Occupational projections overview, 2021–31 : Monthly Labor Review : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Occupational projections overview, 2021–31 : Monthly Labor Review : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
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Nicholas DeZarn
dezarn.nicholas@bls.gov
Nicholas DeZarn is an economist in the Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projections, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Stanislava Ilic-Godfrey
ilic-godfrey.stanislava@bls.gov
Stanislava Ilic-Godfrey is an economist in the Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projections, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Emily Krutsch
krutsch.emily@bls.gov
Emily Krutsch is an economist in the Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projections, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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Article
April 2023
Occupational projections overview, 2021–31
The Employment Projections
program of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics develops information about the labor market for the nation as a whole for 10 years in the future. This article provides an overview of each occupational group, including projected employment change from 2021 to 2031, information about factors contributing to projected employment change, information on median annual wage, and typical education or on-the-job-training requirements needed for occupational entry.
The Employment Projections (EP) program of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annually projects employment over a 10-year period for over 800 detailed occupations and nearly 300 industries.
Employment in the United States is projected to increase 5.3 percent during the 2021–31 decade, adding about 8.3 million new jobs.
These projections form the basis for data and outlook information in the
Occupational Outlook Handbook
(OOH).
The EP data and the OOH are used by a wide variety of people, including jobseekers, career counselors, education and training officials, and researchers.
This article is organized by 24 occupational groups,
which highlight several of the detailed occupations that are projected to grow the fastest or projected to decline the fastest. Additional information for these occupations may be found within the OOH. This article also illustrates common trends and factors within occupational groups and across groups.
Table 1 displays the projected employment change from 2021 to 2031, sorted by percentage of total new jobs added.
This table and all subsequent tables provide information about employment change in two ways: numeric change and percent change. This is important to note because a fast rate of employment growth does not always translate into many new jobs. For example, the math occupational group is projected to grow 28.7 percent from 2021 to 2031, the fastest of any occupational group. However, because of this occupational group’s relatively small size, this percent growth accounts for only about 82,000 new jobs over the projections decade. In contrast, the healthcare occupational group is projected to contribute the most new jobs of any group and projected to grow 12.6 percent. Because of its large size, the healthcare occupational group is projected to add over 2 million new jobs over the decade. That is, the healthcare occupational group is projected to add more new jobs even though its growth rate is lower than that of the math occupational group.
Table 1. Employment of OOH occupational groups, 2021 and projected 2031
OOH occupational group
Employment
Employment change (2021–31)
Percent of total new jobs projected to be added
2021
2031
Number
Percent
Total, all occupations
158,134.7
166,452.1
8,317.4
5.3
Healthcare
16,254.2
18,303.2
2,049.1
12.6
24.6
Food preparation and serving
11,761.8
13,081.6
1,319.9
11.2
15.9
Management
11,685.3
12,569.2
883.9
7.6
10.6
Transportation and material moving
13,350.7
14,212.6
861.8
6.5
10.4
Business and financial
9,987.4
10,702.5
715.1
7.2
8.6
Computer and information technology
4,665.2
5,348.0
682.8
14.6
8.2
Education, training, and library
9,151.2
9,809.3
658.2
7.2
7.9
Personal care and service
3,868.4
4,413.2
544.8
14.1
6.6
Installation, maintenance, and repair
6,038.7
6,342.6
304.0
5.0
3.7
Community and social service
2,843.2
3,137.8
294.6
10.4
3.5
Building and grounds cleaning
5,415.0
5,705.8
290.8
5.4
3.5
Construction and extraction
7,026.0
7,278.9
252.9
3.6
3.0
Legal
1,368.0
1,499.0
131.0
9.6
1.6
Life, physical, and social science
1,436.0
1,534.7
98.7
6.9
1.2
Entertainment and sports
758.3
853.8
95.5
12.6
1.1
Architecture and engineering
2,562.5
2,653.7
91.3
3.6
1.1
Math
286.3
368.3
82.0
28.7
1.0
Protective service
3,482.2
3,554.8
72.6
2.1
0.9
Media and communication
1,111.9
1,180.5
68.6
6.2
0.8
Arts and design
918.8
939.4
20.5
2.2
0.2
Farming, fishing, and forestry
1,069.6
1,078.0
8.4
0.8
0.1
Production
8,787.1
8,623.5
-163.6
-1.9
-2.0
Sales
14,719.9
14,555.4
-164.5
-1.1
-2.0
Office and administrative support
19,587.0
18,706.2
-880.8
-4.5
-10.6
This entry is not applicable.
Note: Employment numbers are in thousands. Details may not sum to totals because of rounding.
OOH is the Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.
Overview
Of the 8.3 million new jobs projected to be added by 2031, almost one-quarter will be within the healthcare occupational group.
The five occupational groups projected to add the most new jobs from 2021
31 contribute about 70 percent of the 8.3 million new jobs.
These five occupational groups include the following: healthcare occupations, food preparation and serving occupations, management occupations, transportation and material moving occupations, and business and financial occupations. (See chart 1.)
Chart 1. Projected number of new jobs to be added from 2021–31, by OOH occupational group
2021 National employment matrix title
Employment change, 2021-31
% of total
Healthcare
2,049.1
25
Food preparation and serving
1,319.9
16
Management
883.9
11
Transportation and material moving
861.8
10
Business and financial
715.1
Computer and information technology
682.8
Education, training, and library
658.2
Personal care and service
544.8
All other occupation groups
602.0
Note: OOH is the Occupational Outlook Handbook. Employment numbers are in thousands.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.
The concentrated nature of the employment growth lends itself to some key takeaways.
Healthcare occupations are projected to add the most new jobs of any of the occupational groups, contributing over 2.0 million new jobs to the total 8.3 million jobs during the projections period. This projected growth is mainly due to a growing population,
whose rising share of older people with chronic conditions is expected to lead to greater demand for healthcare services
The growth in some industries synergizes with growth in other industries. Business growth and expansion (especially in healthcare, information technology (IT), and e-commerce) will drive demand for services provided by management occupations, transportation and material moving occupations, and business and financial service occupations. These three occupational groups, combined, account for almost 30 percent of all new jobs expected to be added to 2031. The sectors that are projected to grow faster than average, such as healthcare and IT, will consequently result in demand for managers in those areas. Continued growth of e-commerce should increase demand for transportation and warehousing, supporting demand for package delivery services and material movers. The growth in digital marketing and e-commerce will support demand for business and finance occupations that manage activities such as logistics, marketing research, and accounting.
Likewise, demand for the services provided by computer and information technology occupations and math occupations will stem from greater emphasis on collecting and analyzing data, continuing growth in the digital economy, and an increasing need for information security. These two occupational groups, combined, account for a little over 9 percent of all new jobs to be added to 2031, and they are projected to be the two fastest growing groups. Overall, employment in math occupations is projected to grow 28.7 percent, the fastest of any group. Also, employment in computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow 14.6 percent from 2021 to 2031.
In contrast, significant employment gains for some occupational groups are primarily rebounds from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Food preparation and serving occupations and personal care and service occupations, combined, are projected to add almost 1.9 million new jobs, contributing about 22 percent of the total 8.3 million jobs projected over the 2021–31 projections cycle. However, a large part of the projected growth for these two groups represents a recovery from the low employment level in 2021 because of the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Not all occupational groups are expected to grow. Production occupations, sales occupations, and office and administrative support occupations are three occupational groups expected to experience a decline in employment over the projections decade. Changes in technology, such as machines or software use that increases productivity or replaces workers altogether, are expected to contribute to a decline in employment and suppress job openings.
Nevertheless, the need to replace workers who change occupations or leave the labor force is expected to create some job openings, even in occupations with projected employment declines.
Occupational groups analysis
The occupational groups in this article encompass every civilian job in the United States and can be broken down into individual occupations.
Of these, m
ore than 500 detailed occupations in over 300 occupational profiles are covered in the OOH, accounting for about 4 out of 5 jobs in the economy.
The
OOH includes information
on job outlook, job descriptions, entry-level education, training information, and wage data.
Occupations can be grouped by similar duties or purposes; for example, protective service occupations include police and sheriff’s patrol officers, security guards, and correctional officers and jailers. Examining the growth of occupational groups reveals the key factors affecting employment over the projections period.
Projected employment information for each of the OOH occupational groups is outlined below, including information about factors that may be contributing to the projected employment change at the group level. In this article, occupational groups are presented in order of the percentage of total new jobs projected to be added over the projections period from the occupational groups projected to add the most new jobs to the occupational groups projected to lose jobs over the projections decade. Detailed occupations are highlighted in each group section with the fastest growing occupations or the fastest declining occupations.
The median annual wage and typical education needed for entry into these detailed occupations are provided. Links to the OOH pages are provided for additional information on what they do, work environment, and a list of similar occupations, among other information.
Healthcare occupational group
Overall employment in healthcare occupations is projected to grow 12.6 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations; this increase is expected to result in about 2.0 million new jobs over the decade, the most of any group.
Healthcare workers will be needed to assist a growing number of older Americans stay healthy and active and to provide services to those with chronic conditions, such as diabetes.
Five of the top 30 fastest growing occupations are detailed occupations within the healthcare occupational group:
nurse practitioners
physician assistants
physical therapist assistants
home health and personal care aides
, and
occupational therapy assistants
. (See appendix A-1.)
Table 2. Top five fastest growing occupations within healthcare occupations, 2021 and projected 2031
Occupation
Employment
Change
(2021–31)
Median annual wage, 2021
Typical education needed for entry
2021
2031
Number
Percent
Total, all occupations
00-0000
158,134.7
166,452.1
8,317.4
5.3
$45,760
Healthcare
29-0000 and
31-0000
16,254.2
18,303.2
2,049.1
12.6
47,070
Nurse practitioners
29-1171
246.7
359.4
112.7
45.7
120,680
Master's degree
Physician assistants
29-1071
139.1
177.5
38.4
27.6
121,530
Master's degree
Physical therapist assistants
31-2021
96.5
122.1
25.6
26.5
61,180
Associate's degree
Home health and personal care aides
31-1120
3,636.9
4,560.9
924.0
25.4
29,430
High school diploma or equivalent
Occupational therapy assistants
31-2011
43.4
54.5
11.0
25.4
61,730
Associate's degree
Data are from the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Wage data cover nonfarm wage and salary workers and do not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, or household workers.
This entry is not applicable.
Note: Employment numbers are in thousands. Details may not sum to totals because of rounding.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.
Nurse practitioners
are projected to experience the fastest employment growth of all occupations, with projected growth of 45.7 percent. Healthcare facilities are increasingly using team-based healthcare models, which employ nurse practitioners,
physician assistants
, and other healthcare practitioners to provide patient care that would otherwise be provided by a doctor. Many of the fastest growing occupations in healthcare work closely with patients to help them maintain or improve their quality of life. Physical
therapist assistants assist
physical therapists
, particularly in long-term care environments; physical therapist assistants have a projected employment growth of 26.5 percent (much faster than the average for all occupations and the fastest growing occupation within the healthcare support occupational group). Occupational
therapy assistants will be
needed to help
occupational therapists
in caring for patients with conditions and ailments, such as arthritis and strokes, that may affect their ability to do everyday activities.
Employment of home health and personal care aides
is projected to grow by 25.4 percent and add about 924,000 jobs.
Both the fast growth of the elderly population and their desire to live in their own homes are expected to underpin demand for more in-home assistance.
Demand for assistance and care for individuals in retirement communities, assisted-living facilities, nursing homes, and other facilities is expected to contribute to the overall growth of this occupation.
Healthcare occupations had a median annual wage of $47,070 in May 2021, but wages vary widely;
some healthcare occupations are among the highest paying, while others have wages below the median annual wage. Wages are generally correlated with education as occupations with higher levels of typical entry-level education usually pay more. Many of the occupations within this group require on-the-job training, internship, or residency experience.
Food preparation and serving occupational group
Overall employment in food preparation and serving occupations is projected to grow 11.2 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations; this increase is expected to result in about 1.3 million new jobs over the decade.
Food preparation and serving occupations are projected to contribute 15.9 percent of the new jobs added over the 2021–31 period. This
mostly reflects job recovery from the COVID-19 recession of 2020 because pandemic restrictions had significant effects on employment levels in restaurants. Only one of the top 30 fastest growing occupations projected from 2021 to 2031 is a detailed occupation within the food preparation and serving occupational group, namely,
cooks, restaurants
(See appendix A-1.)
Table 3. Top five fastest growing occupations within food preparation and serving occupations, 2021 and projected 2031
Occupation
Employment
Change
(2021–31)
Median annual wage, 2021
Typical education needed for entry
2021
2031
Number
Percent
Total, all occupations
00-0000
158,134.7
166,452.1
8,317.4
5.3
$45,760
Food preparation and serving
35-0000
11,761.8
13,081.6
1,319.9
11.2
28,400
Cooks, restaurant
35-2014
1,255.6
1,715.6
459.9
36.6
30,010
No formal education credentials
Bartenders
35-3011
514.0
606.0
92.0
17.9
26,350
No formal education credentials
Dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers
35-9011
355.2
415.1
59.9
16.9
27,170
No formal education credentials
Chefs and head cooks
35-1011
152.8
176.3
23.6
15.4
50,160
High school diploma or equivalent
Hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop
35-9031
347.7
400.3
52.6
15.1
24,600
No formal education credentials
Data are from the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Wage data cover nonfarm wage and salary workers and do not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, or household workers.
This entry is not applicable.
Note: Employment numbers are in thousands. Details may not sum to totals because of rounding.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.
Some employment lost in the food preparation and serving occupations
during the pandemic
and projected to be recovered over the projections decade has already been recuperated as employment grew rapidly throughout the first half of 2022.
Many food service establishments, restaurants, school cafeterias, and food contractors for businesses have already reopened and reemployed workers as consumer food spending patterns returned to their prepandemic trends.
In addition to the immediate recovery discussed above, new restaurant openings and expanded food deliveries will contribute to increases in demand for restaurant food, supporting demand for the services provided by the food preparation and serving occupations.
Cooks at restaurants
are expected to add the most new jobs within this group as consumers demand more high-quality food from restaurants, contributing about 459,900 new jobs over the projections decade.
The food preparation and serving occupations group is the lowest paid major group, with a median annual wage of $28,400 in May 2021. Most food preparation and serving occupations require on-the-job training, typically lasting up to 30 days; however, typically no education credentials are needed for entry.
Management occupational group
Overall employment in management occupations
is projected to grow 7.6 percent from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations; this increase is expected to result in about 883,900 new jobs over the decade.
10
Only one of the top 30 fastest growing occupations projected from 2021 to 2031 is a detailed occupation within the management occupational group, namely,
medical and health services managers
(See appendix A-1.)
Table 4. Top five fastest growing occupations within management occupations, 2021 and projected 2031
Occupation
Employment
Change
(2021–31)
Median annual wage, 2021
Typical education needed for entry
2021
2031
Number
Percent
Total, all occupations
00-0000
158,134.7
166,452.1
8,317.4
5.3
$45,760
Management
11-0000
11,685.3
12,569.2
883.9
7.6
102,450
Medical and health services managers
11-9111
480.7
616.9
136.2
28.3
101,340
Bachelor's degree
Lodging managers
11-9081
51.2
60.4
9.2
18.0
59,430
High school diploma
or equivalent
Financial managers
11-3031
730.8
854.0
123.1
16.8
131,710
Bachelor's degree
Entertainment and recreation managers, except gambling
11-9072
21.6
25.2
3.6
16.5
62,000
Bachelor's degree
Computer and information systems managers
11-3021
509.1
591.5
82.4
16.2
159,010
Bachelor's degree
Data are from the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Wage data cover nonfarm wage and salary workers and do not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, or household workers.
This entry is not applicable.
Note: Employment numbers are in thousands.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.
The projected employment change for management occupations varies depending on the demand for the services they provide and the need for the supervision of workers. For example,
as the demand for healthcare services increases,
medical and health services managers
will be needed to support this demand
, driving employment growth of 28.3 percent from 2021 to 2031. Similarly, the employment of
computer and information systems managers
is projected to grow 16.2 percent over the projections period as the need for IT services and enhanced security requirements continue to grow.
Both
lodging managers
and
entertainment and recreation managers, except gambling
will also see fast employment growth. However, much of this projected growth will be due to recovery from the COVID-19 recession. The return to prepandemic travel patterns will result in strong demand for lodging managers in
hotels and other lodging establishments at the beginning of the projections decade
The median annual wage for this group was $102,450 in May 2021, which was the highest among the major occupational groups. A bachelor’s degree is the required level of education for most jobs within this group. However, requirements vary from a high school diploma to a master’s degree across the management occupations. In addition to postsecondary education, most occupations in this group require work experience in a related occupation. For example, financial managers require years of work experience in a related occupation for entry.
Transportation and material moving occupational group
Overall employment in transportation and material moving occupations is projected to grow 6.5 percent from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations; this increase is expected to result in about 861,800 new jobs over the decade.
11
The economy depends on transportation and material moving workers to transport freight and passengers and keep supply chains moving. Expected growth in e-commerce will drive demand for transportation and deliveries.
Taxi drivers
is the only detailed occupation from the transportation and material moving group among the top 30 fastest growing occupations projected to grow the fastest from 2021 to 2031.
(See appendix A-1.)
Table 5. Top five fastest growing occupations within transportation and material moving occupations, 2021 and projected 2031
Occupation
Employment
Change
(2021–31)
Median annual wage, 2021
Typical education needed for entry
2021
2031
Number
Percent
Total, all occupations
00-0000
158,134.7
166,452.1
8,317.4
5.3
$45,760
Transportation and material moving
53-0000
13,350.7
14,212.6
861.8
6.5
36,860
Taxi Drivers
53-3054
128.5
165.1
36.6
28.5
29,310
No formal education credentials
Flight attendants
53-2031
106.3
128.4
22.1
20.8
61,640
High school diploma or equivalent
Shuttle drivers and chauffeurs
53-3053
189.5
215.2
25.8
13.6
30,000
No formal education credentials
Driver/sales workers
53-3031
531.0
594.5
63.5
12.0
29,280
High school diploma or equivalent
Pump operators, except wellhead pumpers
53-7072
11.0
12.3
1.3
11.4
49,580
High school diploma or equivalent
Data are from the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Wage data cover nonfarm wage and salary workers and do not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, or household workers.
This entry is not applicable.
Note: Employment numbers are in thousands.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.
Some of the occupations within this group, such as
taxi drivers
flight attendants
, and
shuttle drivers and chauffeurs
, were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic; these occupations are expected to experience much faster than average growth over the projections decade. They are expected to recover lost employment from the recession of 2020 as the general population returns to prepandemic travel patterns.
The general demand for delivery options is expected to increase, and the services provided by
driver/sales workers
are projected to grow as these workers may be needed to deliver items such as food and medical supplies.
The median annual wage for this group was $36,860 in May 2021, which was lower than the median annual wage for all occupations of $45,760. Education requirements for this group range from no education credential to a postsecondary nondegree award, but a high school diploma is generally the level of education needed for entry. Some form of on-the-job training is needed to attain competency in most of the occupations within the transportation and material moving group.
Business and financial occupational group
Overall employment in business and financial occupations is projected to grow 7.2 percent from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations; this increase is expected to result in about 715,100 new jobs over the decade.
12
Continued domestic and international business operations, along with a complex tax and regulatory environment, are expected to create demand for a variety of business and financial services, including accounting, consulting, and investment advisory services. In addition, increasing efforts to understand customers behavior and product demand and to evaluate marketing strategies will lead to growing demand for market research.
Only one of the top 30 fastest growing occupations projected from 2021 to 2031 is a detailed occupation within the business and financial occupational group, namely,
logisticians
(See appendix A-1.)
Table 6. Top five fastest growing occupations within business and financial occupations, 2021 and projected 2031
Occupation
Employment
Change
(2021–31)
Median annual wage, 2021
Typical education needed for entry
2021
2031
Number
Percent
Total, all occupations
00-0000
158,134.7
166,452.1
8,317.4
5.3
$45,760
Business and financial
13-0000
9,987.4
10,702.5
715.1
7.2
76,570
Logisticians
13-1081
195.0
249.1
54.1
27.7
77,030
Bachelor’s degree
Farm labor contractors
13-1074
1.2
1.5
0.3
22.3
47,770
No formal education credentials
Financial examiners
13-2061
62.8
76.0
13.2
21.0
81,410
Bachelor’s degree
Market research analysts and marketing specialists
13-1161
792.5
942.8
150.3
19.0
63,920
Bachelor’s degree
Meeting, convention, and event planners
13-1121
128.2
151.1
22.9
17.8
49,470
Bachelor’s degree
Data are from the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Wage data cover nonfarm wage and salary workers and do not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, or household workers.
This entry is not applicable.
Note: Employment numbers are in thousands.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.
Logisticians
are expected to be in high demand; their employment is projected to grow 27.7 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. As the growth of e-commerce makes logistics more dynamic and complex, logisticians will be needed to manage multiple supply chains and oversee purchasing, transportation, inventory, and warehousing activities. The increasing use of data and market research across many industries will support the demand for
market research analysts and marketing specialists
; employment in these occupations is projected to grow 19.0 percent over the projections decade.
Employment of
farm labor contractors
is projected to grow 22.3 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations, as farms seek the assistance of contractors in recruiting and hiring seasonal and temporary farmworkers. Employment of
financial examiners
is projected to grow 21.0 percent from 2021 to 2031 as the services they provide are needed to
help navigate the regulatory environment and reduce the cost of compliance.
The median annual wage for this group was $76,570 in May 2021, which was higher than the median annual wage for all occupations of $45,760. Most occupations in this group require a bachelor’s degree and many require some form of on-the-job training. Farm labor contractors represent the only occupation in this group requiring no education credentials for entry; however, farm labor contractors do require short-term on-the-job training.
Computer and information technology occupational group
Overall employment in computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow 14.6 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations; this increase is expected to result in about 682,800 new jobs over the decade.
13
Before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, many computer and IT jobs were already projected to be in high demand over the next decade, growing much faster than average. The pandemic only served to make IT workers even
more important to the future economy
14
Strong demand for IT security, software development, and new products and services associated with the Internet of Things (IoT) continue to drive demand for the services provided by these computer and IT occupations.
Three of the top 30
fastest growing occupations projected from 2021 to 2031 are detailed occupations within the computer and information technology occupational group:
information security analysts
web developers
, and
software developers
. (See appendix A-1.)
Table 7. Top five fastest growing occupations within computer and information technology occupations, 2021 and projected 2031
Occupation
Employment
Change
(2021–31)
Median annual wage, 2021
Typical education needed for entry
2021
2031
Number
Percent
Total, all occupations
00-0000
158,134.7
166,452.1
8,317.4
5.3
$45,760
Computer and information technology
15-1200
4,665.2
5,348.0
682.8
14.6
97,430
Information security analysts
15-1212
163.0
219.5
56.5
34.7
102,600
Bachelor’s degree
Web developers
15-1254
95.3
124.1
28.9
30.3
77,030
Bachelor’s degree
Software developers
15-1252
1,425.9
1,796.5
370.6
26.0
120,730
Bachelor’s degree
Computer and information research scientists
15-1221
33.5
40.6
7.1
21.3
131,490
Master’s degree
Software quality assurance analysts and testers
15-1253
196.3
237.1
40.8
20.8
98,220
Bachelor’s degree
Data are from the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Wage data cover nonfarm wage and salary workers and do not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, or household workers.
This entry is not applicable.
Note: Employment numbers are in thousands.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.
Employment of information security analysts
is projected to grow the fastest among the computer occupations, at 34.7 percent from 2021 to 2031, more than six times the rate of growth that is projected for the total economy. As businesses continue to focus on enhancing cybersecurity, they will need information security analysts to secure new technologies from outside threats or hacks, including IoT-connected devices. As e-commerce continues to expand, organizations will look to utilize the services provided by
web developers
to create and maintain websites, which will result in projected growth of 30.3 percent from 2021 to 2031.
Software developers
and
software quality assurance analysts and testers
are projected to be among the fastest growing computer occupations (26.0 percent and 20.8 percent, respectively) as the services they provide will be needed to support the increasing number of products that use software. Employment of
computer and information research scientists
is projected to grow 21.3 percent from 2021 to 2031 as the demand for new and better technology continues to grow.
The median annual wage for computer occupations was $97,430 in May 2021, higher than the median for all occupations in the economy. A bachelor’s degree or higher is needed for entry-level positions in most occupations in this group, and some on-the-job training may be needed to attain competency in a few of the occupations.
Education, training, and library occupational group
Overall employment in education, training, and library occupations is projected to grow 7.2 percent from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations; this increase is expected to result in about 658,200 new jobs over the decade.
15
Growth in education, training, and library occupations is influenced by school enrollments and budgets.
The number of people attending postsecondary institutions is expected to grow over the projections decade as students continue to seek higher education to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to meet their career goals
Only one
of the top 30 occupations projected to grow the fastest from
2021 to 2031 is a detailed occupation within the education, training, and library occupational group:
health specialties teachers, postsecondary
(See appendix A-1.)
Table 8. Top five fastest growing occupations within education, training, and library occupations, 2021 and projected 2031
Occupation
Employment
Change
(2021–31)
Median annual wage, 2021
Typical education needed for entry
2021
2031
Number
Percent
Total, all occupations
00-0000
158,134.7
166,452.1
8,317.4
5.3
$45,760
Education, training, and library
25-0000
9,151.2
9,809.3
658.2
7.2
57,220
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary
25-1071
246.7
306.1
59.4
24.1
102,720
Doctoral or professional degree
Nursing instructors and teachers, postsecondary
25-1072
87.0
105.7
18.7
21.5
77,440
Doctoral or professional degree
Self-enrichment teachers
25-3021
347.1
408.3
61.3
17.6
43,580
High school diploma or equivalent
Preschool teachers, except special education
25-2011
483.1
556.0
72.9
15.1
30,210
Associate’s degree
Tutors
25-3041
203.4
232.9
29.5
14.5
36,470
Some college, no degree
Data are from the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Wage data cover nonfarm wage and salary workers and do not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, or household workers.
This entry is not applicable.
Note: Employment numbers are in thousands.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.
Health specialties teachers and
ursing instructors and teachers
are projected to be the two fastest growing occupations within this group; they are projected to grow 24.1 and 21.5 percent, respectively, over the projections decade as the increased demand for medical care will support demand for postsecondary teachers to educate workers.
Demand for preschool and child daycare services is expected to be robust as early childhood education is emphasized.
As a result, e
mployment of
preschool teachers
is projected to grow 15.1 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations.
The median annual wage for education, training, and library occupations was $57,220 in May 2021, more than the median for all occupations in the economy. College coursework is required for most jobs within the field, although this varies with the level of instruction. There is no typical on-the-job training needed for the education, training, and library occupations.
Personal care and service occupational group
Overall employment in personal care and service occupations is projected to grow 14.1 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations; this increase is expected to result in about 544,800 new jobs over the decade.
16
Government-imposed closures for entertainment events in some parts of the country and some consumer preferences to avoid these types of events resulted in reduced attendance levels or canceled events throughout 2021. Within the personal care and service occupational group, six of the top 30 occupations projected to grow the fastest from 2021 to 2031 are detailed occupations. This includes the 5 occupations in table 9 and
entertainment attendants and related workers, all other
(See appendix A-1.)
Table 9. Top five fastest growing occupations within personal care and service occupations, 2021 and projected 2031
Occupation
Employment
Change
(2021–31)
Median annual wage, 2021
Typical education needed for entry
2021
2031
Number
Percent
Total, all occupations
00-0000
158,134.7
166,452.1
8,317.4
5.3
$45,760
Personal care and service
39-0000
3,868.4
4,413.2
544.8
14.1
29,450
Ushers, lobby attendants, and ticket takers
39-3031
63.2
88.8
25.6
40.5
24,440
No formal education credentials
Motion picture projectionists
39-3021
2.0
2.8
0.8
40.3
29,350
No formal education credentials
Animal caretakers
39-2021
290.7
377.6
86.9
29.9
28,600
High school diploma or equivalent
Animal trainers
39-2011
52.9
67.2
14.3
27.1
31,280
High school diploma or equivalent
Personal care and service workers, all other
39-9099
104.4
130.4
26.0
24.9
29,610
High school diploma or equivalent
Data are from the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Wage data cover nonfarm wage and salary workers and do not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, or household workers.
This entry is not applicable.
Note: Employment numbers are in thousands.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.
The much-faster-than-average growth for
ushers, lobby attendants, and ticket takers
and
motion picture projectionists
primarily represents the recovery of jobs from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. These occupations are expected to recover early in the projections period as social gatherings and other activities resume.
Increasing pet ownership and spending on pets will continue to contribute to employment growth of
animal caretakers and animal trainers
The median annual wage for personal care and service occupations was $29,450 in May 2021, lower than the median for all occupations in the economy. Most occupations in this group require a high school diploma or equivalent; however, on-the-job training is needed for many of the personal care and service occupations.
Installation, maintenance, and repair occupational group
Overall employment in installation, maintenance, and repair occupations
is projected to grow 5.0 percent from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations; this increase is expected to result in about 304,000 new jobs over the decade.
17
Demand for workers in these occupations will stem from the need to install, maintain, and repair a wide variety of equipment, including cars, factory machinery, and equipment used in homes and hospitals. In addition, many buildings will need upkeep and renewal as older homes and buildings typically require more maintenance or repair, especially for pipes, insulation, electrical systems, and air-conditioning and heating systems. Specialized maintenance and repair of these aging systems alongside installation of new systems will support growth for many jobs in this group. One of the detailed occupations within this occupational group,
wind turbine service technicians
, is among the top 30 occupations projected to grow the fastest from 2021 to 2031. (See appendix A-1.)
Table 10. Top five fastest growing occupations within installation, maintenance, and repair occupations, 2021 and projected 2031
Occupation
Employment
Change
(2021–31)
Median annual wage, 2021
Typical education needed for entry
2021
2031
Number
Percent
Total, all occupations
00-0000
158,134.7
166,452.1
8,317.4
5.3
$45,760
Installation, maintenance, and repair
49-0000
6,038.7
6,342.6
304.0
5.0
47,940
Wind turbine service technicians
49-9081
11.1
16.1
4.9
44.3
56,260
Postsecondary nondegree award
Medical equipment repairers
49-9062
59.1
69.1
10.0
17.0
49,910
Associate’s degree
Industrial machinery mechanics
49-9041
384.8
447.9
63.1
16.4
59,840
High school diploma or equivalent
Commercial divers
49-9092
3.0
3.4
0.4
14.7
60,360
Postsecondary nondegree award
Recreational vehicle service technicians
49-3092
16.7
18.7
2.0
12.2
43,560
High school diploma or equivalent
Data are from the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Wage data cover nonfarm wage and salary workers and do not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, or household workers.
This entry is not applicable.
Note: Employment numbers are in thousands.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.
Wind turbine service technicians
are projected to have the second-fastest employment growth of all occupations. However, there will be relatively few jobs added (about 4,900 over 2021–31) because of the small employment numbers of
wind turbine service technicians
in 2021. Wind power generation has grown over the past 10 years, and it will require technicians to install, maintain, and repair wind turbines as this generating capacity ages.
The use of medical equipment for diagnosis and treatment will expand as the number of older adults and people with chronic diseases increase.
Medical equipment repairers
will be needed to maintain and repair medical equipment. Expansion of automation in production activities will support demand for the services provided by
industrial machinery mechanics
as they are needed to help keep machines in good working order
The median annual wage for installation, maintenance, and repair occupations was $47,940 in May 2021, which was higher than the median for all occupations in the economy. Most of the occupations within this group require a high school diploma or equivalent and on-the-job training.
Community and social service occupational group
Overall employment in community and social service occupations is projected to grow 10.4 percent from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations; this increase is expected to result in about 294,600 new jobs over the decade.
18
As demand remains strong for mental health, addiction, and school and career-counseling services, employment of community and social service occupations is projected to experience fast growth over the projections period.
Table 11. Top five fastest growing occupations within community and social service occupations, 2021 and projected 2031
Occupation
Employment
Change
(2021–31)
Median annual wage, 2021
Typical education needed for entry
2021
2031
Number
Percent
Total, all occupations
00-0000
158,134.7
166,452.1
8,317.4
5.3
$45,760
Community and social service
21-0000
2,843.2
3,137.8
294.6
10.4
48,410
Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors
21-1018
351.0
428.5
77.5
22.1
48,520
Bachelor's degree
Community health workers
21-1094
67.0
77.7
10.6
15.9
46,590
High school diploma or equivalent
Marriage and family therapists
21-1013
65.3
74.3
9.1
13.9
49,880
Master's degree
Social and human service assistants
21-1093
420.6
472.9
52.4
12.5
37,610
High school diploma or equivalent
Healthcare social workers
21-1022
179.5
199.3
19.9
11.1
60,840
Master's degree
Data are from the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Wage data cover nonfarm wage and salary workers and do not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, or household workers.
This entry is not applicable.
Note: Employment numbers are in thousands.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.
Much-faster-than-average employment growth is expected for
substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors
as people continue to seek addiction and mental health counseling services.
An emphasis on promoting healthy behaviors, particularly those based on experiences from the COVID-19 pandemic, is expected to increase demand for the services provided by
community health workers
over the projections decade.
Much-faster-than-average employment growth is expected for
marriage and family therapists
. Growth is expected because of the increasing use of integrated care, which is the treatment of multiple problems at the same time by a group of specialists. In providing integrated care, marriage and family therapists are working with counselors, such as substance abuse, behavioral disorder, or mental health counselors, to address patients' issues as a team.
The median annual wage for community and social service occupations was $48,410 in May 2021, which was higher than the median for all occupations in the economy. Education requirements vary from high school diploma to a master’s degree, tending to be higher for more complex social needs. Several occupations within this group also require on-the-job training, internship, or residency experience.
Building and grounds cleaning occupational group
Overall employment in building and grounds cleaning occupations is projected to grow 5.4 percent from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations; this increase is expected to result in about 290,800 new jobs over the decade.
19
None of the detailed occupations within this occupational group are projected to be among the top 30 fastest growing occupations from 2021 to 2031. Building and grounds cleaning workers will be needed to keep up with continued demand for lawn care, landscaping, and cleaning services from both commercial and residential spaces.
Table 12. Top five fastest growing occupations within building and grounds cleaning occupations, 2021 and projected 2031
Occupation
Employment
Change
(2021–31)
Median annual wage, 2021
Typical education needed for entry
2021
2031
Number
Percent
Total, all occupations
00-0000
158,134.7
166,452.1
8,317.4
5.3
$45,760
Building and grounds cleaning
37-0000
5,415.0
5,705.8
290.8
5.4
30,240
Maids and housekeeping cleaners
37-2012
1,237.4
1,353.8
116.4
9.4
28,780
No formal education credentials
Pest control workers
37-2021
90.6
96.7
6.1
6.8
37,540
High school diploma or equivalent
Pesticide handlers, sprayers, and applicators, vegetation
37-3012
27.6
29.2
1.6
5.8
38,270
High school diploma or equivalent
First-line supervisors of housekeeping and janitorial workers
37-1011
253.0
266.7
13.7
5.4
39,630
High school diploma or equivalent
Landscaping and groundskeeping workers
37-3011
1,191.6
1,248.5
56.9
4.8
34,430
No formal education credentials
Data are from the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Wage data cover nonfarm wage and salary workers and do not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, or household workers.
This entry is not applicable.
Note: Employment numbers are in thousands.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.
Maids and housekeeping cleaners
are expected to see strong employment growth mostly because of recovery from the COVID-19 recession of 2020. The return to prepandemic travel patterns will translate to strong demand for maids and housekeeping cleaners in hotels and other traveler accommodations at the start of the projections decade. The job recovery also is expected in other establishments that were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, including private households, hospitals, and nursing care centers.
Landscaping and groundskeeping workers
will see employment growth associated with increasing demand for lawn care and landscaping services from homeowners and from large institutions, such as universities and corporate campuses.
The median annual wage for building and grounds cleaning
was $30,240 in May 2021, which was lower than the
median for all occupations in the economy.
Many of the occupations within this group do not require an education credential, but a high school diploma or equivalent is needed for entry into higher paying building and grounds cleaning occupations. On-the-job training is needed for most of the building and grounds cleaning occupations.
Construction and extraction occupational group
Overall employment in construction and extraction occupations is projected to grow 3.6 percent from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations; this increase is expected to result in about 252,900 new jobs over the decade.
20
Overall growth in the economy will increase demand for new buildings, roads, and other structures, which will create jobs in construction and extraction occupations. Alternative-energy-related activities will contribute to the growth of construction occupations, including the installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, photovoltaic (PV) panels, and wind turbines.
21
Two of the top 30
occupations projected to grow the fastest from 2021 to 2031 are detailed occupations within the construction and extraction occupational group:
solar photovoltaic installers
and
roustabouts, oil and gas
. (See appendix A-1.)
Table 13. Top five fastest growing occupations within construction and extraction occupations, 2021 and projected 2031
Occupation
Employment
Change
(2021–31)
Median annual wage, 2021
Typical education needed for entry
2021
2031
Number
Percent
Total, all occupations
00-0000
158,134.7
166,452.1
8,317.4
5.3
$45,760
Construction and extraction
47-0000
7,026.0
7,278.9
252.9
3.6
48,210
Solar photovoltaic installers
47-2231
17.1
21.7
4.6
27.2
47,670
High school diploma or equivalent
Roustabouts, oil and gas
47-5071
37.3
45.9
8.6
23.0
38,920
No formal education credentials
Rotary drill operators, oil and gas
47-5012
12.1
14.3
2.1
17.6
56,380
No formal education credentials
Service unit operators, oil and gas
47-5013
35.7
42.0
6.3
17.5
48,410
No formal education credentials
Derrick operators, oil and gas
47-5011
8.6
10.0
1.4
16.9
47,230
No formal education credentials
Data are from the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Wage data cover nonfarm wage and salary workers and do not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, or household workers.
This entry is not applicable.
Note: Employment numbers are in thousands.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.
With the continued expansion and adoption of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, the employment of
solar PV i
nstallers is projected to grow 27.2 percent from 2021 to 2031. This is much faster than the average for all occupations.
The exploration and extraction of oil and gas will support demand for the services provided by
roustabouts
rotary drill operators
service unit operators
, and
derrick operators
The median annual wage for this group was $48,210 in May 2021, which was higher than the median annual wage for all occupations. Many of these occupations typically do not require education for entry, however most construction trades occupations do require a high school diploma or equivalent. Nearly all construction and extraction occupations require on-the-job training, and many construction trades occupations require an apprenticeship.
Legal occupational group
Overall employment in legal occupations is projected to grow 9.6 percent from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations; this increase is expected to result in about 131,000 new jobs over the decade.
22
Legal services are expected to be in demand and contribute to employment growth in this occupational group.
Table 14. Top four fastest growing occupations within legal occupations, 2021 and projected 2031
Occupation
Employment
Change
(2021–31)
Median annual wage, 2021
Typical education needed for entry
2021
2031
Number
Percent
Total, all occupations
00-0000
158,134.7
166,452.1
8,317.4
5.3
$45,760
Legal
23-0000
1,368.0
1,499.0
131.0
9.6
82,430
Paralegals and legal assistants
23-2011
352.8
402.7
49.9
14.1
56,230
Associate’s degree
Lawyers
23-1011
833.1
913.3
80.2
9.6
127,990
Doctoral or professional degree
Arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators
23-1022
8.9
9.5
0.6
6.2
49,410
Bachelor’s degree
Title examiners, abstractors, and searchers
23-2093
61.2
62.4
1.2
1.9
47,310
High school diploma or equivalent
Data are from the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Wage data cover nonfarm wage and salary workers and do not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, or household workers.
This entry is not applicable.
Note: Employment numbers are in thousands.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.
Demand for specialized and expert legal services will contribute to the overall employment growth of
lawyers
and legal-related occupations.
Despite this need for legal services, continuing price competition over the projections decade may lead law firms to rethink project staffing to reduce costs to clients. For example,
paralegals and legal assistants
are less costly than lawyers in performing a variety of tasks previously assigned to entry-level lawyers.
The median annual wage for this group was $82,430 in May 2021, which was higher than the median annual wage for all occupations of $45,760. Most occupations within this group require at least a bachelor’s degree, and several of the occupations within this group may also require on-the-job training.
Life, physical, and social science occupational group
Overall employment in life, physical, and social science occupations is projected to grow 6.9 percent from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations; this increase is expected to result in about 98,700 new jobs over the decade.
23
Increasing demand for expertise in the sciences, particularly in occupations involved in biomedical research, psychology, and environmental protection, is projected to result in employment growth in this group. One of the detailed occupations within the life, physical, and social science occupational group,
epidemiologists
is among the top 30 occupations projected to grow the fastest from 2021 to 2031. (See appendix A-1.)
Table 15. Top five fastest growing occupations within life, physical, and social science occupations, 2021 and projected 2031
Occupation
Employment
Change
(2021–31)
Median annual wage, 2021
Typical education needed for entry
2021
2031
Number
Percent
Total, all occupations
00-0000
158,134.7
166,452.1
8,317.4
5.3
$45,760
Life, physical, and social science
19-0000
1,436.0
1,534.7
98.7
6.9
72,740
Epidemiologists
19-1041
8.6
10.9
2.2
25.8
78,830
Master's degree
Medical scientists, except epidemiologists
19-1042
119.2
140.0
20.8
17.4
95,310
Doctoral or professional degree
Biochemists and biophysicists
19-1021
37.5
43.2
5.7
15.3
102,270
Doctoral or professional degree
Animal scientists
19-1011
3.7
4.2
0.4
11.8
65,090
Bachelor's degree
Forensic science technicians
19-4092
17.6
19.6
2.0
11.4
61,930
Bachelor's degree
Data are from the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Wage data cover nonfarm wage and salary workers and do not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, or household workers.
This entry is not applicable.
Note: Employment numbers are in thousands.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.
Employment of
epidemiologists
is projected to grow 25.8 percent from 2021 to 2031 because of the increased need to identify and mitigate the impact of diseases. However, because the occupation is small, the fast growth of epidemiologists will result in only about 2,200 new jobs over the projections decade. An increase in the number of people in older age groups will drive the demand to develop new medicines and treatments to prevent, cure, or manage disease. The increased demand, in turn, is expected to contribute to the much-faster-than-average projected employment growth of
medical scientists
and
biochemists and biophysicists
Animal scientists
are expected to be needed to research more sustainable farming methods, especially in livestock production. However, because the occupation is small, the fast growth of animal scientists will result in only about 400 new jobs over the projections decade.
As scientific and technological advances are expected to increase the availability, reliability, and usefulness of objective forensic information used as evidence in trials, more
forensic science technicians
will be needed.
Because this is a small occupation, its fast growth is expected to result in only about 2,000 new jobs over the projections decade.
The median annual wage for life, physical, and social science occupations was $72,740 in May 2021, which was higher than the median annual wage for all occupations of $45,760.
Some form of postsecondary education is needed for entry-level positions in nearly all occupations in this group. Some occupations within this group require on-the-job training, internship, or residency experience.
Entertainment and sports occupational group
Overall employment in entertainment and sports occupations is projected to grow 12.6 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations; this increase is expected to result in about 95,500 new jobs over the decade.
24
Strong demand from the public for entertainment options, including movies and television shows, and the continued popularity of sports will contribute to job growth for the entertainment and sports occupations. However, some of the projected employment growth in these occupations is due to recovery from the COVID-19 recession of 2020; this growth is likely to occur early in the projections decade as participation and attendance in recreational activities, including organized sports and performances, resume. Four of the top 30 occupations projected to grow the fastest from 2021 to 2031 are detailed occupations within the entertainment and sports occupational group:
athletes and sports competitors
umpires, referees, and other sports officials
dancers
and
choreographers
. (See appendix A-1.)
Table 16. Top five fastest growing occupations within entertainment and sports occupations, 2021 and projected 2031
Occupation
Employment
Change
(2021–31)
Median annual wage, 2021
Typical education needed for entry
2021
2031
Number
Percent
Total, all occupations
00-0000
158,134.7
166,452.1
8,317.4
5.3
$45,760
Entertainment and sports
27-2000
758.3
853.8
95.5
12.6
49,470
Athletes and sports competitors
27-2021
15.8
21.5
5.7
35.7
77,300
No formal education credentials
Umpires, referees, and other sports officials
27-2023
13.2
17.4
4.2
31.7
35,860
High school diploma or equivalent
Choreographers
27-2032
6.3
8.1
1.9
29.7
42,700
High school diploma or equivalent
Dancers
27-2031
6.2
7.7
1.5
24.5
No formal education credentials
Coaches and scouts
27-2022
244.3
293.1
48.8
20.0
38,970
Bachelor's degree
Data are from the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Wage data cover nonfarm wage and salary workers and do not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, or household workers.
This entry is not applicable.
Wages for some occupations that do not generally work year-round, full time, are reported either as hourly wages or annual salaries depending on how they are typically paid. The median hourly wage for dancers was $18.78 in May 2021.
Note: Employment numbers are in thousands.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.
In addition to the recovery from the COVID-19 recession of 2020, an increased public interest in professional sports will support demand for
athletes and sports competitors
umpires, referees, and other sports officials
; and
coaches and scouts
Dancers
and
choreographers
also were affected by the COVID-19 recession and are projected to experience strong growth as they recover early in the decade. However, because these are small occupations, their fast growth is expected to result in only about 1,500 new jobs for dancers and 1,900 new jobs for choreographers.
The median annual wage for entertainment and sports occupations was $49,470 in May 2021, slightly higher than the median for all occupations in the economy.
While typical entry-level education requirements vary within this occupational group, most occupations in the entertainment and sports occupations group require on-the-job training.
Architecture and engineering occupational group
Overall employment in architecture and engineering occupations is projected to grow 3.6 percent from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations; this increase is expected to result in about 91,300 new jobs over the decade.
25
None of the detailed occupations within this occupational group are among the top 30 occupations projected to grow the fastest from 2021 to 2031. Most of the projected job growth in this group is for engineers; their services will be in demand in areas such as manufacturing, construction, and renewable energy.
Table 17. Top five fastest growing occupations within architecture and engineering occupations, 2021 and projected 2031
Occupation
Employment
Change
(2021–31)
Median annual wage, 2021
Typical education needed for entry
2021
2031
Number
Percent
Total, all occupations
00-0000
158,134.7
166,452.1
8,317.4
5.3
$45,760
Architecture and engineering
17-0000
2,562.5
2,653.7
91.3
3.6
79,840
Chemical engineers
17-2041
26.9
30.7
3.7
13.9
105,550
Bachelor's degree
Industrial engineers
17-2112
301.0
331.6
30.6
10.2
95,300
Bachelor's degree
Bioengineers and biomedical engineers
17-2031
17.9
19.7
1.7
9.8
97,410
Bachelor's degree
Petroleum engineers
17-2171
22.8
24.6
1.9
8.3
130,850
Bachelor's degree
Civil engineers
17-2051
318.3
340.4
22.1
6.9
88,050
Bachelor's degree
Data are from the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Wage data cover nonfarm wage and salary workers and do not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, or household workers.
This entry is not applicable.
Note: Employment numbers are in thousands.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.
The employment of
chemical engineers
is projected to grow much faster than average, at 13.9 percent from 2021 to 2031, as chemical engineering services are needed across
various manufacturing industries. However, because the occupation of chemical engineers is small, its fast growth will result in only about 3,700 new jobs over the projections decade.
Increased adoption of industrial robotics and integration of automation will continue to create demand for
industrial engineers
to design efficient manufacturing processes, resulting in projected employment growth of 10.2 percent over the projections decade. Employment of
bioengineers and biomedical engineers
is projected to grow 9.8 percent from 2021 to 2031 as demand for biomedical devices and procedures, such as hip and knee replacements, continues to increase.
The median annual wage for architecture and engineering occupations was $79,840 in May 2021, which was higher than the median for all occupations in the economy.
Some form of postsecondary education is needed for entry-level positions in nearly all occupations in this group. A few occupations within this group require on-the-job training, internship, or residency experience.
Math occupational group
Overall employment in math occupations is projected to grow 28.7 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations; this increase is expected to result in about 82,000 new jobs over the decade.
26
Expected robust growth in data and the associated demand for data to be collected and analyzed are major factors behind the strong projected employment growth for math occupations. Growth is anticipated as larger amounts of digital and electronic data are collected with the expanding digital economy. Workers in math occupations will be needed to collect, organize, and analyze data to help optimize and improve business processes.
Three of the top 30
occupations projected to grow the fastest from 2021 to 2031 are detailed occupations within the math occupational group:
data scientists
statisticians
, and
operations research analysts
. (See appendix A-1.)
Table 18. Top five fastest growing occupations within math occupations, 2021 and projected 2031
Occupation
Employment
Change
(2021–31)
Median annual wage, 2021
Typical education needed for entry
2021
2031
Number
Percent
Total, all occupations
00-0000
158,134.7
166,452.1
8,317.4
5.3
$45,760
Math
15-2000
286.3
368.3
82.0
28.7
98,680
Data scientists
15-2051
113.3
153.9
40.5
35.8
100,910
Bachelor's degree
Statisticians
15-2041
34.2
45.3
11.2
32.7
95,570
Master's degree
Operations research analysts
15-2031
104.2
128.3
24.2
23.2
82,360
Bachelor's degree
Actuaries
15-2011
28.3
34.2
5.9
20.8
105,900
Bachelor's degree
Mathematical science occupations, all other
15-2099
4.4
4.6
0.3
6.6
62,460
Bachelor's degree
Data are from the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Wage data cover nonfarm wage and salary workers and do not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, or household workers.
This entry is not applicable.
Note: Employment numbers are in thousands.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.
Because organizations rely on
data scientists
and
statisticians
to mine and analyze the large amounts of information and data collected, employment in these occupations is projected to growth by 35.8 percent and 32.7 percent, respectively, over the projections decade. Data scientists and statisticians are among the top 10 fastest growing occupations overall. (See appendix A-1.) As technology advances and companies and government agencies seek efficiency and cost savings, demand for
operations research analysts
should continue to grow.
Actuaries
also are expected to experience much-faster-than-average employment growth as their services will be needed to develop, price, and evaluate a variety of insurance products and calculate the costs of new risks. Employment of actuaries is projected to grow 20.8 percent from 2021 to 2031.
The median annual wage for math occupations was $98,680 in May 2021, higher than the median for all occupations in the economy. Postsecondary education is needed for entry-level positions in math occupations. All occupations within this group do not require on-the-job training except for actuaries; they typically require long-term, usually more than a year, on-the-job training.
Protective service occupational group
Overall employment in protective service occupations is projected to grow 2.1 percent from 2021 to 2031, slower than the average for all occupations; the increase is expected to result in about 72,600 new jobs over the decade.
27
Demand for various types of protective services is expected to persist over the projections decade and support employment growth for many occupations in this group. These services include protection from fires, crimes, and injuries in sporting and recreational activities.
Table 19. Top five fastest growing occupations within protective service occupations, 2021 and projected 2031
Occupation
Employment
Change
(2021–31)
Median annual wage, 2021
Typical education needed for entry
2021
2031
Number
Percent
Total, all occupations
00-0000
158,134.7
166,452.1
8,317.4
5.3
$45,760
Protective service
33-0000
3,482.2
3,554.8
72.6
2.1
46,590
Forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists
33-2022
2.9
3.4
0.6
19.4
42,600
High school diploma or equivalent
Lifeguards, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workers
33-9092
120.8
140.7
19.9
16.4
25,630
No formal education credentials
Crossing guards and flaggers
33-9091
85.1
92.9
7.8
9.2
31,450
No formal education credentials
Gambling surveillance officers and gambling investigators
33-9031
9.5
10.3
0.8
8.5
35,450
High school diploma or equivalent
School bus monitors
33-9094
53.5
57.1
3.6
6.7
29,100
High school diploma or equivalent
Data are from the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Wage data cover nonfarm wage and salary workers and do not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, or household workers.
This entry is not applicable.
Note: Employment numbers are in thousands.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.
Forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists
will continue to be needed to help control fires and investigate the cause of fires. These inspectors’ and specialists’ services will continue to be in demand as they will be needed to enforce outdoor fire regulations and other means of forest fire prevention. The severity of wildfires in several states has increased in recent years, resulting in a greater need for these workers.
28
Crossing guards and flaggers
and
school bus monitors
will be needed to protect school children crossing the street, getting on and off the bus, and traveling by bus.
The median annual wage for protective service occupations was $46,590 in May 2021, slightly higher than the median for all occupations in the economy.
Typical entry-level education for most protective service occupations is a high school diploma or equivalent, and candidates typically receive on-the-job training.
Media and communication occupational group
Overall employment in media and communication occupations is projected to grow 6.2 percent from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations; this increase is expected to result in about 68,600 new jobs over the decade.
29
Demand for media and communication occupations is expected because of the continued need to create, edit, translate, and disseminate information through a variety of different platforms.
Table 20. Top five fastest growing occupations within media and communication occupations, 2021 and projected 2031
Occupation
Employment
Change
(2021–31)
Median annual wage, 2021
Typical education needed for entry
2021
2031
Number
Percent
Total, all occupations
00-0000
158,134.7
166,452.1
8,317.4
5.3
$45,760
Media and communication
27-3000 and
27-4000
1,111.9
1,180.5
68.6
6.2
61,140
Interpreters and translators
27-3091
69.4
83.4
14.0
20.2
49,110
Bachelor's degree
Audio and video technicians
27-4011
68.6
79.3
10.7
15.7
48,820
Postsecondary nondegree award
Lighting technicians
27-4015
5.7
6.5
0.8
14.7
51,470
Postsecondary nondegree award
Film and video editors
27-4032
48.1
54.7
6.6
13.8
62,680
Bachelor's degree
Photographers
27-4021
125.6
136.8
11.2
8.9
38,950
High school diploma or equivalent
Data are from the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Wage data cover nonfarm wage and salary workers and do not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, or household workers.
This entry is not applicable.
Note: Employment numbers are in thousands.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.
Employment of
interpreters and translators
is projected to grow 20.2 percent from 2021 to 2031 as demand for translation services continues to grow with
increasing globalization and a more diverse U.S. population.
Media and communication equipment workers will be in demand to support the increased need for audio and visual support, including
audio and video technicians
lighting technicians
film and video editors
, and
photographers
. This is in addition to an increase in demand for new content produced for streaming services.
The median annual wage for media and communication workers, including media and communication equipment workers, was $61,140 in May 2021, which was higher than the median annual wage for all occupations of $45,760.
Most occupations within this group require some form of postsecondary education and on-the-job training.
Arts and design occupational group
Overall employment in arts and design occupations is projected to grow 2.2 percent from 2021 to 2031, slower than the average for all occupations; the increase is expected to result in about 20,500 new jobs over the decade.
30
Some of the projected employment growth in arts and design occupations is due to recovery from the COVID-19 recession of 2020 and is likely to occur early in the projections decade as recreational activities resume.
Table 21. Top five fastest growing occupations within arts and design occupations, 2021 and projected 2031
Occupation
Employment
Change
(2021–31)
Median annual wage, 2021
Typical education needed for entry
2021
2031
Number
Percent
Total, all occupations
00-0000
158,134.7
166,452.1
8,317.4
5.3
$45,760
Arts and design
27-1000
918.8
939.4
20.5
2.2
48,220
Fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators
27-1013
27.1
28.8
1.7
6.4
60,820
Bachelor's degree
Special effects artists and animators
27-1014
58.9
62.1
3.2
5.4
78,790
Bachelor's degree
Set and exhibit designers
27-1027
27.0
28.5
1.4
5.2
54,860
Bachelor's degree
Craft artists
27-1012
10.7
11.2
0.5
5.1
35,930
No formal education credentials
Merchandise displayers and window trimmers
27-1026
161.6
169.1
7.5
4.6
32,060
High school diploma or equivalent
Data are from the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Wage data cover nonfarm wage and salary workers and do not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, or household workers.
This entry is not applicable.
Note: Employment numbers are in thousands.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.
Employment of
fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators
is projected to grow 6.4 percent from 2021 to 2031, and employment of
craft artists
is projected to grow 5.1 percent over the projections decade as recreational activities resume.
Special effects artists and animators
will be needed to meet the demand for animation and visual effects in video games, movies, television, and smartphone applications, seeing a projected employment growth of 5.4 percent from 2021 to 2031. The employment of
set and exhibit designers
and
merchandise displayers and window trimmers
is projected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations (5.2 percent and 4.6 percent, respectively) from 2021 to 2031.
The median annual wage for arts and design occupations was $48,220 in May 2021, slightly higher than the median for all occupations in the economy.
Most occupations within this group typically require a bachelor’s degree for entry, and some of these occupations require on-the-job training.
Farming, fishing, and forestry occupational group
Overall employment in farming, fishing, and forestry occupations is projected to show little or no change from 2021 to 2031; this limited growth is expected to result in about 8,400 new jobs over the decade.
31
The need for domestic agricultural products should support demand for these workers to produce and supply food. Continued mechanization of farming and forestry may limit employment in some occupations and benefit employment of other occupations in this group.
Table 22. Top five fastest growing occupations within farming, fishing, and forestry occupations, 2021 and projected 2031
Occupation
Employment
Change
(2021–31)
Median annual wage, 2021
Typical education needed for entry
2021
2031
Number
Percent
Total, all occupations
00-0000
158,134.7
166,452.1
8,317.4
5.3
$45,760
Farming, fishing, and forestry
45-0000
1,069.6
1,078.0
8.4
0.8
29,860
Agricultural equipment operators
45-2091
66.6
74.7
8.0
12.1
36,360
No formal education credentials
First-line supervisors of farming, fishing, and forestry workers
45-1011
53.3
56.7
3.4
6.4
48,640
High school diploma or equivalent
Agricultural workers, all other
45-2099
11.6
12.1
0.6
4.9
32,550
No formal education credentials
Animal breeders
45-2021
7.3
7.6
0.3
4.3
40,090
High school diploma or equivalent
Log graders and scalers
45-4023
4.5
4.6
0.2
3.5
37,820
High school diploma or equivalent
Data are from the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Wage data cover nonfarm wage and salary workers and do not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, or household workers.
This entry is not applicable.
Note: Employment numbers are in thousands.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.
An expected increase in the use of agricultural equipment will require more
agricultural equipment operators
relative to farmworkers and laborers.
Small farms that sell their products directly to consumers through venues such as farmers’ markets might create opportunities for some agricultural workers, including
animal breeders
and
other agricultural workers
The median annual wage for farming, fishing, and forestry occupations was $29,860 in May 2021, lower than the median for all occupations in the economy. Most of these occupations do not require any formal education, but a high school diploma and on-the-job training are usually necessary in more specialized jobs in this occupational group.
Production occupational group
Overall employment in production occupations is projected to decline 1.9 percent from 2021 to 2031, a decrease of about 163,600 jobs over the decade.
32
The increasing automation of production processes is expected to continue to require fewer manufacturing jobs, which account for a large share of production occupations. Thirteen of the top 30 occupations projected to decline the fastest from 2021 to 2031 are detailed occupations within the production occupational group, including the 5 occupations shown in table 23. (See appendix A-2.)
Table 23. Top five fastest declining occupations within production occupations, 2021 and projected 2031
Occupation
Employment
Change
(2021–31)
Median annual wage, 2021
Typical education needed for entry
2021
2031
Number
Percent
Total, all occupations
00-0000
158,134.7
166,452.1
8,317.4
5.3
$45,760
Production
51-0000
8,787.1
8,623.5
-163.6
-1.9
37,710
Cutters and trimmers, hand
51-9031
8.2
5.9
-2.3
-28.4
30,230
No formal education credentials
Nuclear power reactor operators
51-8011
4.8
3.5
-1.3
-26.8
104,260
High school diploma or equivalent
Print binding and finishing workers
51-5113
42.2
31.8
-10.5
-24.8
36,590
High school diploma or equivalent
Prepress technicians and workers
51-5111
26.0
20.1
-5.9
-22.7
42,610
Postsecondary nondegree award
Aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assemblers
51-2011
34.3
27.7
-6.6
-19.4
49,480
High school diploma or equivalent
Data are from the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Wage data cover nonfarm wage and salary workers and do not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, or household workers.
This entry is not applicable.
Note: Employment numbers are in thousands.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.
Improved precision technologies enable machines to cut various materials, resulting in reduced demand for
cutters and trimmers
. Increased use of robotics will enable
assemblers and fabricators
to work alongside robots (a development also known as collaborative robotics). These robots can perform more complex tasks such as drilling holes, cutting materials, or painting equipment, which reduces demand for some assemblers and fabricators.
Employment declines in some production occupations also will result from shifts in product preferences. As nuclear energy power production faces steep competition from renewable energy sources, decommissioning plans for several reactors are reducing demand for
nuclear power reactor operators
. Similarly, increased customer demand for digital products compared with printed materials will reduce the demand for the services provided by
print binding and finishing workers
and
prepress technicians
The median annual wage for production occupations was $37,710 in May 2021, lower than the median for all occupations in the economy. Education requirements range from no formal education to a postsecondary nondegree award, but a high school diploma and some on-the-job training are typically needed.
Sales occupational group
Overall employment in sales occupations is projected to show little or no change from 2021 to 2031, seeing a decrease of about 164,500 jobs over the decade.
33
The increasing use of digital marketing and advertising is contributing to the projected decline in employment of many sales occupations. Alternative methods of direct marketing (including web advertisements, emails, and text messages) have emerged as substitutes for telemarketing and door-to-door sales marketing.
Telemarketers
are the
only detailed occupation from the sales occupational group among the top 30 occupations projected to decline the fastest from 2021 to 2031. (See appendix A-2.)
Table 24. Top five fastest declining occupations within sales occupations, 2021 and projected 2031
Occupation
Employment
Change
(2021–31)
Median annual wage, 2021
Typical education needed for entry
2021
2031
Number
Percent
Total, all occupations
00-0000
158,134.7
166,452.1
8,317.4
5.3
$45,760
Sales
41-0000
14,719.9
14,555.4
-164.5
-1.1
30,600
Telemarketers
41-9041
115.7
94.7
-21.0
-18.2
28,910
No formal education credentials
Door-to-door sales workers, news and street vendors, and related workers
41-9091
54.7
49.0
-5.7
-10.4
29,390
No formal education credentials
Cashiers
41-2011
3,371.6
3,036.0
-335.7
-10.0
27,260
No formal education credentials
Advertising sales agents
41-3011
100.7
92.7
-8.0
-7.9
52,340
High school diploma or equivalent
First-line supervisors of retail sales workers
41-1011
1,505.7
1,427.5
-78.2
-5.2
39,230
High school diploma or equivalent
Data are from the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Wage data cover nonfarm wage and salary workers and do not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, or household workers.
This entry is not applicable.
Note: Employment numbers are in thousands.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.
Telemarketers
door-to-door sales workers, news and street vendors, and related workers
; and
advertising sales agents
are all projected to experience a decline in employment from 2021 to 2031. The growth of digital advertising also will reduce demand for paper advertisements and increase demand for virtual promotional products.
Cashiers
are projected to have the largest decline of any occupation over the projections period. Employment of cashiers is expected to decline because of advances in technology, such as the increased use of online sales, digital payment, and self-checkout systems.
The median annual wage for sales occupations was $30,600 in May 2021, lower than the median for all occupations in the economy. Most occupations in this group typically require no education credentials, but some of the occupations may require a high school diploma. Also, some form of on-the-job training may be needed.
Office and administrative support occupational group
Overall employment in office and administrative support occupations is projected to decline 4.5 percent from 2021 to 2031, a decrease of about 880,800 jobs over the decade.
34
Office and administrative support occupations constitute the largest of all groups, composing about 12.4 percent of all jobs in 2021; however, this group is also expected to lose the most jobs of any occupational group by 2031. Technological changes are expected to continue to negatively affect the future employment of office and administrative support occupations. Computer and application software tools, digital data collection, and automated scheduling systems continue to be improved and used in many office and administrative support tasks.
Seven of the top 30
occupations projected to decline the fastest from 2021 to 2031 are detailed occupations within the office and administrative support occupational group, including the 5 occupations in table 25,
legal secretaries and administrative assistants
and
order clerks
. (See appendix A-2.)
Table 25. Top five fastest declining occupations within office and administrative support occupations, 2021 and projected 2031
Occupation
Employment
Change
(2021–31)
Median annual wage, 2021
Typical education needed for entry
2021
2031
Number
Percent
Total, all occupations
00-0000
158,134.7
166,452.1
8,317.4
5.3
$45,760
Office and administrative support
43-0000
19,587.0
18,706.2
-880.8
-4.5
38,050
Word processors and typists
43-9022
46.1
28.5
-17.6
-38.2
44,030
High school diploma or equivalent
Data entry keyers
43-9021
155.9
117.4
-38.5
-24.7
35,630
High school diploma or equivalent
Telephone operators
43-2021
4.0
3.0
-1.0
-24.5
37,630
High school diploma or equivalent
Switchboard operators, including answering service
43-2011
49.0
37.2
-11.8
-24.0
30,150
High school diploma or equivalent
Executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants
43-6011
508.0
405.4
-102.6
-20.2
62,060
High school diploma or equivalent
Data are from the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Wage data cover nonfarm wage and salary workers and do not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, or household workers.
This entry is not applicable.
Note: Employment numbers are in thousands.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.
Many office tasks (for example, data entry, telephone, and answering services) continue to be automated. As a result, employment in office and administrative support occupations is projected to decline. For example, technological improvements will require fewer
secretaries and administrative assistants
as many secretarial tasks can now be completed by other workers.
Word processors and typists
is the occupation with the fastest projected employment decline of all occupations as computer use continues to enable many occupations to acquire typing skills. Employment in this occupation is projected to decline by 38.2 percent from 2021 to 2031.
Despite projected employment declines, openings in office and administrative support occupations are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as retirees.
The median annual wage for office and administrative support occupations was $38,050 in May 2021, lower than the median for all occupations in the economy. A high school diploma or equivalent is the most common entry-level education requirement for occupations in this group, and some form of on-the-job training may be needed.
Discussion and analysis
While specific factors drive employment change for each detailed occupation, there are broader macroeconomic factors that can affect occupations within an occupational group or even across occupational groups. About 8.3 million new jobs are projected to be added over the 2021–31 projections decade. Nearly one in four new jobs will be in the healthcare occupational group. Computer and information technology occupations and math occupations are projected to experience much-faster-than-average employment growth because of the strong demand for informational technology (IT) services and an expected robust growth in data analysis. The food preparation and serving occupations and personal care and service occupations are projected to experience fast growth over the projections period. However, a part of this projected growth represents recovery from a low employment level in 2021. Production occupations, sales occupations, and office and administrative occupations are the occupational groups projected to decline over the projections decade because of changes in technology, business practices, and outsourcing activities.
Appendix A-1: Top 30 fastest growing occupations, 2021 and projected 2031
Occupation
Employment
Change (2021–31)
Median annual wage, 2021
2021
2031
Number
Percent
Total, all occupations
00-0000
158,134.7
166,452.1
8,317.4
5.3
$45,760
Nurse practitioners
29-1171
246.7
359.4
112.7
45.7
120,680
Wind turbine service technicians
49-9081
11.1
16.1
4.9
44.3
56,260
Ushers, lobby attendants, and ticket takers
39-3031
63.2
88.8
25.6
40.5
24,440
Motion picture projectionists
39-3021
2.0
2.8
0.8
40.3
29,350
Cooks, restaurant
35-2014
1,255.6
1,715.6
459.9
36.6
30,010
Data scientists
15-2051
113.3
153.9
40.5
35.8
100,910
Athletes and sports competitors
27-2021
15.8
21.5
5.7
35.7
77,300
Information security analysts
15-1212
163.0
219.5
56.5
34.7
102,600
Statisticians
15-2041
34.2
45.3
11.2
32.7
95,570
Umpires, referees, and other sports officials
27-2023
13.2
17.4
4.2
31.7
35,860
Web developers
15-1254
95.3
124.1
28.9
30.3
77,030
Animal caretakers
39-2021
290.7
377.6
86.9
29.9
28,600
Choreographers
27-2032
6.3
8.1
1.9
29.7
42,700
Taxi drivers
53-3054
128.5
165.1
36.6
28.5
29,310
Medical and health services managers
11-9111
480.7
616.9
136.2
28.3
101,340
Logisticians
13-1081
195.0
249.1
54.1
27.7
77,030
Physician assistants
29-1071
139.1
177.5
38.4
27.6
121,530
Solar photovoltaic installers
47-2231
17.1
21.7
4.6
27.2
47,670
Animal trainers
39-2011
52.9
67.2
14.3
27.1
31,280
Physical therapist assistants
31-2021
96.5
122.1
25.6
26.5
61,180
Software developers
15-1252
1,425.9
1,796.5
370.6
26.0
120,730
Epidemiologists
19-1041
8.6
10.9
2.2
25.8
78,830
Occupational therapy assistants
31-2011
43.4
54.5
11.0
25.4
61,730
Home health and personal care aides
31-1120
3,636.9
4,560.9
924.0
25.4
29,430
Personal care and service workers, all other
39-9099
104.4
130.4
26.0
24.9
29,610
Dancers
27-2031
6.2
7.7
1.5
24.5
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary
25-1071
246.7
306.1
59.4
24.1
102,720
Entertainment attendants and related workers, all other
39-3099
4.7
5.8
1.1
23.2
24,170
Operations research analysts
15-2031
104.2
128.3
24.2
23.2
82,360
Roustabouts, oil and gas
47-5071
37.3
45.9
8.6
23.0
38,920
Data are from the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Wage data cover nonfarm wage and salary workers and do not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, or household workers.
Wages for some occupations that do not generally work year-round, full time, are reported either as hourly wages or annual salaries depending on how they are typically paid. The median hourly wage for dancers was $18.78 in May 2021.
Note: Employment numbers are in thousands.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Consumer Expenditure Surveys Public-Use Microdata.
Appendix A-2: Top 30 fastest declining occupations, 2021 and projected 2031
Occupation
Employment
Change
(2021–31)
Median annual wage, 2021
2021
2031
Number
Percent
Total, all occupations
00-0000
158,134.7
166,452.1
8,317.4
5.3
$45,760
Word processors and typists
43-9022
46.1
28.5
-17.6
-38.2
44,030
Parking enforcement workers
33-3041
8.6
5.4
-3.2
-37.1
46,590
Cutters and trimmers, hand
51-9031
8.2
5.9
-2.3
-28.4
30,230
Nuclear power reactor operators
51-8011
4.8
3.5
-1.3
-26.8
104,260
Print binding and finishing workers
51-5113
42.2
31.8
-10.5
-24.8
36,590
Watch and clock repairers
49-9064
2.2
1.7
-0.5
-24.7
44,250
Data entry keyers
43-9021
155.9
117.4
-38.5
-24.7
35,630
Telephone operators
43-2021
4.0
3.0
-1.0
-24.5
37,630
Switchboard operators, including answering service
43-2011
49.0
37.2
-11.8
-24.0
30,150
Electronic equipment installers and repairers, motor vehicles
49-2096
9.2
7.1
-2.2
-23.4
40,670
Prepress technicians and workers
51-5111
26.0
20.1
-5.9
-22.7
42,610
Roof bolters, mining
47-5043
1.9
1.5
-0.4
-21.5
59,770
Floral designers
27-1023
44.4
35.1
-9.3
-21.0
29,880
Manufactured building and mobile home installers
49-9095
3.9
3.1
-0.8
-20.3
36,360
Refractory materials repairers, except brickmasons
49-9045
0.7
0.5
-0.1
-20.2
54,250
Executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants
43-6011
508.0
405.4
-102.6
-20.2
62,060
Aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assemblers
51-2011
34.3
27.7
-6.6
-19.4
49,480
Legal secretaries and administrative assistants
43-6012
157.8
127.5
-30.4
-19.2
47,710
Grinding and polishing workers, hand
51-9022
16.1
13.1
-3.0
-18.7
35,670
Drilling and boring machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
51-4032
6.9
5.6
-1.3
-18.6
38,580
Forging machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
51-4022
11.8
9.6
-2.2
-18.3
44,520
Timing device assemblers and adjusters
51-2061
0.6
0.5
-0.1
-18.3
37,780
Telemarketers
41-9041
115.7
94.7
-21.0
-18.2
28,910
Coil winders, tapers, and finishers
51-2021
11.4
9.3
-2.0
-17.9
38,360
Loading and moving machine operators, underground mining
47-5044
4.5
3.7
-0.8
-17.8
57,900
Milling and planing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
51-4035
15.2
12.5
-2.7
-17.7
46,850
Order clerks
43-4151
143.9
119.7
-24.2
-16.8
37,920
Nuclear technicians
19-4051
5.4
4.5
-0.9
-16.6
99,340
Structural metal fabricators and fitters
51-2041
63.6
53.6
-10.1
-15.8
45,480
Power plant operators
51-8013
29.2
24.7
-4.5
-15.5
80,850
Data are from the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Wage data cover nonfarm wage and salary workers and do not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, or household workers.
Note: Employment numbers are in thousands.
Source:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics,
Employment Projections program.
Suggested citation:
Nicholas DeZarn, Stanislava Ilic-Godfrey, and Emily Krutsch, "Occupational projections overview, 2021–31,"
Monthly Labor Review,
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, April 2023,
Notes
“Employment projections: 2021–2031 summary,” USDL-22-1805 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, September 8, 2022),
Occupational Outlook Handbook
(U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, last modified on September 8, 2022),
www.bls.gov/ooh
The
Occupational Outlook Handbook
(OOH) groups occupations into 25 occupational groups, but BLS employment projections cover the civilian workforce only. Therefore, the military occupational group was excluded from this article. The OOH uses the 2018 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system structure. However, the OOH groups occupations differently in some scenarios to show similar groups together or to show a more detailed level of information. Healthcare practitioners and technical occupations (29-0000) and healthcare support occupations (31-0000) are combined under healthcare occupations; computer and mathematical occupations (15-0000) are shown in the OOH at the three-digit SOC level for computer and information technology occupations (15-1200) and mathematical science occupations (15-2000); and arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media occupations are shown at the three-digit SOC level for arts and design workers (27-1000), entertainers and performers, sports and related workers (27-2000), and media and communication workers (27-3000 and 27-4000). All other groups are a direct match between the data shown in the OOH and the two-digit SOC structure.
The COVID-19 pandemic affected occupational groups in different ways. Some employment lost during the pandemic and projected to be recovered over the projections decade has already been recovered as employment grew rapidly throughout the first half of 2022. As a result, some occupational groups have fast projected growth that reflects short-term recovery rather than long-term expected gains. The pandemic also has been a catalyst for some structural changes in demand for certain goods and services, which are expected to affect long-term demand for employment in a select group of industries and occupations. For more information on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the 2021–31 projections, see “Employment projections: 2021-2031 summary.”
Although declining employment dampens hiring as job separations outnumber openings, turnover generates more openings than occupation growth; even in declining occupations, demand for replacement of outgoing workers continues to support available opportunities. For more information on occupational separations, see
; for replacements, see
More information about what is included in the OOH is available online at “Occupational information included in the OOH,”
Occupational Outlook Handbook
(U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics,
last modified on
September 8, 2022),
“Healthcare occupations,”
Occupational Outlook Handbook
(U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, last modified on September 8, 2022),
“Food preparation and serving occupations,”
Occupational Outlook Handbook
(U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, last modified on September 8, 2022),
“Table 1.1A. Employment by major occupational group, 2021, and projected 2031, including adjustments for realized gains (numbers in thousands),”
Employment Projections
(U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, last modified on September 8, 2022),
10
“Management occupations,”
Occupational Outlook Handbook
(U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, last modified on September 8, 2022),
11
“Transportation and material moving occupations,”
Occupational Outlook Handbook
(U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, last modified on September 8, 2022),
12
“Business and financial occupations,”
Occupational Outlook Handbook
(U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, last modified on September 8, 2022),
13
“Computer and information technology occupations,”
Occupational Outlook Handbook
(U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, last modified on September 8, 2022),
14
Sara Hylton, Lindsey Ice, and Emily Krutsch, “What the long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic could mean for the future of IT jobs,”
Beyond the Numbers: Employment & Unemployment
, vol. 11, no. 3 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, February 2022),
15
“Education, training, and library occupations,”
Occupational Outlook Handbook
(U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, last modified on September 8, 2022),
16
“Personal care and service occupations,”
Occupational Outlook Handbook
(U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, last modified on September 8, 2022),
17
“Installation, maintenance, and repair occupations,”
Occupational Outlook Handbook
(U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, last modified on September 8, 2022),
18
“Community and social service occupations,”
Occupational Outlook Handbook
(U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, last modified on September 8, 2022),
19
“Building and grounds cleaning occupations,”
Occupational Outlook Handbook
(U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, last modified on September 8, 2022),
20
“Construction and extraction occupations,”
Occupational Outlook Handbook
(U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, last modified on September 8, 2022),
21
Readers who are interested in the transition to electric vehicles can read the following: Javier Colato and Lindsey Ice, “Charging into the future: the transition to electric vehicles,”
Beyond the Numbers
Employment & Unemployment
, vol. 12, no. 4 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, February 2023),
22
“Legal occupations,”
Occupational Outlook Handbook
(U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, last modified on September 8, 2022),
23
“Life, physical, and social science occupations,”
Occupational Outlook Handbook
(U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, last modified on September 14, 2022),
24
“Entertainment and sports occupations,”
Occupational Outlook Handbook
(U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, last modified on September 8, 2022),
25
“Architecture and engineering occupations,”
Occupational Outlook Handbook
(U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, last modified on September 8, 2022),
26
“Math occupations,”
Occupational Outlook Handbook
(U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, last modified on September 8, 2022),
27
“Protective service occupations,”
Occupational Outlook Handbook
(U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, last modified on September 8, 2022),
28
“Climate change indicators: wildfires,”
Climate Change Indicators
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, last updated on March 21, 2023),
29
“Media and communication occupations,”
Occupational Outlook Handbook
(U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, last modified on September 8, 2022),
30
“Arts and design occupations,”
Occupational Outlook Handbook
(U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, last modified on September 8, 2022),
31
“Farming, fishing, and forestry occupations,”
Occupational Outlook Handbook
(U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, last modified on September 8, 2022),
32
“Production occupations,”
Occupational Outlook Handbook
(U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, last modified on September 8, 2022),
33
“Sales occupations,”
Occupational Outlook Handbook
(U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, last modified on September 8, 2022),
34
“Office and administrative support occupations,”
Occupational Outlook Handbook
(U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, last modified on September 8, 2022),
Publications
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