The US Department of Labor job forecasts can is a good tool in deciding what career paths or areas of specialization to focus on for your studies and future career. Below we summarize some of the fastest growing sectors that you may be able to pursue with the appropriate degree and focus.
One of the most important statistics is that for 12 of the 20 fastest growing occupations in the country between 2006 and 2016 an associates degree or higher is the most important level of education or training. As you can see, it is extremely valuable to have a postsecondary degree in the labor market.
Service Industry - 2006 to 2016 Forecast
- • Health Services - With the average American growing older because of lower population growth rates, the healthcare and social assistance industry is projected to increase roughly 25% between 2006 and 2016 according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. That shift should provide approximately 4 million new jobs
- • Education Services - Public and private education services industry is expected to increase over 10% between 2006 and 2016 and add about 1.4 million jobs. The increase in this sector is largely due to the growing enrollment at all levels of education.
- • Employment Services - Seasonal, temporary workers, and human resource services will be responsible for just under 700,000 new jobs in the 2006 to 2016 time period, and ranks second amongst industry segments with new employment opportunities.
- • Computer Systems Design and affiliated services will grow nearly 38% between 2006 and 2016.
- • Leisure and Hospitality - With a projected 11% increase over the ten year period of 2006 to 2016; arts, entertainment, and recreation will increase by 31% and accommodation and food services will see gains of 11%.
- • Financial Activities - While the overall growth of this segment is projected at 14%, the property management and appraisal services sub section will grow by 29 percent between 2006 and 2016.
- • Automotive repair and maintenance will grow the fastest at around 41%, based on increase demand for automobiles over the next 10 years.
Goods-Producing Industry - 2006 to 2016 Forecast
Growth in these industries has been relatively flat since the 1980s, except for the specific areas:
- • Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing should grow by 24%.
- • Household appliance manufacturing to grow at 26%.
Occupation Industries - 2006 to 2016 Forecast
The outlook for the Occupation Industries looks strong, with many individual sectors projecting strong growth:
- • 17% increase in the number of professional and related jobs. Most of this growth is coming from computer and math occupations, healthcare practitioners and education and training occupations, adding at total of 3.5 million jobs.
- • Healthcare support and personal care services are projected to grow by at least 27%.
- • Social and community service manager positions will increase by 25%.
- • Gaming managers will grow 24%.