by Randall S. Hansen, Ph.D.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, and other sources,
recently released employment projections show total
employment in the U.S. growing by 14 percent through 2008, which is slightly lower than the 17 percent
growth in employment during the 1988-1998 period. Economic forecasts for now through 2016 present an
economy with steady but slowing growth. The labor force is projected to increase by nearly 13
million, reaching 164.2 million in 2016
Service-producing industries (health care, tourism, retail, education, etc.) will account for the
vast majority of the employment growth. In the goods-producing sector, only construction will see
growth, partly offsetting declines in manufacturing and mining.
Professional specialty occupations (such as computer system analysts) and service workers (such as cashiers)
-– on the opposite ends of the educational attainment and earnings spectrum –- are expected to more
than 9 million jobs, about 45 percent of total projected job growth over the ten-year period.
The five fastest occupations are varied and include: network systems and data communications analysts;
computer software engineers; personal financial advisers; veterinarians; and substance abuse and
behavioral disorder counselors.
Other groups/occupations with the largest job growth include financial analysts, forensic science technicians,
mental health counselors, mental health/substance abuse social workers, and marriage and family therapists.
By 2008, it is projected that the workforce will be much more diverse,
with White/Caucasians (non-Hispanics) accounting for approximately 70 percent,
Hispanics accounting for 13 percent, African-Americans accounting for 12 percent, and Asians and
others accounting for 6 percent.
The following is a list of the top 20 occupations with the highest expected growth through 2008 -- and beyond.
Follow the links to learn more about the occupations, as well as find links to job sites that provide
job listings and/or allow resume postings:
For the most current employment trends and projections, go to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Employment Projections Page.
Questions about some of the terminology used in this article? Get more information (definitions and links) on key college, career, and job-search
terms by going to our Job-Seeker's Glossary of Job-Hunting Terms.
Dr. Randall S. Hansen is founder of Quintessential Careers,
one of the oldest and most comprehensive career development sites on the Web, as well CEO of
EmpoweringSites.com. He is also founder of
MyCollegeSuccessStory.com and
EnhanceMyVocabulary.com. He is publisher of
Quintessential Careers Press,
including the Quintessential Careers electronic newsletter,
QuintZine. Dr. Hansen is also a
published author, with several books, chapters in books, and hundreds of articles. He's often
quoted in the media and conducts empowering workshops around the country. Finally, Dr. Hansen is
also an educator, having taught at the college level for more than 15 years. Visit his
personal Website or
reach him by email at randall(at)quintcareers.com.
