire.
Environmental engineers Much faster than average growth. More
of these workers will be hired to
develop ways to clean hazards and comply
with environmental regulations,
especially as this specialty becomes
better known. Opportunities are expected
to be favorable.
Industrial engineers, including
health and safety Average growth. As firms seek to reduce
costs and as concern for safety grows,
employment of these workers is projected
to increase. Employment of safety and
health engineers is expected to grow
less than employment of other types of
industrial engineers.
Materials engineers Slower than average growth. Although job
declines are expected in many of the
manufacturing industries that employ
these workers, engineers should still be
needed to develop new materials for
electronics, biotechnology, and plastics
products. As firms contract for engi-
neering services, fast employment
growth is projected in many profe-
ssional, scientific, and technical
services industries.
Mechanical engineers Slower than average growth. Despite job
declines in manufacturing, opportunities
should result from the demand for more
complex and efficient machinery and
processes, growth in biotechnology and
material science, and the contracting
of work to business and engineering
services firms.
Mining and geological engineers,
including mining
safety engineers Declining employment. Employment is
projected to fall in most of the
industries employing these workers.
However, very good opportunities are
expected because of the small number of
graduates in this field and the need to
replace the many workers expected to
retire.
Nuclear engineers Little or no growth. No new nuclear
power plants have been constructed in
many years, so little or no employment
growth is projected. Nevertheless, good
job prospects are expected as current
workers retire and the number of
graduates in this field remains small.
Petroleum engineers Declining employment. Most of the po-
tential petroleum-producing areas in
the United States have been explored,
reducing employment in this country.
Good employment opportunities are
expected, however, as workers retire and
the number of degrees granted in this
field remains small. In addition,
employment opportunities abound in other
countries for U.S.-trained petroleum
engineers.
Drafters and engineering technicians
Drafters Slower than average growth. Industrial
growth and increasingly complex design
problems are expected to boost the
demand for drafting services. However,
increased use of computer-assisted
design and drafting (CADD) equipment
should improve productivity and limit
employment of less-skilled drafters.
Job opportunities are expected to be
best for people who have at least 2
years of postsecondary training and
experience using CADD systems.
Engineering technicians Average growth. Competitive pressures
are expected to force companies to
improve and update facilities and
product designs more rapidly than in
the past, creating job growth for these
workers. Opportunities are expected to
be best for individuals who have an
associate degree or extensive job
training.
Life scientists
Agricultural and food
scientists Slower than average growth. These
workers are projected to have little
job growth in the Federal Government
and modest growth in State and local
governments, the largest employers of
these scientists. Workers seeking
research scientist and postsecondary
teaching positions may face competition
as the number of doctoral recipients
increases and the number of positions
remains limited. Opportunities may be
more numerous for research assistants
who have a master’s degree.
Biological scientists Average growth. The demand for medical
research is expected to drive growth.
But doctoral degree holders can expect
keen competition for basic research
positions as the number of Ph.D.
recipients increases. More opportunities
are expected for bachelor’s degree
holders in nonresearch positions.
Conservation scientists
and foresters Slower than average growth. Opportuni-
ties with State governments are expected
to be limited by budget constraints and
a decreasing emphasis on timber
programs. Stronger growth is expected in
consulting firms that specialize in
issues related to environmental pro-
tection, land management, and water.
Medical scientists Faster than average growth. Growth will
be generated by medical research and
the demand for new drugs. Infection-
control programs and concerns about
bioterrorism also are projected to
create jobs, particularly in epidemio-
logy. But as the number of Ph.D.
recipients grows, workers can expect
competition for basic research
positions.
Physical scientists
Atmospheric scientists Average growth. Consulting firms are
expected to provide the best job
prospects as weather predictions become
more detailed and useful to businesses.
The National Weather Service, the
largest employer of atmospheric
scientists, is expected to have limited
job growth.
Chemists and materials
scientists Average growth. Most job growth is
expected in pharmaceutical and medicine
manufacturing and research and
development firms, reflecting demand for
new drugs and personal-care products.
Those who have a graduate degree are
expected to enjoy better opportunities
than are those who have a bachelor’s
degree.
Environmental scientists
and geoscientists Average growth. Environmental scientist
and hydrologist jobs are expected to
grow faster than average as these
workers help organizations comply with
environmental laws. Average growth is
expected for geoscientists as oil and
gas exploration becomes more efficient.
Geoscientists who speak a foreign
language and are willing to work abroad
should have the best prospects.
Physicists and
astronomers Slower than average growth. An emphasis
on applied research means that many
people whose work relates to physics
will have other job titles. Increased
undergraduate enrollment in science and
limited research funds are expected to
create competition among Ph.D.s for
basic research jobs. Opportunities may
be more numerous for master’s degree
holders in applied research and
development.
Social scientists and related
Economists Average growth. Demand for economists
stems from the growing complexity of
the global economy and increased
reliance on quantitative methods for
analyzing and forecasting business,
sales, and other economic trends.
Bachelor’s degree holders face
competition for the limited number of
positions for which they qualify.
Opportunities should be best for workers
who have advanced degrees and strong
quantitative skills.
Market and survey
researchers Faster than average growth. Increasing
competition among companies and demand
for public-opinion research are expected
to fuel demand for these workers.
Opportunities are expected to be best
for those who have strong quantitative
skills and a graduate degree in
marketing or a related field.
Psychologists Faster than average growth. Opportu-
nities may be best for school psycholo-
gists as more student services are
provided. Opportunities also are
expected for clinical and counseling
specialists, especially for those who
hold doctorates, as they help clients
deal with their stress, family problems,
and other issues.
Urban and regional
planners Average growth. These workers will be
needed to plan for the housing, land
use, and transportation of a growing
population. Budget constraints could
limit job growth in local governments,
the primary employers of planners.
Growth should be more rapid in
consulting firms. Most new jobs are
expected to be in rapidly growing
communities.
Social scientists, other Average growth. Anthropologists,
geographers, and sociologists are
expected to have better job prospects
than will historians and political
scientists. Social scientists are
expected to find some job opportunities
in the private sector in product
development, marketing, policy research,
and application of GIS technology. Job
competition is expected to remain keen
for all specialties.
Science technicians
Average growth. Increases in scientific
and medical research, especially in
biotechnology and environmental science,
should stimulate demand for technicians.
Employment of biological, forensic
science, and environmental technicians
is expected to grow more rapidly than
that of other technicians. A high rate
of retirement is expected to provide
jobs for entry-level chemical
technicians.
Community and social services
Clergy Opportunities should be very good for
clergy as the number of graduates of
seminaries and other theological
schools is less than the number of
openings. Roman Catholic priests should
have the best job prospects. Rabbis also
should have good opportunities. Openings
for Protestant ministers vary by
denomination.
Counselors Faster than average growth. Employment
is expected to increase with growth of
educational, employment, rehabilitation,
and other counseling services. Numerous
job openings should result from the
need to replace counselors who retire.
Probation officers and correctional
treatment specialists Average growth. The increasing prison,
parole, and probation populations should
spur demand for these workers, but job
growth depends primarily on the level of
government funding for probation and
parole agencies.
Social and human service
assistants Much faster than average growth. Growth
should result from the increasing demand
for social and human services for
substance abusers, the elderly, and the
mentally and physically disabled. Job
opportunities should be excellent,
particularly for jobseekers who have
appropriate postsecondary education.
Social workers Faster than average growth. The rapidly
increasing elderly population is
expected to spur demand for social
services. Competition for jobs is
strongest in cities, but opportunities
should be good in rural areas.
Employment prospects should be best for
social workers with experience in
gerontology and substance abuse
treatment.
Legal
Court reporters Average growth. Employment should be
spurred by the continuing need for court
records and increasing demand for
captioned television programs and
Internet broadcasts.
Judges, magistrates, and
other judicial workers Slower than average growth. Tight State
and Federal budgets are expected to
limit the number of jobs for new judges.
Most openings should arise as judges
retire. Opportunities should be good for
arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators
due to the growing popularity of cost-
effective alternatives to litigation.
Lawyers Average growth. Projected demand results
primarily from increased legal activity
in some areas, such as healthcare and
intellectual property, and from
population growth. Competition for jobs
at the best law firms is expected to be
keen.
Paralegals and legal
assistants Faster than average growth. As they
become more skilled, paralegals’ duties
are increasing. These workers are
assuming some tasks previously done by
lawyers. Firms are expected to hire more
paralegals to lower costs. Jobseekers
with formal training have the best
prospects.
Education, training, library, and museum
Archivists, curators, and
museum technicians Average growth. Jobs are expected to
grow as organizations give priority to
establishing archives and organizing
information and as public interest in
science, art, history, and technology
results in more museums. Keen
competition is expected for these
popular jobs. Jobseekers who have
extensive computer skills should have
the best opportunities.
Instructional
coordinators Faster than average growth. Growing
numbers of instructional coordinators
are expected to be needed to incorporate
government standards into curriculums
and to help teachers and administrators
understand changes. Opportunities are
expected to be best for those who
specialize in subject areas–
specifically, reading, mathematics, and
science–that have been targeted for
improvement by recent legislation.
Librarians Average growth. Rising enrollments
should increase the demand for school
and university librarians; however, job
growth is expected to be offset somewhat
by computer systems that simplify
cataloging, a task increasingly handled
by library technicians. Very good
opportunities should arise from the
need to replace retirees.
Library technicians Average growth. Projected employment
growth reflects the continuing trend of
library automation, offering technicians
more responsibility. Budget constraints
could result in the hiring of more
library technicians than higher paid
librarians. Opportunities should be
good in special libraries.
Teacher assistants Faster than average growth. Fast growth
in enrollments of special education
students and students for whom English
is not a first language should generate
high demand for teacher assistants who
provide extra help. A greater focus on
educational quality and accountability
also is likely to lead to increased
demand for the remedial instruction that
these workers provide. Opportunities
should be best for workers who have
experience in special education and for
those who can speak a foreign language.
Teachers–adult literacy and remedial
and self-enrichment
education Faster than average growth. Demand for
self-enrichment courses is expected to
rise as retirees and others have more
free time. Opportunities also should be
very good for teachers of English as a
Second Language.
Teachers–postsecondary Much faster than average growth.
Workers’ need to regularly update their
skills should create new opportunities
for postsecondary teachers, particularly
at community colleges and for-profit
institutions that cater to working
adults. A rising young-adult population
also will spur growth. Many new jobs
are likely to be part time.
Teachers–preschool, kindergarten,
elementary, middle,
and secondary Average growth. Student enrollments, a
key factor in employment growth for
teachers, are expected to rise,
especially in the South and West.
Opportunities should be best for
those willing to relocate or work in
urban or rural areas. The large number
of teachers expected to retire should
lead to numerous job openings,
particularly at the secondary level.
Teachers–special
education Faster than average growth. Projected
growth reflects legislation emphasizing
training for people with disabilities,
education reforms requiring higher
graduation standards, and continued
increases in the number of students who
need special education services. Job
prospects are expected to be best for
applicants who are bilingual or have
multicultural experience.
Art and design
Artists and related
workers Average growth. Expanding electronic
and interactive media should create
opportunities for illustrators,
animators, and multimedia artists.
Competition for jobs is expected to be
keen.
Designers Average growth. Among the design
specialties, graphic designers should
have the most new jobs because of a
rapidly expanding market for Web-based
graphics and video entertainment.
Competition for openings is expected to
be extremely keen because many creative
and talented people want to become
designers.
Entertainers and performers and sports and related
Actors, producers and
directors Average growth. Employment is projected
to grow rapidly for workers who produce
Internet, cable, and subscription
broadcast media; motion pictures; and
videos but to grow more slowly in
traditional broadcast and performing
arts media. Competition for jobs is
expected to be keen because much of the
work is short-term.
Athletes, coaches, umpires,
and related workers Average growth. Employment is expected
to grow as the public continues to
participate in organized sports.
Opportunities for coaches and
instructors should be abundant at
high schools and at the amateur level
as school athletic programs grow and as
the public places a higher value on
fitness. Competition for professional
athlete and scouting jobs is expected
to remain keen.
Dancers and
choreographers Average growth. Competition for jobs in
musical theater, dance, and opera
companies should be keen because many
companies are reducing the number of
performances and limiting the number of
dancers. Although still competitive,
jobs in more commercial arenas, such as
theme parks, film, and other
entertainment industries, should be more
plentiful.
Musicians, singers, and
related workers Average growth. Most job growth is
expected in religious organizations.
Overall competition for jobs, especially
among freelance musicians, is expected
to be keen.
Media and communication-related
Announcers Declining employment. Technological
advances, station consolidation, and
lack of new stations are expected to
reduce employment. Competition for jobs
is expected to be keen.
Broadcast and sound engineering
technicians and radio
operators Average growth. Employment growth should
be tempered by station consolidation
and laborsaving technical advances,
such as computer-controlled programming.
Employment of these workers in the
motion picture industry should grow
rapidly, but jobs are expected to remain
competitive because of the number of
people attracted by the glamour of the
industry. People seeking entry-level
jobs are expected to face strong
competition in major metropolitan areas,
where pay generally is higher;
prospects are better in small cities and
towns.
Interpreters and
translators Faster than average growth. Employment
growth is expected to result from
increased international ties and
increasing numbers of foreign language
speakers in the United States.
Job prospects vary by specialty and
language.
News analysts, reporters,
and correspondents Slower than average growth. Employment
growth is expected to be limited by
mergers, consolidations, and closures
of newspapers; decreased circulation;
increased expenses; and a decline in
advertising profits. Small-town and
suburban newspapers and radio and
television stations are expected to
provide the most opportunities.
Competition should continue to be keen
for jobs in large metropolitan and
national outlets.
Photographers Average growth. Growth in the popula-
tion, with its accompanying demand for
portrait photography, and an increase
in Internet magazines and websites that
require photographs are expected to
increase demand for photography
services. However, workers should expect
keen competition, particularly in
commercial and news photography, because
the work attracts many people.
Public relations
specialists Faster than average growth. The need for
good public relations in an
increasingly competitive business
environment is expected to spur job
growth. However, keen competition is
expected for entry-level jobs, as many
people are attracted to this high-
profile profession. Opportunities should
be best for jobseekers who combine a
bachelor’s degree in a communications-
related field with an internship or
related work experience. Employment
change.
Television, video, and motion picture
camera operators and
editors Average growth. Rapid expansion of the
entertainment market, including motion
picture production and distribution and
made-for-Internet broadcasts, should
spur growth in this occupation.
Competition for jobs is expected to be
keen. Those who succeed in getting a
salaried job or in attracting enough
freelance work to earn a living are
likely to be creative, highly motivated,
able to adapt to rapidly changing
technologies, and adept at operating a
business.
Writers and editors Average growth. Technical writers, who
prepare user manuals and write technical
documentation, should experience
rapid employment growth. More opportu-
nities for self-employed writers,
authors, and editors also are expected
because many publishers increasingly
rely on contract or freelance work. But
short-term and irregular assignments
also mean keen competition for work.
Health diagnosing and treating
Audiologists Faster than average growth. As the
population ages, the number of people
with hearing loss will increase,
boosting demand for audiologists.
Additionally, rising school enrollments
and increasing services for special
education students are expected to
create jobs.
Chiropractors Faster than average growth. The desire
for alternative, noninvasive healthcare
is expected to increase the demand for
chiropractic services. Job prospects are
expected to be good.
Dentists Slower than average growth. As baby-
boomers age, many are expected to need
maintenance on complicated dental work.
And people today are more likely to keep
their teeth and, thus, to require care.
But growth is expected to be offset by
dental hygienists and assistants
increasingly handling more routine
services. Job prospects should be good.
Dietitians and
nutritionists Average growth. The increased emphasis
on healthy eating for disease prevention
is expected to boost employment. But
growth may be constrained by limits on
insurance reimbursement and by health
educators or dietetic technicians
assuming some of these workers’ tasks.
Occupational therapists Faster than average growth. Demand for
therapeutic services is expected to
rise because of a growing elderly
population and the increasing number of
individuals with disabilities or
limited function.
Optometrists Average growth. Demand for vision care
should grow steadily because of an aging
population that is susceptible to vision
problems. Replacement needs are low
because optometrists usually remain in
the profession until they retire.
Pharmacists Faster than average growth. Continued
employment increases are expected
because of an aging population, a rise
in the number of medications, and an
increase in pharmacists’ patient-care
duties. Very good opportunities are
expected.
Physical therapists Faster than average growth. The
increasing number of individuals with
disabilities or limited function,
including the elderly, is expected to
spur demand for physical therapy.
Physician assistants Much faster than average growth. Pro-
jected growth reflects the expansion of
health services and efforts to contain
costs by using assistants. Prospects are
expected to be good, particularly in
rural and inner city clinics.
Physicians and surgeons Average growth. The growing and aging
population is expected to drive
employment, as consumers continue to
demand high levels of care that use the
latest technologies, diagnostic tests,
and therapies. Demand for physician
services changes with consumer
preferences, healthcare reimbursement
policies, and legislation. Favorable
prospects are expected, particularly in
rural and low-income areas.
Podiatrists Average growth. Demand for podiatric
services is expected to rise as an
active and aging population sustains
more foot injuries. A limited number of
job openings is expected, however,
because the occupation is small and most
podiatrists remain in it until they
retire.
Recreational therapists Slower than average growth. Employment
is expected to grow in assisted living,
residential care, and adult daycare
facilities but decline slightly in
hospitals as companies try to contain
costs. Opportunities should be best for
people who have either a bachelor’s
degree in therapeutic recreation or in
a related subject with a concentration
in therapeutic recreation.
Registered nurses Faster than average growth. An increasing
demand for healthcare from an aging
population and an increasing emphasis on
preventive care are expected to spur
growth. Employment opportunities are
expected to be very good.
Respiratory therapists Faster than average growth. A rise in
the incidence of cardiopulmonary and
respiratory ailments is expected as the
population ages, spurring demand for
respiratory-therapy services. Job
opportunities should be very good,
especially for those who have cardio-
pulmonary care skills or experience
working with infants.
Speech-language
pathologists Faster than average growth. An increase
in the elderly population is expected to
raise the incidence of stroke and
increase the need for these workers.
Medical advances will help patients
survive longer. Additionally, rising
school enrollments and an increase in
services for special education students
is expected to create jobs.
Veterinarians Faster than average growth. Pet owners are
expected to spend more on advanced
veterinary medical care, creating
more employment. Very good opportunities
are expected, but competition for
admittance to veterinary school is keen.
Health technologists and technicians
Cardiovascular technologists
and technicians Faster than average growth. An aging
population is expected to boost demand
for cardiovascular procedures.
Employment in most specialties is
expected to grow rapidly, but fewer EKG
technicians will be needed as other
workers take over basic testing.
Clinical laboratory technologists
and technicians Average growth. Technological advances
are expected to have two opposing
effects on employment. New, increasingly
powerful diagnostic tests are expected
to encourage additional testing and
spur employment; however, simplified
testing procedures may allow nonlabora-
tory personnel to perform routine tests.
Job opportunities are expected to be
excellent.
Dental hygienists Much faster than average growth. Employ-
ment is expected to grow as demand for
dental services increases and as
hygienists increasingly perform services
previously performed by dentists. Job
opportunities should be excellent.
Diagnostic medical
sonographers Faster than average growth. A growing
and aging population is expected to spur
job growth. Opportunities should be
favorable as patients seek ultrasound as
an alternative to radiologic procedures.
Emergency medical technicians
and paramedics Faster than average growth. Population
growth and urbanization are expected to
increase demand for professional, rather
than volunteer, emergency medical
technicians and paramedics. Competition
is expected to be greater for jobs in
local fire, police, and rescue-squad
departments than for jobs in private
ambulance services. Opportunities are
expected to be best for those who have
advanced certifications.
Licensed practical and licensed
vocational nurses Average growth. Employment is expected to
grow with the aging population’s long-term
care needs and with a general increase in
healthcare. Nursing-care facilities are
expected to offer the most new jobs;
employment in hospitals is projected to
decline.
Medical records and health
information
technicians Much faster than average growth. Rising
employment is expected to result from rapid
growth in the number of medical tests,
treatments, and procedures performed and
from increased scrutiny by third-party
payers, regulators, and consumers. Job
prospects should be very good.
Nuclear medicine
technologists Faster than average growth. New jobs are
expected to arise from an increase in the
number of middle-aged and older people, the
primary users of diagnostic procedures such
as nuclear medicine tests. However, because
the occupation is small, relatively few
openings are expected.
Occupational health and safety
specialists and
technicians Average growth. Continuing demand for safe
workplaces is expected to offset the desire
for fewer regulations. Projected job
increases reflect business growth and
continuing efforts to comply with
government and company regulations and
policies.
Opticians, dispensing Average growth. Sustained demand for
eyeglasses and contact lenses is expected
to create jobs, particularly with the
growing number of middle-aged and elderly
people, who use more eyewear than younger
people. However, the number of job openings
is expected to be low because the
occupation is small.
Pharmacy technicians Faster than average growth. More
medications, increased medical needs of an
aging population, and additional tasks
given to these workers in an effort to
increase efficiency are expected to result
in good job opportunities, especially for
those who have formal training and
certification.
Radiologic technologists
and technicians Faster than average growth. The growing and
aging population is expected to increase
the demand for diagnostic imaging. Job
opportunities are expected to be favorable.
Surgical technologists Faster than average growth. Demand for
these workers is expected to rise as an
aging population and new surgical
procedures lead to more surgeries.
Hospitals are expected to remain the
primary employer, but employment in
physician offices and ambulatory surgical
centers is expected to grow at a faster
rate. Job opportunities are expected to be
favorable.
Veterinary technologists
and technicians Much faster than average growth. The pet
population is expected to increase, as is
the willingness of pet owners to spend
money on their pets; more jobs should
result. In addition, technicians are
expected to continue to replace
less-skilled veterinary assistants because
services are requiring more advanced
skills. Keen competition is expected for
jobs in zoos.
Healthcare support
Dental assistants Much faster than average growth. Job growth
should be spurred by rising demand for
dental care from an aging population and
the increasing reliance on dental
assistants to perform routine tasks. Job
prospects are expected to be excellent.
Medical assistants Much faster than average growth. This is
projected to be the fastest growing
occupation because of technological
advances in medicine, a growing and aging
population, and the increasing use of
these workers in group practices, clinics,
and other outpatient facilities. Job
prospects are expected to be best for
workers who have experience or formal
training, particularly those who have
certification.
Medical
transcriptionists Faster than average growth. An older
population, primary recipients of medical
tests, treatments, and procedures, is
expected to drive growth–as is the
continuing need for medial documentation
that can be shared electronically. Job
opportunities are expected to be good.
Nursing, psychiatric, and
home health aides Faster than average growth. Employment
growth should be spurred by increasing
demand for long-term care. Growth will be
much faster than average for home health
aides, faster than average for nursing
aides, and about average for psychiatric
aides. Job opportunities are expected to be
excellent.
Occupational therapist
assistants and aides Much faster than average growth. An aging
population and an increase in the number of
individuals with disabilities or limited
function are expected to increase the
demand for therapeutic services in the long
term. Furthermore, occupational therapists
are expected to delegate more work to
assistants and aides.
Pharmacy aides Average growth. Many new jobs, mostly in
retail pharmacies, are expected as these
workers help pharmacists and techni-
cians dispense more medications. Good
opportunities are expected, especially for
those who have related work experience.
Physical therapist
assistants and aides Much faster than average growth. Demand for
these workers will be driven by the growing
number of individuals with disabilities or
limited function, including the elderly,
and the increasing use of assistants in an
effort to reduce the cost of therapy.
Protective service
Correctional officers Faster than average growth. Employment will
be spurred by a growing inmate population,
the expansion of correctional facilities,
and mandatory sentencing guidelines that
call for longer sentences and reduced
parole. Excellent job opportunities are
expected, especially in some rural
locations.
Fire fighting
occupations Average growth. Most job growth is expected
to come from volunteer positions being
converted to paid positions. Pro-
spective fire fighters are expected to face
keen competition for jobs because many
people are attracted to the occupation’s
challenge and service opportunities.
Police and detectives Faster than average growth. A more
security-conscious society and concern
about drug-related crimes are expected to
contribute to the increasing demand for
police services. Competition should remain
keen for high-paying jobs with State and
Federal agencies and police departments in
More affluent areas; opportunities should
be better in local and special police
departments, especially in areas with
relatively high crime rates. Applicants who
have military experience or college
training in police science should have the
best opportunities.
Private detectives and
investigators Faster than average growth. Increased
employment is expected to stem from concern
about crime, increased litigation, and the
need to protect confidential information
and property. Keen competition is expected.
Many entry-level jobs are part-time
positions with detective agencies or
stores.
Security guards and gaming
surveillance officers Faster than average growth. Concern about
crime, vandalism, and terrorism will drive
employment growth. Opportunities should be
favorable overall, but competition is
expected for high-paying positions that
require longer periods of training
and a higher level of security, such as
those at nuclear power plants and weapons
installations.
Food preparation and serving related
Chefs, cooks, and food
preparation workers Average growth. Population growth and the
expansion of full-service, casual
restaurants are expected to spur growth.
Job openings in this very large occupation
should be plentiful because of high
replacement needs.
Food and beverage serving
and related workers Average growth. Job opportunities should be
excellent because of high replacement needs
and because rising population and incomes
will lead to more family-dining
restaurants.
Building and grounds cleaning and maintenance
Building cleaning
workers Average growth. More workers are expected
to be needed to clean new offices, schools,
and institutional buildings. Additionally,
more time-pressed households are expected
to hire cleaners instead of doing the
work themselves. But most openings expected
will result from the need to replace
workers who permanently leave this large
occupation.
Grounds maintenance
workers Faster than average growth. Homeowners’
increasing desire for landscaping is
expected to drive demand for these work-
ers. Additionally, the need to care for
institutional grounds is expected to create
growth. Good prospects are expected
due to growth and replacement needs.
Pest control workers Average growth. Increases in construction,
more complex pest-control techniques, and
population growth in the pest-susceptible
South and West are projected to generate
jobs. Good job prospects are expected
because of the need to replace workers who
permanently leave the occupation.
Personal care and service
Animal care and service
workers Faster than average growth. The pet
population is expected to increase, as is
the willingness of pet owners to spend
money on their pets, resulting in increased
jobs. Openings are expected to be plentiful,
in part because of the need to replace
workers who permanently leave the
occupation.
Barbers, cosmetologists, and other
personal appearance
workers Average growth. Job growth is expected due
to increasing population, incomes, and
demand for cosmetology services. Job
opportunities should be favorable,
especially because of the need to replace
workers who leave the occupation
permanently. Competition is expected for
jobs at high-paying salons.
Child care workers Average growth. A slight increase in the
number of young children and of women in
the labor force is expected, resulting in
increasing participation in after-school
daycare and early childhood education
programs. High replacement needs should
create good job prospects.
Flight attendants Average growth. An improving economy and a
Growing population are expected to boost
demand for airline travel and,
consequently, these workers. The
attractiveness of this occupation is
expected to create keen competition for
jobs. Those who have attended college for
at least 2 years and who have experience
dealing with the public should have
the best prospects.
Gaming services
occupations Faster than average growth. A growing
interest in gaining and the opening of
casinos in more States and Native American
lands are expected to create demand for
these occupations. Prospects are best for
those who have a degree or certification in
gaining or a hospitality-related field,
previous training or work experience in
casino gaming, and strong customer-
service skills.
Personal and home care
aides Much faster than average growth. The rapid
growth of this occupation reflects an
increasing number of older people
who need assistance, technology that allows
more home care, and shorter hospital stays.
Excellent job prospects are expected.
Recreation and fitness
workers Faster than average growth. Increased
demand for leisure and fitness activities
is expected to drive employment. Job
growth is expected to be faster for fitness
workers than for recreation workers. Keen
competition is expected for full-time
positions for recreation workers; better
opportunities are expected for fitness
workers.
Sales and Related
Cashiers Average growth. Increased purchases of
good, and services will drive growth. Job
growth and replacement needs are expected
to create favorable prospects, especially
in retail trade.
Counter and rental
clerks Faster than average growth. Plentiful
entry-level and part-time jobs are
expected as businesses grow and work to
improve customer service.
Demonstrators, product promoters,
and models Average growth. Greater use of trade shows
and in-store demonstrations is expected to
spur employment, especially for part-time
work. Job openings should continue to be
plentiful for demonstrators and product
promoters, but keen competition is
expected for modeling jobs.
Insurance sales agents Slower than average growth. Sales of
insurance products are expected to grow.
Employment is not projected to increase
as fast as sales, however, because of
competition from Internet and direct
marketing and the ability of agents to
handle more clients. Job opportunities
should be good for those who have a
bachelor’s degree and proven sales ability.
Real estate brokers and
sales agents Slower than average growth. Employment is
expected to grow as housing needs rise and
real estate is used increasingly
as an investment, but growth will be
tempered by the Internet and other
productivity-enhancing technologies.
Most openings will come from the need to
replace agents who leave the occupation
permanently. Beginning workers
often face stiff competition from
full-time, experienced workers.
Retail salespersons Average growth. Job growth reflects rising
sales to an increasing population. Good
opportunities are expected because of
the need to replace workers who permanently
leave this large occupation. Opportunities
should be abundant for part-time and
temporary work.
Sales engineers Average growth. Employment growth is
projected to stem from the increasing
production and sale of technical goods.
Job prospects are expected to be best for
those who have sales skills and an
appropriate technical background.
Sales representatives, wholesale
and manufacturing Average growth. An increasing variety and
number of goods will drive growth. Job
prospects for wholesale sales
representatives should be better than those
for manufacturing sales representatives
because manufacturers are expected to con-
tinue contracting sales duties to
independent agents, reducing the overall
number of agents. Prospects will be best
for those who have sales ability and
technical expertise.
Sales worker
supervisors Slower than average growth. Employment
growth is projected to be restrained
somewhat as companies increase the
number of workers each supervisor
overseas. Competition is expected for
these jobs, particularly those with
attractive earnings and working
conditions. Candidates who have retail
experience should have the best
opportunities. The number of self-employed
supervisors is expected to decline as inde-
pendent retailers face increasing
competition from national chains.
Securities, commodities, and financial
services sales agents Average growth. As personal incomes
increase, investors will seek more services
and advice from these workers. Some
beginning sales agents are unable to
develop a sizeable clientele and leave the
occupation, creating additional job open-
ings. Considerable competition is expected
for available positions because of the
occupation’s high earnings potential.
Travel agents Declining employment. As people
increasingly use websites to make their own
travel arrangements, the need for agents is
expected to shrink. Keen competition is
expected because many people are attracted
to the occupation’s travel benefits.
Office and administrative support
Communications equipment
operators Declining employment. Employment is
expected to decline due to new laborsaving
communications technologies, the movement
of jobs overseas, and consolidation of jobs
into fewer locations. Some openings are
expected to result from the need to replace
existing workers who leave the occupation
permanently.
Computer operators Declining employment. Software that makes
computer operations easier should greatly
reduce the need for these workers.
Opportunities are expected be best for
experienced operators who have formal
computer-related education and familiarity
with a variety of operating systems.
Customer service
representatives Faster than average growth. Significant
employment growth is expected as
organizations increasingly rely on these
workers to assist customers. Replacement
needs also should create numerous openings
in this large occupation. As technology
eliminates these workers’ simpler
functions, job duties are becoming more
complex and postsecondary training more
valued. Excellent opportunities are
expected, especially for bilingual
jobseekers.
Data entry and information
processing workers Declining employment. As personal computers
and data-capturing technologies are more
widely used and as businesses increasingly
contract out this work, demand for these
workers is expected to continue to decline.
But because of replacement needs, numerous
openings are expected, especially for
jobseekers proficient in the latest
software.
Desktop publishers Faster than average growth. Sophisticated
publishing software that allows page layout
and design work to be performed in-house is
expected to increase demand for these
workers. Jobseekers who have certificates
or degrees should have the best
opportunities.
Financial clerks (2) Slower than average growth. Office
automation, industry consolidation, and the
contracting out of these jobs is ex-
pected to make financial clerks more
productive and to slow their job growth.
But due to high replacement needs, open-
ings are expected to be plentiful.
Bill and account
collectors Faster than average growth. High demand for
collectors is expected as debt levels rise
and as businesses emphasize cash flow and
the faster collection of payments.
Billing and posting clerks and
machine operators Slower than average growth. Increasing
automation is expected to limit growth. At
the same time, however, the increased
complexity of medical billing is expected
to create new healthcare jobs. The need to
send bills out faster will create
additional employment.
Bookkeeping, accounting,
and auditing clerks Slower than average growth. Office
automation, downsizing of administrative
departments, and consolidation of
recordkeeping functions are expected to
reduce demand for accounting clerks.
Bookkeepers, those who can perform a
variety of accounting tasks, and those who
have college training are expected to have
the best job prospects.
Gaming cage workers Average growth. Employment of gaming cage
workers is not expected to grow as fast as
some other gaining occupations, due to an
increase in cashless gaming where
debit-like cards substitute for cash.
Payroll and timekeeping
clerks Slower than average growth. Despite
automation and outsourcing, the increasing
complexity of payroll matters and
regulations is expected to create some
demand for pay-roll clerks. Automation of
the timekeeping function is expected to
cause employment of timekeepers to decline.
Replacement needs should create numerous
opportunities, especially for jobseekers
with certifications.
Procurement clerks Declining employment. The growing use of
computers and the Internet for ordering
supplies is expected to reduce demand
for these clerks.
Tellers Slower than average growth. Banks are
opening more branch offices and are
extending their hours, thus creating jobs
for tellers, particularly part-time ones.
Those who can sell bank products and who
are skilled in customer service and cash
handling will have the best job prospects.
Information and record
clerks (2) Average growth. In addition to job openings
from the general expansion of business,
numerous openings should result from the
need to replace workers who permanently
leave these large occupations.
Brokerage clerks Declining employment. Demand for these
workers is expected to be limited by the
proliferation of online trading and
widespread automation in the securities and
commodities industry.
Credit authorizers, checkers,
and clerks Declining employment. Computerized credit
scoring and other technologies will allow
fewer workers to process an increasing
number of credit applications.
File clerks Little or no growth. Employment is expected
to be slowed by automation and the
consolidation of clerical jobs. Jobseekers
who have typing and other secretarial
skills and are familiar with a range of
office machines should have the best
prospects.
Hotel, motel, and resort
desk clerks Faster than average growth. Demand for
workers is expected to increase as more
hotels, motels, and other lodging
establishments are built and as occupancy
rates rise. Opportunities for part-time
and nighttime work should be plentiful as
front desks remain open around the clock.
Human resources assistants, except
payroll and
timekeeping Average growth. Although limited by
computer automation, some growth is
expected as assistants take on new roles in
recruitment.
Interviewers Slower than average growth. Employment of
loan interviewers and eligibility
interviewers for government programs is
projected to decline due to automated data
collection, but employment of data
collectors and healthcare admissions
interviewers is expected to increase faster
than average, reflecting rapid growth in
healthcare services. Prospects should be
best for jobseekers who have customer
service, mathematics, and telephone skills.
Library assistants,
clerical Faster than average growth. Efforts to
contain costs in local governments and
academic institutions are expected to
create a preference for hiring library-
support staff instead of librarians. Good
job prospects are expected due to growth
and high replacement needs.
Order clerks Declining employment. Demand for these
workers is expected to decrease because of
growth in online retailing, business-to-
business electronic commerce, and the use
of automated systems that simplify order
placement. Many openings, especially for
seasonal work, will result from the need to
replace workers who leave the occupation
permanently.
Receptionists and
information clerks Faster than average growth. Job growth will
be driven by rapid increases in services
industries, where most receptionists are
employed. Opportunities should be best for
people who have comprehensive clerical and
technical skills and related work
experience.
Reservation and transportation
ticket agents and
travel clerks Average growth. Employment growth from
increased travel should be offset by
technology that allows travelers to make
their own arrangements. Keen competition is
expected because of the travel benefits and
glamour associated with travel jobs and the
minimal training requirements.
Material recording, scheduling, dispatching,
and distributing
occupations (2) Little or no change. Growth varies by
detailed occupation. Numerous job openings
are expected to result from the need to
replace workers who permanently leave these
very large occupations.
Cargo and freight agents Average growth. The increasing use of the
Internet to purchase goods and the growing
importance of same-day delivery are
expected to create demand for cargo and
freight agents. However, technological
advancements, such as the use of bar codes
to track shipments, are expected to curb
growth.
Couriers and messengers Slower than average growth. Employment
growth should be dampened by the
increasing use of e-mail, Internet
downloads, and other information-handling
technologies to deliver documents. But
couriers will still be needed to trans-
port materials that cannot be sent
electronically, such as passports and
medical samples.
Dispatchers Average growth. Demand for police, fire,
and ambulance dispatchers should be fueled
by a growing and aging population that
will demand more emergency services.
Economic expansion and population growth
also are expected to spur demand for other
types of dispatchers.
Meter readers, utilities Declining employment. The increasing use of
automated meter-reading technology is
expected to reduce the need for these
workers.
Production, planning,
and expediting clerks Average growth. Increasing pressure on
manufacturing firms to produce and deliver
goods efficiently is expected to spur
job growth.
Shipping, receiving, and
traffic clerks Slower than average growth. Growth should
be moderated by the use of computers to
store and retrieve shipping and
receiving records.
Stock clerks and order
fillers Declining employment. Automation in
factories and stores is expected to thwart
job growth. There may be more opportunities
in apparel, grocery, and department stores.
Because this occupation is very large,
numerous openings are expected to be
created from replacement needs.
Weighers, measurers, checkers,
and samplers,
recordkeeping Average growth. The need for accurate
measurements and high-quality materials and
the use of records to verify infor-
mation are expected to spur demand for
these workers.
Office and administrative support worker
supervisors and
managers Slower than average growth. As technology
increases productivity, demand for office
and administrative support workers and,
consequently, their supervisors and
managers, is projected to slow. Competition
for these jobs is expected to be keen.
Office clerks, general Average growth. Demand for general office
clerks is expected to increase as jobs for
more specialized clerks decline. Office:
automation has led to consolidation of
clerical tasks and more variety in each
worker’s responsibilities. Plentiful
full-time, part-time, and temporary
opportunities should result from job
growth, the large size of the occupation,
and the need to replace workers who
permanently leave the occupation. Prospects
should be best for those who are
proficient in the use of office software
and machinery and who have good writing
and communication skills.
Postal Service workers Declining employment. Declining trail
volume and increasing use of automated
mail-processing systems are expected
to decrease employment within these
occupations. Keen competition is expected
for jobs.
Secretaries and
administrative
assistants Slower than average growth. Organizational
restructuring and increasing office
automation are expected to slow job growth
overall. Average growth is projected for
legal, medical, and executive secretaries,
with employment of other secretaries
declining. Many openings are expected to
result from the need to replace workers who
permanently leave this very large
occupation. Opportunities should be best
for experienced applicants who have
extensive knowledge of office software.
Farming, fishing, and forestry
Agricultural workers Slower than average growth. New jobs are
expected for farmworkers and nursery and
greenhouse workers. But employment will be
dampened by farm consolidation and
laborsaving farming equipment. Abundant
opportunities are expected because of the
need to replace farmworkers and because of
faster growth among nursery and greenhouse
workers.
Fishers and fishing
vessel operators Declining employment. Job decline’s are
projected due to increased competition from
imported and farm-raised fish, a lack of
new wild fish stocks, and an expected
increase in fishing restrictions.
Forest, conservation, and
logging workers Declining employment. Employment of logging
workers is expected to decline because of
increased mechanization and imported wood.
Employment of forest and conservation
workers, however, is expected to grow as
States set aside more land for ecological
purposes.
Construction trades and related
Boilermakers Little or no growth. Employment growth is
expected to be limited by the use of
smaller boilers and the trend toward boiler
repair rather than replacement. Despite the
lack of new jobs, many openings are
expected because of the need to replace
workers who leave the occupation
permanently; many boilermakers retire
early, in part because the work is
physically demanding. Good opportunities
are expected in some locations.
Brickmasons, blockmasons,
and stonemasons Average growth. Opportunities for
employment are expected to be excellent
because more buildings will be constructed
or repaired and many experienced workers
are expected to retire.
Carpenters Average growth. Employment growth is
expected as construction activity
increases. The rise in demand for larger
homes with more amenities and for
retirees’ second homes is expected to
continue. Excellent job opportunities are
projected, primarily due to the many
retirements from this large occupation.
Carpenters with versatile skills should
have the best opportunities for steady
work.
Carpet, floor, and tile installers
and finishers Average growth. Projected job growth
primarily reflects the continued need to
refurbish existing floors. But employment
of one specialty–floor sanders and
finishers–is projected to grow more
slowly than average as more people opt for
prefinished flooring. Carpet installers,
the largest specialty, should have the
best job prospects.
Cement masons, concrete finishers,
segmental pavers, and
terrazzo workers Faster than average growth. Favorable
opportunities are projected. The need for
new bridges, factories, and other
structures and the greater use of
concrete will create growth.
Construction and building
inspectors Average growth. Rising concern for public
safety should increase the demand for these
workers; and, as the volume of real-estate
transactions increases, the demand for home
inspections should rise. Opportunities
should be best for highly experienced
supervisors and craft workers who have some
college education, engineering or
architectural training, or certification.
Construction equipment
operators Average growth. Employment is expected to
increase as business growth and public-
works finding leads to new houses, bridges,
and other structures. Job opportunities for
these workers are expected to be good–due,
in part, to the small number of training
programs and, consequently, trained
jobseekers.
Construction laborers Average growth. Employment growth from
infrastructure rebuilding is expected to be
tempered by automation of some job tasks.
Favorable opportunities are expected, due
to the large number of workers expected to
leave the occupation permanently.
Drywall installers, ceiling tile
installers, and
tapers Faster than average growth. Employment
growth reflects increased remodeling, new
construction, and rising popularity of
insulated exterior wall systems. Good job
opportunities are expected.
Electricians Faster than average growth. As the
population and economy grow, more
electricians are expected to be needed to
install and maintain electrical devices
and wiring in homes, factories, and other
structures. Wiring for telecommunications
and other new technologies also is expected
to stimulate demand. Job opportunities are
expected to be good.
Elevator installers and
repairers Average growth. Nonresidential construction
and the need to install increasingly
complex elevators are expected to drive
growth. Job opportunities are expected to
be limited in this small occupation.
Prospects should be best for those
who have postsecondary education in
electronics.
Glaziers Average growth. Employment growth is
expected because of growth in construction
and improvements in glass safety and
insulation. As older glaziers retire,
excellent job opportunities are expected.
Prospects vary by geographic area.
Hazardous materials removal
workers Much faster than average growth. Projected
growth reflects increasing concern for a
safe, clean environment. Job opportunities
are expected to be good.
Insulation workers Average growth. Job growth is expected to
be spurred by new construction, renovation,
and demand for more efficient heating and
cooling systems. Excellent job opportuni-
ties are expected.
Painters and
paperhangers Average growth. Renovation and new
construction are expected to drive job
growth. Generally, the most versatile
workers will be best able to find work
during economic downturns. Good job
prospects are expected because of the
need to replace workers who leave the
occupation permanently.
Pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters,
and steamfitters Average growth. Employment is expected to
be tempered by the use of plastic pipes
but spurred by construction,
renovation, and increasing use of
sprinkler systems. Excellent opportunities
are expected.
Plasterers and stucco
masons Average growth. Job opportunities are
expected to be favorable, especially in
the South and Southwest, as the popularity
of plaster and decorative finishes
increases.
Roofers Average growth. More roof replacements and
repairs are expected to drive growth. Jobs
should be plentiful due to greater
replacement needs in this occupation
compared with that in other construction
trades.
Sheet metal workers Average growth. Job opportunities are
expected to be good in the construction
industry because of the demand for
sheet-metal installations in industrial,
commercial, and residential structures;
the popularity of decorative sheet-metal
products; and increased architectural
restoration. Prospects in manufacturing are
expected to be less favorable.
Structural and reinforcing iron
and metal workers Average growth. Growth in industrial and
commercial construction and the
rehabilitation and replacement of an in-
creasing number of older buildings, power
plants, and bridges is expected to create
employment. Job openings for ironworkers
usually are more abundant in spring and
summer, when construction increases.
Installation, maintenance, and repair
Electrical and electronic equipment mechanics, installers, and
repairers
Computer, automated teller, and
office machine
repairers Average growth. Job increases are expected
as business and residential customers
increasingly rely on computers and office
machines in their daily activities. Job
prospects should be best for computer
repairers and applicants who have ex-
perience and electronics knowledge.
Electrical and electronics
installers and
repairers Slower than average growth. Employment
growth is expected to vary by specialty,
growing fastest in commercial,
industrial, and automotive equipment
specialties. Improvements in equipment
design should limit job growth somewhat
by simplifying repair tasks.
Electronic home entertainment equipment
installers and
repairers Slower than average growth. Technological
advancements are expected to improve the
reliability of entertainment equipment
and lower maintenance requirements.
Jobseekers who have hands-on experience
and knowledge of electronics
should have the best opportunities.
Radio and telecommunications equipment
installers and
repairers Declining employment. Some workers will
be needed to upgrade telecommunications
networks, but total employment is
expected to decline because of
increasingly reliable self-monitoring
and self-diagnosing equipment and because
higher capacity equipment is expected to
reduce the overall amount of equipment
needed. Moreover, the replacement
of two-way radio systems with wireless
systems, especially in service vehicles,
is expected to reduce the need for onsite
radio mechanics.
Vehicle and mobile equipment mechanics, installers, and repairers
Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics
and service
technicians Average growth. More mechanics are expected
to be needed as air traffic resumes its
upward trend and recovers from the
effects of terrorism fears and the
recession. In addition, many
aircraft mechanics are expected to retire
over the next decade, creating many job
openings. People who complete aircraft
mechanic training programs should have
excellent job prospects, especially toward
the end of the projections decade.
Automotive body and
related repairers Average growth. Demand is expected to
increase as the number of vehicles grows.
But demand is expected to be tempered by
technology that improves safety and reduces
the likelihood of accidents. Employment
growth also should be lessened by changes
in body-shop management that increase
productivity, reduce overhead expenses, and
improve standardization. Opportunities
should be best for people who have formal
training in automotive body repair and
mechanics.
Automotive service technicians
and mechanics Average growth. Increasing demand for
automotive services, due to growth in the
number of vehicles, is expected to be
tempered by improvements in vehicle quality
that reduce the need for extensive repairs
and maintenance. Job opportunities should
be very good for people who complete au-
tomotive training programs–especially
those that include basic electronics–in
high schools, vocational and technical
schools, or community colleges.
Diesel service technicians
and mechanics Average growth. As the volume of freight
increases, the number of diesel trucks and
the need for technicians and mechanics are
expected to increase. Opportunities should
be good for people who complete formal
training in diesel mechanics. Applicants
who do not have formal training may face
stiffer competition.
Heavy vehicle and mobile equipment
service technicians
and mechanics Slower than average growth. Increasing
numbers of technicians will be required to
support growth in construction.
Opportunities should be good for people
who complete formal training.
Small engine mechanics Average growth. As disposable incomes
rise, ownership of motorcycles, boats, and
lawn and garden equipment is expected to
increase, spurring demand for the mechanics
who service them. Job prospects are
expected to be especially favorable for
those who complete formal training
programs.
Other installation, maintenance, and repair
Coin, vending, and amusement machine
servicers and
repairers Average growth. New jobs are expected
because of the increasing number of vending
and amusement machines in use.
Opportunities should be especially good for
people who have some knowledge of
electronics.
Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration
mechanics and
installers Faster than average growth. The demand for
climate-control systems is expected to
increase with population and economic
growth. Employment also should be spurred
by the need to replace older systems and to
comply with environmental regulations. Good
job prospects are expected, particularly
for those who have technical-school or
apprenticeship training. Workers who
specialize in installation may experience
unemployment when construction activity
declines, but maintenance and repair work
usually remains stable.
Home appliance
repairers Slower than average growth. Job growth is
expected as more appliances are used and
as they become more complicated and
expensive. Good prospects are expected as
job openings continue to outnumber
jobseekers. Self-employment in this
occupation is expected to decline.
Industrial machinery installation,
repair, and maintenance workers,
except millwrights Slower than average growth. More workers
will be needed to install, repair, and
maintain the growing amount of auto-
mated production machinery. And because
many workers are expected to retire,
applicants who have broad skills in
machine repair and maintenance should have
favorable prospects.
Line installers and
repairers Average growth. New jobs are expected to
result from growth in the construction
and telecommunications industries and the
modernization of telecommunications net-
works.
Maintenance and repair workers,
general Average growth. Employment of general
maintenance and repair workers is expected
to increase with the number of buildings.
Job openings should be plentiful due to the
need to replace the many workers who
permanently leave this large occupation.
Millwrights Slower than average growth. Millwrights
will be needed to install new machinery,
but demand for their services is expected
to be dampened by their rising productivity
and by lower skilled workers taking over
some tasks. Skilled candidates, especially
those who are trained to install new pro-
duction technologies, should have good
opportunities.
Precision instrument and
equipment repairers Slower than average growth. Employment
should be spurred by greater use of
medical equipment and by increases in the
number of children learning musical
instruments. Mainly because of the small
number of trained applicants, good
opportunities are expected in most
occupational specialties.
Assemblers and fabricators
Declining employment. Automation and the
movement of assembly tasks to countries
that have lower labor costs are expected
to cause job declines. But the need to
replace workers who leave the occupation
permanently should create many openings.
Food processing occupations
Average growth. Increased demand for
bakeries and processed and prepared meats
is expected to spur growth over-all. But
less expensive meat imports are expected
to curtail employment growth in many food
processing occupations. Job growth will be
concentrated in manufacturing, as meat
cutting and processing shifts from retail
stores to food processing plants.
Metal workers and plastics workers
Computer control programmers
and operators Average growth. These occupations should
provide excellent job opportunities due to
the small number of people entering
training programs. Employment growth of
computer-controlled machine tool operators
is projected to be slower than average.
Employment growth of numerical tool and
process control programmers is expected to
be about average. Job growth in both
occupations is driven by the
increasing use of computerized machine
tools but is limited by technological
improvements.
Machinists Slower than average growth. Technological
advances that increase productivity are
expected to slow growth, but workers
still will be needed to create parts,
maintain automated systems, and do other
tasks. Job opportunities should be
excellent.
Machine setters, operators, and
tenders–metal and
plastic Slower than average growth. Automation,
trade, the demand for goods, and the
reorganization of production processes
are expected to spur employment growth
among some operators, such as multiple
machine tool operators and plastics-
molding, core-making, and casting machine
operators. But those trends are expected
to create declines in other operator
specialties, including cutting, punching,
and press machine setters, operators, and
tenders. Retirements are expected to
create many openings.
Tool and die makers Little or no growth. Job growth will be
slowed by automation, even though some of
these workers are needed to maintain
automated equipment. Because many workers
are retiring, skilled applicants should
enjoy excellent opportunities.
Welding, soldering, and
brazing workers Average growth. As some manufacturing and
construction industries grow, so will jobs
for welders who work in those industries.
Improved technology also is creating jobs
by making welding more effective. Job
prospects should be excellent.
Printing
Bookbinders and bindery
workers Declining employment. Automation is
reducing the need for bindery workers and
allowing other press operators to per-
form bindery work. Additionally, rising
imports of printed products are expected to
lessen employment. Hand book-binding is
expected to remain highly specialized, with
limited demand for more workers.
Prepress technicians and
workers Declining employment. Computerization and
desktop publishing are expected to cause
prepress jobs to decline. However,
employment of job printers, who handle a
variety of printing jobs, should continue
to rise as technology makes smaller
printing jobs economically viable.
Prospects are expected to be best for those
who have printing-industry experience or
formal training and the ability to perform
a variety of printing processes.
Printing machine
operators Slower than average growth. Rising demand
for printed materials in schools and in
advertisements will be offset by con-
solidation in the newspaper industry and
computerization of these workers’ tasks.
Good job opportunities are expected
because many workers are expected to
retire.
Textile, apparel, and furnishings occupations
Declining employment. Employment in most
apparel and textile occupations is expected
to decline because of imports, offshore
assembly, and increased productivity
through automation. But replacement needs
will create many openings. Experienced
upholsterers should have good
opportunities despite falling employment
because few people are training for the
occupation.
Woodworkers
Slower than average growth. Model- and
pattern-makers are expected to have average
growth. Little or no growth is expected
among woodworking machine setters,
operators, and tenders; slower than average
growth is expected for cabinet-makers and
bench carpenters and furniture finishers.
Employment is expected to be adversely
affected by technological advances,
imports, substitution of other materials
for wood, and environmental measures. Job
prospects should be best for highly skilled
woodworkers who can operate computerized
machine tools.
Plant and system operators
Power plant operators, distributors,
and dispatchers Declining employment. Increased automation,
low replacement needs, and more
competition among electricity providers
are expected to limit opportunities. Job
applicants may face keen competition. Those
trained in computers and automated
equipment should have the best prospects.
Stationary engineers and
boiler operators Little or no growth. Commercial and
industrial development will increase the
amount of equipment that is operated and
maintained, but automation and increased
productivity are expected to limit job
growth. Applicants may face keen
competition.
Water and liquid waste treatment plant
and system operators Average growth. A growing population is
expected to increase demand for water and
waste services, spurring employment. Job
prospects are expected to be good for
qualified applicants.
Other production occupations
Dental laboratory
technicians Slower than average growth. Rising
disposable income should spur demand for
cosmetic prosthetics, but improved dental
health is expected to reduce demand for
full dentures. Job opportunities should be
favorable, in part because of the public’s
unfamiliarity with the occupation lessens
the number of applicants.
Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers,
and weighers Slower than average growth. The growing
use of automated inspection and the
shift of quality-control responsibilities
from inspectors to production workers are
expected to slow growth. The need to
replace workers who permanently leave this
large occupation should create numerous
openings, but most are expected to be
filled by experienced workers who have
advanced skills.
Jewelers and precious stone
and metal workers Slower than average growth. Job growth
stems from increased demand for jewelry by
a more affluent population. Opportunities
should be excellent because the number of
retiring master jewelers exceeds the
number of trainees.
Ophthalmic laboratory
technicians Slower than average growth. Increased
automation is expected to continue to
improve worker productivity and cur-
tail growth. Job openings are expected
to be few because the occupation is small.
Painting and coating workers,
except construction and
maintenance Average growth. Employment growth for
highly skilled transportation painters and
automotive refinishers is projected to be
faster than that for lower skilled
painting, coating, and spraying machine
operators, whose jobs are subject to
automation.
Photographic process workers
and processing machine
operators Slower than average growth. Increasing use
of digital technology to download,
retouch, and print images is expected
to slow demand for these workers.
Semiconductor
processors Declining employment. Automation and rising
imports are expected to lower employment.
Those with an associate degree in a
technology field should have the best
prospects.
Transportation and material moving
Air transportation
Aircraft pilots and flight
engineers Average growth. Employment of pilots is
expected to increase as the population
grows and the economy improves.
Smaller regional airlines and
corporate-owned aircraft are expected to
provide the best prospects. Keen
competition is expected, particularly
for airline pilots, because many quali-
fied people are attracted to the high
earnings, prestige, and travel benefits
of this occupation. Flight engineers’
employment is projected to decline because
some new planes do not require their
services.
Air traffic controllers Average growth. Increased air traffic is
expected to require more controllers.
But growth is expected to be tempered by
automation and budget constraints.
Competition to get into
Federal Aviation Administration training
programs is expected to remain keen.
Material moving occupations
Slower than average growth. Employment
growth is expected to stem from an
expanding economy and increased spending
on roads and infrastructure. However,
equipment improvements, including
automation of material handling, will
continue to raise productivity and moderate
employment. Job openings should be numerous
because the occupation is very large and
replacement needs are great.
Motor vehicle operators
Bus drivers Average growth. Projected growth reflects
increasing school enrollments and a rise
in population, especially in the sub-
urbs. Good job prospects are expected.
Opportunities should be best for those who
have good driving records and
are willing to start on a part-time or
irregular schedule.
Taxi drivers and
chauffeurs Faster than average growth. As the
population grows, local and suburban
travel is expected to rise. Good
opportunities should result from the need
to replace the many drivers who
permanently leave the occupation after a
short time. Opportunities should be best
for those who have good driving records
and the ability to work flexible schedules.
Truck drivers and
driver/sales workers Average growth. An expanding economy and
the need to move more freight are
expected to spur faster than average growth
for truck drivers. Slower than average
growth among driver/sales workers is
expected as companies increasingly
shift sales, ordering, and customer service
tasks to sales and office staffs. Job
opportunities should be favorable for truck
drivers due to the growth of this large
occupation and the need to replace drivers
who leave permanently, but keen
competition is expected for jobs that have
the most attractive earnings and working
conditions.
Rail transportation occupations
Declining employment. Job consolidation and
rules that allow smaller crews are
expected to reduce railroad employment.
Employment growth for subway and streetcar
operators, however, is expected to be
average as the demand for public rail
transportation increases. Keen job
competition is expected because of these
occupations’ high pay job security, and
minimum educational requirements.
Water transportation occupations
Slower than average growth. Expected
increases in international trade will cause
more goods to be shipped, resulting in
increased demand for these occupations. In
addition, higher insurance costs for
foreign-flag ships will generate more
jobs on U.S.-flag ships. Keen competition
is expected, but prospects vary.
Job opportunities in the U.S. Armed Forces
Opportunities for qualified people should
be good in all branches of the U.S. Armed
Forces.
(1) Numeric and percent changes are calculated from unrounded figures
for current and projected employment.
(2) Individual estimates do not sum to total due to rounding.
(3) These matrix data are not published in the Occupational Outlook
Handbook.
(4) This estimate is from the U.S. Department of Defense.
(5) Projections are not available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
COPYRIGHT 2004 U.S. Government Printing Office
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group
