U.S. Department of Labor

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Winter 2011–12

Occupational Outlook Quarterly Occupational Outlook Quar ccupational Outlook Quarterly

Charting the projections: 2010–20

A special issue

Occupational employment

Economic growth

Inside, projections of:

Labor force

Industry employment
U.S. Department of Labor

Hilda L. Solis, Secretary

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

John M. Galvin, Acting Commissioner

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Occupational Outlook Quarterly Winter 2011–12 • Volume 55, Number 4

Editorial staff

Kathleen Green, Editor

John Mullins, Managing editor

Drew Liming, Contributing editor

Elka Maria Torpey, Contributing editor

Dennis Vilorio, Contributing editor

Maureen Soyars, Associate editor

Bruce Boyd, Design consultant

Keith Tapscott, Design consultant

Occupational Outlook Quarterly

Charting the projections: 2010–20

(A special issue)

43 Index to the OOQ, 2007–11

Overall economy

Projected output of the economy, including gross domestic product (GDP).

40

Industry employment

Projected employment change by industry and industry sector.

33

How BLS develops and charts the projections.

2

by Dixie Sommers

Projected employment change by occupation and occupational group, including:

6

Labor force

Occupational employment

Getting started

26

Projected changes in the labor force by age, sex, race, and ethnic origin.

11 Fastest growing occupations

12 Occupations adding the most jobs

13 Occupations with the most job openings

14 Job growth and openings by education assignment
2 Occupational Outlook Quarterly • Winter 2011–12

I

n an uncertain economy, reliable information about 

tomorrow’s labor market can be a valuable tool in 

career planning. Understanding the future workforce 

helps you prepare for your place in it.

When choosing among careers—or assisting others 

who are making such choices—it helps to know a few 

basics: the types and number of jobs likely to be available, 

the wages of workers in those occupations, and the typical 

ways of preparing for them. And that’s just to get started.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) provides 

this information and more. The 2012–13 Occupational 

Outlook Handbook describes hundreds of occupations in 

detail, cataloging data on employment, wages, projections, 

education, and job duties. And the January 2012 issue 

of the Monthly Labor Review includes comprehensive 

descriptions of the data, analysis, and methods BLS uses 

in the projections.

This special issue of the Occupational Outlook 

Quarterly offers a graphic summary of the latest projections, those covering the decade from 2010 to 2020.

How the recent recession 

affects the projections

Our usual practice is to prepare new projections every 

other year, with the base year of the projections decade 

being an even-numbered year. For this set of projections, 

the base year, 2010, follows a severe downturn in the U.S. 

economy. Total employment of wage and salary workers 

fell by nearly 7.8 million between 2007 and 2010. The 

construction and manufacturing industry sectors, along 

with occupations that are concentrated in these industries, 

were hit particularly hard.

When developing long-term projections, our focus is 

on long-term trends in population, labor force, productivity, and output growth. The population and the labor force 

have been aging and their growth rates slowing. These 

long-term trends are expected to continue, regardless of 

the fluctuations in the economy.

Readers should keep in mind, however, that the 

projected changes in employment between 2010 and 2020 

include regaining jobs that were lost during the downturn. 

Total employment is projected to reach nearly 164 million 

by 2020, reflecting the addition of about 20 million new 

jobs between 2010 and 2020. About 7.8 million of these 

jobs are needed just to return total employment to its level 

before the recession.

The recession had a particularly severe impact on jobs 

in construction. Although employment in construction is 

projected to grow rapidly, it is not expected to return to 

its pre-recession employment level by 2020. Similarly, 

employment in the transportation and material moving 

and production occupations groups is also expected to 

grow, but not enough to return to 2006 levels.

Individual industry and occupation groups were 

affected in different ways by the recession. Some were 

severely affected, some mildly so, and others seem not 

to have been affected at all. Some industries and occupations are not expected to recover completely; others are 

expected to recover and have continued growth, and still 

others are projected to keep on growing.

Dixie Sommers is the Assistant Commissioner of the Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment 

Projections, BLS. She is available at (202) 691-5701 or at sommers.dixie@bls.gov.

Getting started by Dixie Sommers
Winter 2011–12 • Occupational Outlook Quarterly 3

Getting started

The charts for occupations, the labor 

force, industries, and the overall economy 

depict the major findings beyond the trends 

in total employment.

Occupations

•	 The office and administrative support 

occupations group is expected to add the 

most new jobs and produce the largest number of job openings. (See pages 9–10.)

•	 Among all occupations, personal care 

aides and home health aides are expected to 

have the fastest employment growth. (See 

page 11.)

•	 Registered nurses, retail salespersons, 

and home health aides are expected to gain 

the most new jobs. Each of these occupations will add more than 700,000 jobs. (See 

page 12.)

•	 Most job openings for workers entering an occupation come from the need to 

replace workers who have left the occupation, rather than from the need to fill newly 

created jobs. The 20 occupations that are 

expected to have the most openings from 

growth and replacement needs are diverse. 

The list includes occupations from nine 

different groups, with the largest number 

from the office and administrative support 

occupations group and the sales and related 

occupations group. (See page 13.)

•	 The 20 occupations expected to have 

the most openings also range widely in 

2010 median annual wages, from nearly 

$65,000 for registered nurses to about 

$18,000 for combined food preparation and 

serving workers, including fast food. (See 

page 13.)

•	 With these projections, BLS introduces a new way of depicting the education 

needed for entry into an occupation. The 

charts group occupations by typical entrylevel education, from graduate degree to 

less than a high school diploma, and they 

also indicate whether workers typically 

need experience in a related occupation 

and whether they need training on the job 

after employment. In general, workers in 

occupations that typically need more education, experience, and training earn higher 

wages. (See pages 14–23.) 

•	 Wage and salary employment of farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers is projected to decline. However, this 

occupation also had the most self-employed 

workers in 2020. (See pages 24–25.)

The labor force

•	 By 2020, the number of people in the 

labor force—those working or looking for 

work—is expected to increase by more 

than 10 million. This is a smaller gain than 

the more than 11 million people added to 

the labor force during the previous decade. 

(See page 27.)

•	 As the baby-boom generation ages, the 

number of people in the labor force ages 65 

and older is projected to grow very rapidly, 

about 11 times faster than for the total labor 

force. The number in the 55- to 64-yearolds group is expected to grow nearly four 

times as fast as the total labor force. At 

the same time, younger age groups in the 

labor force are expected to either decline 

or increase at much slower rates. (See page 

28.)

•	 Labor force participation rates are projected to decline slightly for both men and 

women by 2020, when about 68 percent of 

men and 57 percent of women are expected 

to be in the labor force. The annual growth 

of the labor force participation rate for 

women (0.7 percent) is expected to be 

slightly higher than that for men (0.6 

percent). (See page 29.)

•	 The labor force will continue to 

become more diverse. The share of the 

labor force that is Asian, black, or in other 

non-white race groups is expected to 

increase to 21 percent, up from 19 percent a 

decade earlier. And Hispanics are expected 

to constitute nearly 19 percent of the labor 

force in 2020, up from 15 percent in 2010. 

(See pages 30 and 32.)

The charts project 2010–20 

changes in occupational 

employment, the labor 

force, industry employment, 

and the overall economy. 

You will get the most out of 

the charts if you understand 

how BLS publishes data in 

these areas.

“Occupation” classifies 

jobs according to the type 

of work performed. People 

who provide routine health 

care to individuals in their 

homes are in the occupation 

of home health aides, for 

example.

“Industry,” on the 

other hand, classifies jobs 

in businesses according to 

the type of good produced 

or service provided. For 

example, any job in hospice 

care services—from home 

health aide to secretary—is 

classified as part of the 

home health care services 

industry.

“Labor force” is a 

measure of the number of 

people available for work. 

It includes both individuals who are employed and 

those who are unemployed 

(those not working but 

actively looking for a job).

“Overall economy” 

includes several concepts. 

The most important is the 

value of final goods produced and services provided, which is known as 

the gross domestic product, 

or GDP.

About the 

sections

(Continued on page 5)
4 Occupational Outlook Quarterly • Winter 2011–12

Getting started

The charts in this issue provide graphic answers to 

some basic questions about employment: How many 

new jobs will there be? How fast is the number of jobs 

changing? How many job openings will be available for 

new entrants to the labor force?

How many new jobs will there be? Charts that 

show numeric change illustrate how many new jobs 

there will be (the actual number of jobs gained or lost 

over the projections decade). In general, the occupations 

and industries with the greatest numeric increases are 

those that already have large numbers of workers.

How fast is the number of jobs changing? Charts 

showing percent change illustrate how fast the number 

of jobs is changing (the rate of job growth or decline 

during the decade). The fastest rates of growth are usually found in occupations and industries that have fewer 

workers.

Fast growth does not always mean many new jobs. 

See, for example, the charts below. They show the 

projected increase in employment for cashiers compared 

with that for biomedical engineers. In numeric terms, as 

shown in the chart at upper left, more than 25 times as 

many new jobs are projected for cashiers as for biomedical engineers between 2010 and 2020.

Percent change tells a different story. As the chart at 

lower left shows, employment of biomedical engineers 

is expected to grow more than 8 times faster than that 

of cashiers—even though biomedical engineers are 

projected to gain fewer jobs.

How many job openings will there be? Some 

charts go beyond showing the expected change in the 

total number of jobs and show how many job openings 

are expected for workers who are new to an occupation. 

Job openings for workers new to an occupation include 

not only openings from growth in the number of jobs 

but also openings from the need to replace workers who 

retire or leave an occupation for some other reason. The 

chart below at right shows how many job openings for 

cashiers are expected to result from job growth and how 

many are expected to result from the need to replace 

existing cashiers who leave the occupation.

Reading the charts

Numeric employment growth in two occupations,

projected 2010–20, in thousands of jobs

Biomedical engineers

Cashiers 250

10

Job openings for cashiers, projected 2010–20,

in thousands of openings

Cashiers 250 1,526 1,776

From growth From replacement needs

Percent employment growth in two occupations,

projected 2010–20

Biomedical engineers

Cashiers

62%

7
Winter 2011–12 • Occupational Outlook Quarterly 5

Getting started

Industries

•	 Job growth over the 2010–20 decade will be concentrated in service-providing industries. In 2020, serviceproviding industries are expected to account for 131 

million out of 150 million wage and salary jobs overall. 

(See page 34.)

•	 The health care and social assistance sector is projected to gain the most new jobs, more than 5.6 million, as 

well as to be the fastest growing, increasing by 34 percent 

over the decade. Employment is expected to grow slowly 

in mining but to decline in manufacturing and the federal 

government. (See page 36.)

•	 Among detailed industries, the home health care 

services industry is projected to be the fastest growing, 

with an increase of 81 percent. The next fastest growing 

detailed industry, individual and family care services, 

is projected to grow by 70 percent over the decade. (See 

page 37.)

•	 Among goods-producing industries, the construction 

sector is projected to gain the most new jobs, 1.8 million. 

All of this growth is to regain jobs lost during the 2007–

09 recession, however, and the construction sector is not 

projected to regain enough jobs to return to its employment level before the recession. (See page 38.)

Overall economy

•	 The overall growth in the economy, as measured by 

gross domestic product (GDP), is projected to increase by 

3.0 percent per year, on average, between 2010 and 2020. 

This is much faster than the 1.6 percent annual growth for 

2000–10, which was pulled down by two recessions during the decade, including the severe 2007–09 downturn. 

Slow growth rates for most components of GDP reflect 

that downturn and the fact that the economy had not fully 

recovered by 2010. (See page 42.)

How we develop the

BLS projections

BLS economists in the Office of Occupational Statistics 

and Employment Projections develop the projections in 

a number of steps, first analyzing broad trends and then 

examining several hundred industries and occupations.

We begin with how much the U.S. population and 

labor force are expected to grow over the next 10 years. 

We use population projections from the U.S. Census 

Bureau, which take into account trends in births, deaths, 

and immigration. We combine the population projections 

with our own estimates of what portion of the population 

will be in the labor force, based on historical trends for 

each age, gender, and race or ethnic group. The result is a 

projection of the labor force—an estimate of the total supply of workers in the future economy.

We then create a model of an economy that is operating at full potential, given the labor force and several 

other factors. Using this framework, we estimate the 

dollar value of each industry’s total output of goods or 

services. Some of these goods and services are sold to 

other industries; for example, steel is used in making cars. 

Other output—such as the cars themselves or the repair 

services for maintaining them—is sold directly to consumers.

We also study trends in productivity—the amount of 

output produced per hour of work—and use this information to translate projected output into the number of 

jobs needed in each industry to produce these goods and 

provide these services.

Next, we project how the jobs in each industry will 

be distributed by occupation. To do this, we make extensive use of the BLS Occupational Employment Statistics 

survey, as well as of information from other sources for 

sectors that are not covered by the survey, to depict how 

employment in each of nearly 300 industries is distributed across more than 700 occupations. (For the 2010–20 

projections, we used 2010 employment data.) We analyze 

how this distribution is likely to change over the decade 

by studying trends in technology, changing skill requirements, and other factors. Using this analysis, along with 

the survey data and our industry employment projections, 

we project employment by occupation—in this set of 

projections, for 2020.

Our projection methods are based on the fact that 

employment trends in most occupations are closely tied to 

the trends in particular industries. For example, in 2010, 

about 59 percent of registered nurses worked in hospitals. So an increase in the demand for hospital services 

between 2010 and 2020 will increase the need for these 

workers. Based on changes in demand, we project that the 

real output of the hospital industry will increase over the 

decade, and about 389,200 more registered nurses will be 

needed in hospitals to provide this output. As a result, this 

industry is projected to account for about 55 percent of the 

roughly 711,900 new jobs for registered nurses.

(Continued from page 3)
6 Occupational Outlook Quarterly • Winter 2011–12

When choosing a career, jobseekers often 

want to know which occupations offer the 

best prospects. Generally, occupations that 

have rapid job growth, many new jobs, or many job 

openings—and good wages—promise better opportunities.

This section shows how employment in particular 

occupations is projected to change from 2010 to 2020. 

Many of the charts in this section show which occupations or occupational groups are expected to grow 

fastest (highest percent growth) or gain the most jobs 

(highest numeric growth).

Between 2010 and 2020, overall employment is projected to grow by about 14 percent. This rate is shown 

as a dotted vertical line in the chart on page 11.

But when it comes to employment prospects, job 

growth tells only part of the story. Job openings for 

workers also come from the need to replace workers who retire or permanently leave an occupation for 

other reasons. Some charts show which occupations are 

expected to have the most openings for workers who are 

entering the occupation. These charts show projected 

openings both from job growth and from replacement 

needs (the need to replace workers who leave).

Growth by occupational group

Most charts in this section focus on detailed occupations. To better illustrate general employment trends, 

however, charts at the beginning of the section show 

employment growth in broad groups of similar occupations.

The federal government classifies workers into categories using the Standard Occupational Classification 

(SOC) system. All of the SOC occupations are included 

in these 12 broad groups:

Management, business, and financial occupations. Examples include logisticians, construction managers, and personal financial advisors.

Computer, engineering, and science occupations. Examples are computer programmers, nuclear 

engineers, landscape architects, chemists, and political 

scientists.

Education, legal, community service, arts, and 

media occupations. Examples include teachers, court 

reporters, social workers, graphic designers, and editors. 

Healthcare practitioners and technical occupations. Examples of these workers include dentists, 

physical therapists, and veterinarians. 

Service occupations. This group includes workers who assist the public, including healthcare support 

occupations. Firefighters, dental assistants, bartenders, 

barbers, and pest control workers are examples.

Sales and related occupations. Examples include 

cashiers, insurance sales agents, and retail salespersons.

Office and administrative support occupations. 

Examples include order clerks, customer service representatives, tellers, and medical secretaries.

Occupational employment
Winter 2011–12 • Occupational Outlook Quarterly 7

Occupational employment

Farming, fishing, and forestry occupations. 

Examples include forest and conservation workers, 

animal breeders, and logging equipment operators. 

Workers who manage farms or ranches are counted in 

the management occupations group rather than in this 

group.

Construction and extraction occupations. This 

group includes workers in construction and building 

trades, such as boilermakers and roofers. It also includes 

occupations in oil and gas extraction and mining, such 

as roustabouts and mining machine operators.

Installation, maintenance, and repair occupations. Examples include home appliance repairers, 

millwrights, and small engine mechanics.

Production occupations. Examples include 

machinists, power plant operators, welders, and tailors.

Transportation and material moving occupations. 

Examples include air traffic controllers, railroad conductors, taxi drivers, and dredge operators.

Growth by education assignment

To help guide students and jobseekers, some charts 

show occupations by education assignment. These 

charts are grouped by the typical level of education 

most workers need to enter an occupation: graduate 

degree, bachelor’s degree, associate’s degree, postsecondary non-degree award, high school diploma or 

equivalent, and less than a high school diploma.

•	 Completion of a graduate degree typically 

requires a bachelor’s degree plus 1 or 2 years 

of full-time study for a master’s degree or at 

least 3 years of full-time study for a doctoral or 

professional degree.

•	 Completion of a bachelor’s degree typically 

requires at least 4 years of full-time study 

beyond high school.

•	 Completion of an associate’s degree typically 

requires 2 years of full-time study beyond 

high school. Postsecondary non-degree award 

programs typically last from several weeks to 1 

year or more beyond high school. 

Although the charts in this section are arranged by 

education assignment, columns within each chart also 

provide information about the experience and training 

assignments for the occupations. Assignments for work 

experience in a related occupation are indicated in the 

appropriate column as follows: more than 5 years (5+), 

1 to 5 years (1–5), less than 1 year (<1), or none (N). 

Assignments for on-the-job training typically 

needed to attain competency are indicated in the appropriate column as follows: internship/residency (I/R), 

apprenticeship (A), long-term (L), moderate-term (M), 

short-term (S), or none (N). 

•	 Internship and residency assignments include 

only those required for workers to be employed 

in an occupation. They may be paid or unpaid 

and vary from 1 to 8 years.

•	 Apprenticeships combine paid on-the-job training with occupation-specific instruction. Most 

programs last between 3 and 5 years.

•	 Long-term on-the-job training lasts more than 

12 months and includes either on-the-job training or combines work experience with formal 

instruction.

•	 Moderate-term on-the-job training includes 

informal instruction and on-the-job training 

that lasts between 1 and 12 months.

•	 Short-term on-the-job training includes informal, on-the-job training or experience of 1 

month or less.

For complete information, see www.bls.gov/emp/

ep_education_training_system.htm.

Wages

Wages include hourly, weekly, or annual pay that people 

receive for the work that they do. Sales commissions, 

tips, and production bonuses also are part of the wages 

shown in these charts, but overtime and nonproduction 

bonuses are not.

For individual occupations, most charts include 

2010 median annual wage data from the BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) program. The 

median wage is the point at which half of the workers 

in an occupation earned more than the amount, and half 

earned less. In May 2010, the median annual wage for 

all workers was $33,840.

The highest median annual wage among the 

occupations in a given chart is in boldface type. For 

occupations with a median annual wage of more than 

$166,400, a specific wage figure is not given because 

the OES survey does not publish wage data above this 

amount. In these cases, the charts show that the median 

wage was greater than or equal to (≥) $166,400.

Wages in these charts are for wage and salary workers only. Self-employed workers are not included in 

these measurements.
8 Occupational Outlook Quarterly • Winter 2011–12

Occupational employment

Employment, 2010

Percent distribution of employment by aggregate occupational group, 2010

Occupations that have similar job duties are grouped according to the tasks that the workers in those occupations 

perform. This chart shows the aggregated occupational groups from the 2010 Standard Occupational Classification 

(SOC) system. For example, the computer, engineering, and science group in this chart includes computer and 

mathematical occupations; architecture and engineering occupations; and life, physical, and social science 

occupations.

Service

Sales and related

Education, legal, 

community service, 

arts, and media

Management, 

business, and 

financial

Transportation and 

material moving

Healthcare 

practitioners 

and technical

Computer, 

engineering, 

and science

Production

Construction and 

extraction

Installation, 

maintenance, 

and repair

Farming, fishing, 

and forestry

Office and 

administrative 

support

20

11

11

16

6

5

10

6

6

4

4

1
Winter 2011–12 • Occupational Outlook Quarterly 9

Occupational employment

Numeric change in employment by major occupational group, projected 2010–20, in thousands of jobs

This chart shows the 22 major occupational groups from the SOC. All of the major groups except one are 

projected to gain jobs.

Office and administrative support

Healthcare practitioners and technical

Construction and extraction

Personal care and service

Installation, maintenance, and repair

Computer and mathematical

Building and grounds cleaning 

and maintenance

Management

Community and social service

Protective service

Arts, design, entertainment, 

sports, and media

Life, physical, and social science

Legal

Farming, fishing, and forestry

Transportation and material moving

Sales and related

Healthcare support

Education, training, and library

Business and financial operations

Food preparation and serving related

Production

Architecture and engineering

2,336

2,020

1,869

1,444

1,407

1,404

1,337

1,329

1,173

1,093

800

778

664

616

582

365

357

343

253

191

131

-19
10 Occupational Outlook Quarterly • Winter 2011–12

Occupational employment

Job openings by major occupational group, projected 2010–20, in thousands of openings

Employment prospects depend on more than job growth. Openings for new workers occur not only when jobs are 

added to the economy but also when current workers leave an occupation permanently. In most occupations, the 

need to replace workers who leave an occupation is expected to create more openings than job growth will.

Office and administrative support

Healthcare practitioners and technical

Construction and extraction

Personal care and service

Installation, maintenance, and repair

Computer and mathematical

Building and grounds cleaning 

and maintenance

Management

Community and social service

Protective service

Arts, design, entertainment, 

sports, and media

Life, physical, and social science

Legal

Farming, fishing, and forestry

Transportation and material moving

Sales and related

Healthcare support

Education, training, and library

Business and financial operations

Food preparation and serving related

Production

Architecture and engineering

7,450

6,454

5,103

3,597

3,591

3,398

2,760

2,583

2,568

2,555

2,231

2,026

2,042

1,655

1,438

1,196

1,098

1,067

798

546

344

291

From growth

From replacement needs
Winter 2011–12 • Occupational Outlook Quarterly 11

Occupational employment

Fastest growing occupations

Percent growth in employment, projected 2010–20

Six of the occupations in this chart are construction occupations. The construction and extraction occupations group 

is projected to grow rapidly, by about 22 percent, and add 1.4 million jobs. However, employment in 2020 in this 

group is expected to remain below its 2006 level, before the 2007–09 recession.

Personal care aides

Home health aides

Biomedical engineers

Helpers—brickmasons, blockmasons, 

stonemasons, and tile and marble setters

Helpers—carpenters

Veterinary technologists and technicians

Physical therapist aides

Medical secretaries

Marriage and family therapists

Market research analysts and 

marketing specialists

Physical therapists

Physical therapist assistants

Meeting, convention, and event planners

Occupational therapy assistants

Glaziers

Interpreters and translators

Brickmasons and blockmasons

Reinforcing iron and rebar workers

Helpers—pipelayers, plumbers, 

pipefitters, and steamfitters

Diagnostic medical sonographers

Median annual 

wages, May 2010

$19,640

20,560

81,540

25,760

26,740

49,690

38,430

64,380

45,260

23,680

51,010

36,640

43,300

46,930

30,530

45,720

60,570

76,310

29,710

27,780

70%

69

62

60

56

52

49

46

45

44

44

43

43

42

42

41

41

41

41

39

Overall growth, all occupations = 14%
12 Occupational Outlook Quarterly • Winter 2011–12

Occupational employment

Numeric growth in employment, projected 2010–20, in thousands of jobs

These 20 occupations are projected to gain the most new jobs between 2010 and 2020 and account for about 36 

percent of all jobs projected to be added over the decade. These occupations have a range of wages, job duties, 

and education and training requirements. Registered nurses had the highest wage in May 2010 among occupations 

projected to gain the most new jobs.

Most new jobs

Registered nurses

Retail salespersons

Home health aides

Combined food preparation and

serving workers, including fast food

Office clerks, general

Personal care aides

Childcare workers

Janitors and cleaners, except maids and 

housekeeping cleaners

Landscaping and groundskeeping workers

Sales reps, wholesale and manufacturing, 

except technical and scientific products

Construction laborers

Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers

Nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants

Bookkeeping, accounting, & auditing clerks

Cashiers

Elementary school teachers, except 

special education

Receptionists and information clerks

Customer service representatives

Laborers and freight, stock, and 

material movers, hand

Postsecondary teachers

Median annual 

wages, May 2010

$64,690

20,670

20,560

26,610

23,460

62,050

37,770

30,460

24,010

19,300

34,030

18,500

51,660

25,240

22,210

23,400

52,440

29,280

17,950

19,640

712

707

706

607

398

338

330

319

306

302

262

259

250

249

249

246

241

223

212

490
Winter 2011–12 • Occupational Outlook Quarterly 13

Occupational employment

Job openings due to growth and replacement needs, projected 2010–20, in thousands of openings

Retail salespersons and cashiers are expected to have the most job openings over the projections decade. For most of 

the occupations in this chart, the need to replace workers leaving the occupation is projected to create more openings 

than job growth will. 

Most job openings

Registered nurses

Waiters and waitresses

Retail salespersons

Home health aides

Combined food preparation and 

serving workers, including fast food

Office clerks, general

Personal care aides

Childcare workers

Janitors and cleaners, except maids 

and housekeeping cleaners

Sales reps, wholesale and manufacturing, 

except technical and scientific products

Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers

Nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants

First-line supervisors of office and 

administrative support workers

First-line supervisors of retail sales workers

Cashiers

Elementary school teachers, except 

special education

Receptionists and information clerks

Customer service representatives

Laborers and freight, stock, and 

material movers, hand

Postsecondary teachers

Median annual 

wages, May 2010

$20,670

18,500

18,330

17,950

20,560

22,210

30,460

23,460

19,640

19,300

37,770

62,050

47,460

51,660

25,240

52,440

35,820

24,010

26,610

64,690

1,959

1,776

1,324

1,207

1,147

1,012

980

960

838

682

675

666

649

586

584

573

566

560

514

496

From growth From replacement needs
14 Occupational Outlook Quarterly • Winter 2011–12

Occupational employment

Graduate degree

Occupations that have the most growth and have a master’s, doctoral, or professional degree as the 

typical level of education needed to enter the occupation, projected 2010–20, in thousands of jobs

Most high-growth occupations in these educational categories are related to healthcare, education, and social services. 

The projected increase in the number of postsecondary teachers reflects expanding college enrollments. 

1–5

1–5

5+

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

I/R

I/R

I/R

I/R

1 Indicates whether work experience in a related occupation is also typically needed for entry into the occupation. Assignments are

 more than 5 years (5+), 1–5 years (1–5), less than 1 year (<1), or none (N).

2 Indicates whether on-the-job training is typically needed to attain competency in the occupation. Assignments are

 internship/residency (I/R), apprenticeship (A), long-term (L), moderate-term (M), short-term (S), or none (N).

Experience1 Training2

Median annual 

wages, May 2010

Postsecondary teachers 306 $62,050

Physical therapists 77 76,310

Lawyers 74 112,760

Pharmacists 70 111,570

Educational, guidance, school, and 

vocational counselors 53 53,380

Healthcare social workers 51 47,230

Rehabilitation counselors 37 32,350

Occupational therapists 36 72,320

Medical scientists, except 

epidemiologists 36 76,700

Speech-language pathologists 29 66,920

Physician assistants 25 86,410

Veterinarians 22 82,040

Chiropractors 15 67,200

Physicians and surgeons 168 ≥166,400

Mental health counselors 44 38,150

Clinical, counseling, and 

school psychologists 34 66,810

Dentists, general 28 141,040

Education administrators, 

postsecondary 28 83,710

Instructional coordinators 27 58,830

Education administrators,

elementary and secondary school 23 86,970
Winter 2011–12 • Occupational Outlook Quarterly 15

Occupational employment

Graduate degree

Occupations that have the most job openings and have a master’s, doctoral, or professional degree as the

typical level of education needed to enter the occupation, projected 2010–20, in thousands of openings

Workers in seven of the occupations in this chart typically need either experience or training in addition to a graduate 

degree.

Median annual 

wages, May 2010

Postsecondary teachers 586 $62,050

Physical therapists

Lawyers 112,760

Pharmacists 111,570

53,380 Educational, guidance, school, and 

vocational counselors

76,310

Healthcare social workers

90 86,970

Rehabilitation counselors

82 66,810

Occupational therapists

69 38,150

Medical scientists, except 

epidemiologists

69 83,710

Speech-language pathologists

64 32,350

Librarians 51 54,500

Veterinarians

Physician assistants 41 86,410

34 82,040

Physicians and surgeons 305

212

140

114

101

≥166,400

Mental health counselors

87 47,230

Clinical, counseling, and 

school psychologists

Dentists, general 66 141,040

57 72,320

Education administrators, 

postsecondary

Instructional coordinators 58 58,830

52 66,920

Education administrators,

elementary and secondary school

43 76,700

From growth From replacement needs

1–5

1–5

5+

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

I/R

I/R

I/R

I/R

1 Indicates whether work experience in a related occupation is also typically needed for entry into the occupation. Assignments are

 more than 5 years (5+), 1–5 years (1–5), less than 1 year (<1), or none (N).

2 Indicates whether on-the-job training is typically needed to attain competency in the occupation. Assignments are

 internship/residency (I/R), apprenticeship (A), long-term (L), moderate-term (M), short-term (S), or none (N).

Experience1 Training2
16 Occupational Outlook Quarterly • Winter 2011–12

Occupational employment

Bachelor’s degree

Occupations that have the most growth and have a bachelor’s degree as the typical level

of education needed to enter the occupation, projected 2010–20, in thousands of jobs

Of the occupations shown here, computer and information systems managers had the highest wage in May 2010. They 

typically need more than 5 years of experience in a related occupation.

Median annual 

wages, May 2010

249 $51,660

Management analysts 78,160

Software developers, applications 87,790

Software developers, systems software 94,180

Market research analysts and 

marketing specialists

Middle school teachers, except special 

and career/technical education

Network and computer systems 

administrators

Elementary school teachers, except 

special education

Computer systems analysts 77,740

60,570

97 69,160

Medical and health services managers

72 53,230 Secondary school teachers, except 

special and career/technical education

Sales reps, wholesale & manufacturing, 

technical & scientific products

Computer and information systems 

managers

68 84,270

Personal financial advisors

Cost estimators

66 64,750

Training and development specialists

Public relations specialists

62 54,160

Child, family, and school social workers 58 40,210

56 115,780

Accountants and auditors 191

157

144

127

120

117

108

61,690

51,960

68 57,860

66 73,710

Information security analysts 66 75,660

Recreation workers 64 22,260

58 52,090

1–5

1–5

5+

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

I/R

I/R

I/R

M

M

1 Indicates whether work experience in a related occupation is also typically needed for entry into the occupation. Assignments are

 more than 5 years (5+), 1–5 years (1–5), less than 1 year (<1), or none (N).

2 Indicates whether on-the-job training is typically needed to attain competency in the occupation. Assignments are

 internship/residency (I/R), apprenticeship (A), long-term (L), moderate-term (M), short-term (S), or none (N).

Experience1 Training2
Winter 2011–12 • Occupational Outlook Quarterly 17

Occupational employment

Bachelor’s degree

Occupations that have the most job openings and have a bachelor’s degree as the typical level

of education needed to enter the occupation, projected 2010–20, in thousands of openings

The large number of projected openings for teachers reflects the size of teaching occupations, the need to replace 

teachers who are expected to retire, and rising student enrollments.

Median annual 

wages, May 2010

573 $51,660

Management analysts

53,230

Software developers, applications

78,160

Software developers, systems software

51,960

Market research analysts and 

marketing specialists

Middle school teachers, except special 

and career/technical education

Network and computer systems 

administrators

Elementary school teachers, except 

special education

Computer systems analysts 77,740

87,790

94,180

Medical and health services managers

73,710

Secondary school teachers, except 

special and career/technical education

Sales reps, wholesale & manufacturing, 

technical & scientific products

Securities, commodities, and

financial services sales agents

69,160

Graphic designers

Sales managers

Financial managers

84,270

Computer programmers

Public relations specialists

71,380

Child, family, and school social workers

43,500

22,260

Accountants and auditors 452

356

274

249

223

198

192

168

160

155

143

142

140

134

128

128

127

124

119

61,690

60,570

103,910

70,190

98,530

Recreation workers

40,210

52,090

From growth From replacement needs

1–5

1–5

5+

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

M

M

M

I/R

I/R

I/R

1 Indicates whether work experience in a related occupation is also typically needed for entry into the occupation. Assignments are

 more than 5 years (5+), 1–5 years (1–5), less than 1 year (<1), or none (N).

2 Indicates whether on-the-job training is typically needed to attain competency in the occupation. Assignments are

 internship/residency (I/R), apprenticeship (A), long-term (L), moderate-term (M), short-term (S), or none (N).

Experience1 Training2
18 Occupational Outlook Quarterly • Winter 2011–12

Occupational employment

Associate’s degree or postsecondary non-degree award

Occupations that have the most growth and have an associate’s degree or postsecondary non-degree award

as the typical level of education needed to enter the occupation, projected 2010–20, in thousands of jobs

At these levels of education, occupations that are projected to gain the most jobs are largely related to healthcare, 

reflecting the growing medical needs of an aging population.

Median annual 

wages, May 2010

712 $64,690

Licensed practical and

licensed vocational nurses 40,380

Preschool teachers, except

special education 25,700

Hairdressers, hairstylists, and

cosmetologists 22,760

Heating, air conditioning, and 

refrigeration mechanics and installers

Construction managers

General and operations managers

Dental assistants 33,470

42,530

94,400

Dental hygienists

75

98

92

90

87

82

30,360 Emergency medical technicians and 

paramedics

Medical records and

health information technicians

Firefighters

69 68,250

Paralegals and legal assistants

Radiologic technologists & technicians

47 46,680

Massage therapists 31 34,900

Telecom equipment installers and 

repairers, except line installers 28 54,710

27 45,250

Nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants

Registered nurses

302

169

114

24,010

83,860

61 54,340

38 32,350

Veterinary technologists & technicians 42 29,710

Respiratory therapists 31 54,280

Physical therapist assistants 31 49,690

1–5

5+

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

L

L

M

1 Indicates whether work experience in a related occupation is also typically needed for entry into the occupation. Assignments are

 more than 5 years (5+), 1–5 years (1–5), less than 1 year (<1), or none (N).

2 Indicates whether on-the-job training is typically needed to attain competency in the occupation. Assignments are

 internship/residency (I/R), apprenticeship (A), long-term (L), moderate-term (M), short-term (S), or none (N).

Experience1 Training2
Winter 2011–12 • Occupational Outlook Quarterly 19

Occupational employment

Associate’s degree or postsecondary non-degree award

Occupations that have the most job openings and have an associate’s degree or postsecondary non-degree award

as the typical level of education needed to enter the occupation, projected 2010–20, in thousands of openings

Over the 2010–20 decade, registered nurses are expected to have more than twice as many job openings as any other 

occupation with these levels of education.

Median annual 

wages, May 2010

1,207 $64,690

94,400

40,380

25,700

22,760

33,470

30,360

83,860

45,250

54,340

29,860

34,900

29,710

496

410

369

232

218

154

138

121

120

112

105

95

88

83

74

60

59

56

56

24,010

42,530

68,250

46,680

53,090

32,350

54,710

From growth From replacement needs

Licensed practical and

licensed vocational nurses

Preschool teachers, except

special education

Hairdressers, hairstylists, and

cosmetologists

Heating, air conditioning, and 

refrigeration mechanics and installers

Construction managers

General and operations managers

Dental assistants

Dental hygienists

Emergency medical technicians and 

paramedics

Medical records and

health information technicians

First-line supervisors of production 

and operating workers

Firefighters

Paralegals and legal assistants

Radiologic technologists & technicians

Massage therapists

Telecom equipment installers and 

repairers, except line installers

Nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants

Registered nurses

Veterinary technologists & technicians

Library technicians

5+

1–5

1–5

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

M

L

L

1 Indicates whether work experience in a related occupation is also typically needed for entry into the occupation. Assignments are

 more than 5 years (5+), 1–5 years (1–5), less than 1 year (<1), or none (N).

2 Indicates whether on-the-job training is typically needed to attain competency in the occupation. Assignments are

 internship/residency (I/R), apprenticeship (A), long-term (L), moderate-term (M), short-term (S), or none (N).

Experience1 Training2
20 Occupational Outlook Quarterly • Winter 2011–12

Occupational employment

High school diploma or equivalent

Occupations that have the most growth and have a high school diploma or equivalent as the typical level

of education needed to enter the occupation, projected 2010–20, in thousands of jobs

Occupations at this education level need different types of training, ranging from short-term on-the-job training to 

apprenticeships. The four fastest growing occupations in this chart typically need short-term on-the-job training.

Median annual 

wages, May 2010

490 $26,610

Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers 37,770

Childcare workers 19,300

Bookkeeping, accounting, and 

auditing clerks 34,030

Sales reps, wholesale & manufacturing, 

except technical & scientific products

Medical secretaries

First-line supervisors of office and 

administrative support workers

Receptionists and information clerks 25,240

52,440

47,460

Security guards

Carpenters 39,530

Maintenance & repair workers, general

Automotive service technicians and 

mechanics

23,920

Medical assistants

Teacher assistants

28,860

Electricians 48,250

Light truck or delivery services drivers 28,630

35,790

Customer service representatives

Office clerks, general

338

330

262

259

249

223

210

203

196

195

191

163

156

142

136

134

131

126

125

30,460

30,530

23,220

34,730

Executive secretaries and

executive administrative assistants 43,520

First-line supervisors of

retail sales workers 35,820

First-line supervisors of construction 

trades and extraction workers 58,680

1–5

1–5

1–5

1–5

5+

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

S

S

S

S

S

A

S

S

A

S

L

M

M

M

M

M

1 Indicates whether work experience in a related occupation is also typically needed for entry into the occupation. Assignments are

 more than 5 years (5+), 1–5 years (1–5), less than 1 year (<1), or none (N).

2 Indicates whether on-the-job training is typically needed to attain competency in the occupation. Assignments are

 internship/residency (I/R), apprenticeship (A), long-term (L), moderate-term (M), short-term (S), or none (N).

Experience1 Training2
Winter 2011–12 • Occupational Outlook Quarterly 21

Occupational employment

High school diploma or equivalent

Occupations that have the most job openings and have a high school diploma or equivalent as the typical level

of education needed to enter the occupation, projected 2010–20, in thousands of openings

Of the occupations shown here, first-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers had the highest wage 

in May 2010. They also typically need more than 5 years of experience in a related occupation.

Median annual 

wages, May 2010

1,012 $26,610

19,300

37,770

47,460

25,240

52,440

23,220

34,030

39,530

34,730

28,630

30,530

58,680

960

666

649

584

566

560

514

482

468

408

391

379

360

322

312

296

289

278

260

30,460

35,820

30,830

43,520

23,920

35,790

48,250

From growth From replacement needs

Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers

Childcare workers

Bookkeeping, accounting, and 

auditing clerks

Sales reps, wholesale & manufacturing, 

except technical & scientific products

First-line supervisors of office and 

administrative support workers

Receptionists and information clerks

Security guards

Carpenters

Maintenance & repair workers, general

Automotive service technicians and 

mechanics

Medical secretaries

Teacher assistants

Electricians

Light truck or delivery services drivers

Customer service representatives

Office clerks, general

Executive secretaries and

executive administrative assistants

Secretaries and admin assistants, 

except legal, medical, and executive

First-line supervisors of

retail sales workers

First-line supervisors of construction 

trades and extraction workers 5+

1–5

1–5

1–5

1–5

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

S

S

S

S

S

S

S

A

A

S

L

S

M

M

M

M

1 Indicates whether work experience in a related occupation is also typically needed for entry into the occupation. Assignments are

 more than 5 years (5+), 1–5 years (1–5), less than 1 year (<1), or none (N).

2 Indicates whether on-the-job training is typically needed to attain competency in the occupation. Assignments are

 internship/residency (I/R), apprenticeship (A), long-term (L), moderate-term (M), short-term (S), or none (N).

Experience1 Training2
22 Occupational Outlook Quarterly • Winter 2011–12

Occupational employment

Less than a high school diploma

Occupations that have the most growth and have less than a high school diploma as the typical level

of education needed to enter the occupation, projected 2010–20, in thousands of jobs

Workers might not need a high school diploma to enter these occupations, but they typically need on-the-job training to 

attain competency. 

Median annual 

wages, May 2010

707 $20,670

Personal care aides 19,640

17,950

Laborers and freight, stock, and 

material movers, hand

Combined food preparation and 

serving workers, including fast food

23,460

Janitors and cleaners, except maids 

and housekeeping cleaners

Landscaping and groundskeeping 

workers

Cashiers 18,500

22,210

29,280

Cooks, restaurant

Waiters and waitresses 18,330

Construction laborers

Industrial truck and tractor operators

Cleaners of vehicles and equipment

22,140

Food preparation workers

Maids and housekeeping cleaners

19,100

Packers and packagers, hand

Nonfarm animal caretakers

Cement masons & concrete finishers

Counter and rental clerks

19,630

22,100

35,450

Home health aides

Retail salespersons

706

607

398

319

250

246

241

212

196

118

112

84

72

62

60

58

53

51

50

20,560

23,400

19,300

29,780

Painters, construction & maintenance 34,280

19,680

19,550

<1

<1

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

S

S

S

S

S

S

S

S

S

S

S

S

S

S

S

S

S

M

M

M

1 Indicates whether work experience in a related occupation is also typically needed for entry into the occupation. Assignments are

 more than 5 years (5+), 1–5 years (1–5), less than 1 year (<1), or none (N).

2 Indicates whether on-the-job training is typically needed to attain competency in the occupation. Assignments are

 internship/residency (I/R), apprenticeship (A), long-term (L), moderate-term (M), short-term (S), or none (N).

Experience1 Training2
Winter 2011–12 • Occupational Outlook Quarterly 23

Occupational employment

Less than a high school diploma

Occupations that have the most job openings and have less than a high school diploma as the typical level

of education needed to enter the occupation, projected 2010–20, in thousands of openings

Construction laborers, the highest paid occupation in this chart, had a wage that was lower than $33,840—the median 

annual wage for all workers in May 2010.

Median annual 

wages, May 2010

1,959

1,776

1,324

1,147

$20,670

18,330

17,950

23,460

20,560

22,210

21,290

23,400

19,100

18,370

19,630

18,960

18,680

980

838

682

675

465

444

377

352

350

313

292

269

252

246

227

221

18,500

19,640

19,300

29,280

22,140

18,150

18,450

From growth From replacement needs Experience1 Training2

<1

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

S

S

S

S

S

S

S

S

S

S

S

S

S

S

S

S

S

S

M

Waiters and waitresses

Laborers and freight, stock, and 

material movers, hand

Combined food preparation and 

serving workers, including fast food

Janitors and cleaners, except maids 

and housekeeping cleaners

Personal care aides

Home health aides

Cooks, restaurant

Counter attendants, cafeteria,

food concession, and coffee shop

Landscaping and groundskeeping 

workers

Stock clerks and order fillers

Construction laborers

Dishwashers

Food preparation workers

Maids and housekeeping cleaners

Packers and packagers, hand

Hosts and hostesses, restaurant, 

lounge, and coffee shop

Bartenders

Miscellaneous agricultural workers

Cashiers

Retail salespersons

1 Indicates whether work experience in a related occupation is also typically needed for entry into the occupation. Assignments are

 more than 5 years (5+), 1–5 years (1–5), less than 1 year (<1), or none (N).

2 Indicates whether on-the-job training is typically needed to attain competency in the occupation. Assignments are

 internship/residency (I/R), apprenticeship (A), long-term (L), moderate-term (M), short-term (S), or none (N).
24 Occupational Outlook Quarterly • Winter 2011–12

Occupational employment

Most job losses

Decline in employment by occupation, projected 2010–20, in thousands of jobs

These occupations are expected to lose jobs for many reasons, including increasing worker productivity. Even in 

occupations that are not expected to gain jobs, however, the need to replace existing workers who leave should 

create some opportunities.

Median annual 

wages, May 2010

-96

-69

-42

-38

-33

-32

-19

-16

-13

-12

-11

-10

-9

-8

-7

-7

-7

-7

-6

-19

$60,750

20,600

53,860

24,920

53,100

18,960

27,450

33,400

22,190

29,100

19,400

60,300

23,610

53,080

18,100

48,130

36,280

25,090

36,930

27,080

Sewing machine operators

Postal service mail carriers

Switchboard operators, including

answering service

Cooks, fast food

Postal service clerks

Miscellaneous agricultural workers

File clerks

Data entry keyers

Word processors and typists

Prepress technicians and workers

Computer operators

Door-to-door sales workers, news and

street vendors, and related workers

Food service managers

Electrical and electronic equipment assemblers

Pressers, textile, garment, and related materials

Office machine operators, except computer

Floral designers

Postmasters and mail superintendents

Postal service mail sorters, processors, and 

processing machine operators

Farmers, ranchers, and other

agricultural managers
Winter 2011–12 • Occupational Outlook Quarterly 25

Occupational employment

Most self-employed

Occupations with the most self-employed jobs, projected 2020, in thousands of jobs

Most of the new jobs added to the economy are expected to be for wage and salary workers; employment of 

self-employed and unpaid family workers is projected to grow slowly through 2020. Farmers, ranchers, and 

other agricultural managers are projected to have the most jobs for self-employed workers in 2020. 

361

420

422

489

860

308

307

228

222

217

191

187

177

173

158

152

146

144

136

134

Carpenters

Construction managers

First-line supervisors of retail sales workers

Hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists

Construction laborers

Landscaping and groundskeeping workers

First-line supervisors of non-retail 

sales workers

Maids and housekeeping cleaners

Painters, construction and maintenance

Real estate sales agents

Property, real estate, and

community association managers

Retail salespersons

Management analysts

Lawyers

Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers

Automotive service technicians & mechanics

Door-to-door sales workers, news and street 

vendors, and related workers

Food service managers

Childcare workers

Farmers, ranchers, and other

agricultural managers

Total employment, 

projected 2020*

142

848

1,935

4,968

322

440

802

876

413

1,211

1,756

1,544

1,106

310

1,539

463

1,392

726

610

1,198

* Total employment includes self-employed jobs, wage and salary jobs, and jobs for unpaid family workers.
26 Occupational Outlook Quarterly • Winter 2011–12

The labor force is the number of people ages 16 or 

older who are either working or looking for work. 

It does not include active-duty military personnel 

or the institutionalized population, such as prison inmates. 

Determining the size of the labor force is a way of determining how big the economy can get.

The size of the labor force depends on two factors. 

The first is the size of the population, which is determined 

by rates of birth, immigration, and death. The second is 

the labor force participation rate—the percent of the population that is working or actively seeking employment.

Labor force participation rates vary significantly 

between men and women and among different age, racial, 

and ethnic groups. Population growth rates also vary from 

one group to another. These variations change the composition of the labor force over time.

The charts that follow show how the labor force is 

projected to change among age groups, between men and 

women, among racial groups (Asians, blacks, whites, 

and others), and among ethnic groups (Hispanics and 

non-Hispanics of any race). The U.S. Census Bureau 

uses these categories to produce the demographic data on 

which BLS projections are based.

Total labor force growth is expected to be about 0.7 

percent annually between 2010 and 2020. This average is 

shown as a dotted vertical line in the chart on page 28.

As in previous years, the labor force is projected to 

grow more slowly than the number of jobs, but this is not 

an indication of a labor shortage. Instead, this discrepancy 

reflects that these two measures are based on different 

concepts.

Labor force
Winter 2011–12 • Occupational Outlook Quarterly 27

Labor force

Both the population and the labor force are projected to continue growing slowly. By 2020, the number of people 

working or looking for work is expected to reach about 164 million. That number excludes people younger than 

16 years of age and those who are active-duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces, are inmates of penal or mental 

institutions, or are in homes for the aged.

Population and labor force, 2000, 2010, and projected 2020, in millions of people

213

238

143

154

164

263

Civilian noninstitutional population,

16 years and older Labor force

2000

2010

Projected 2020

Annual growth rates in population and labor force, 2000–10 and projected 2010–20, in percent

Between 2010 and 2020, both the population and the labor force are expected to grow more slowly than they did 

during the previous decade.

1.1%

0.8

0.7

1.0%

Civilian noninstitutional population,

16 years and older Labor force

2000–10

Projected 2010–20
28 Occupational Outlook Quarterly • Winter 2011–12

Labor force

Annual growth rate in labor force by age, projected 2010–20, in percent

Thanks to advances in medicine, people now enjoy better health as they age and, as a result, are able to remain 

in the labor force longer than workers in previous generations did. A variety of economic factors—an increase in 

the Social Security eligibility age, for example—create incentives for people to keep working. Because of these 

factors, the number of people in the labor force ages 65 and older is expected to grow about 11 times faster than 

the total labor force.

Numeric change in labor force by age, projected 2010–20, in thousands of people

The aging of the baby-boom generation (those born between 1946 and 1964) increases the share of the older age 

groups in the population. As baby boomers age over the projections decade, the number of people in the labor 

force ages 55 to 64 is expected to increase by more than 6 million, and the number of people ages 65 and older is 

projected to increase by more than 5 million. The number of 45– to 54–year-olds in the labor force is expected to 

shrink as baby boomers shift into older groups. 

-2,604 Ages 16 to 24

Ages 25 to 34

Ages 45 to 54

Ages 55 to 64

Ages 65 and older

Ages 35 to 44

-2,909

1,781

6,001

5,396

2,807

-1.2%

0.8

0.5

2.3

8.0

-0.8

16 to 24

25 to 34

45 to 54

55 to 64

65 and older

35 to 44

Average, total labor force = 0.7
Winter 2011–12 • Occupational Outlook Quarterly 29

Labor force

Annual growth rate in labor force for men and women, projected 2010–20, in percent

Between 2010 and 2020, the increase in the number of women in the labor force is expected to be greater than the 

increase in the number of men.

Women Men Total labor force

0.7% 0.7

0.6

Labor force participation rates for men and women, 1960–2010 and projected 2020

The labor force participation rates for both men and women are expected to decline slightly over the projections 

decade. By 2020, about 68 percent of men and 57 percent of women are expected to be in the labor force.

The aging of the population will be a factor driving down labor force participation rates. Despite working longer 

than previous generations, baby boomers will still have lower levels of labor force participation than those in 

younger age groups. The baby-boom generation is becoming a larger segment of the total population, driving 

down overall participation in the labor force.

Men

Total

Women

1960

40

60

80

100%

1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 Projected

2020

(Percent of people in the labor force)
30 Occupational Outlook Quarterly • Winter 2011–12

Labor force

Percent distribution of labor force by race, projected 2020

Although whites will continue to be the largest racial category in the labor force, other racial groups are projected 

to make up 21 percent of the labor force by 2020.

White

All other

Asian

Black

79

3

6

12

Percent distribution of labor force by race, 2010

Whites made up 81 percent of the labor force in 2010.

White

All other Asian

Black

81

2 5

12
Winter 2011–12 • Occupational Outlook Quarterly 31

Labor force

Annual growth rate in labor force by race, projected 2010–20, in percent

Although Asians will remain a small part of the labor force, they will have the fastest rate of labor force growth 

between 2010 and 2020. This growth is due to increased immigration and high labor force participation rates.

The “all other races” category includes American Indians and Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians and other Pacific 

Islanders, multiracial individuals, and any other people who do not identify themselves as white, black, or Asian.

0.7%

Total White Black Asian All other

1.0

2.7

2.5

0.4
32 Occupational Outlook Quarterly • Winter 2011–12

Labor force

Percent distribution of labor force

by ethnic origin, 2010

...leading to an increased share of the labor force: 

from 15 percent in 2010...

Hispanic

Non-Hispanic

15

85

Percent distribution of labor force

by ethnic origin, projected 2020

...to 19 percent in 2020.

Hispanic

Non-Hispanic

19

81

The Hispanic labor force is growing faster than any other ethnic group because of overall population growth—due 

to higher births and increased immigration—and because of significantly higher labor force participation rates...

3.0

0.7%

0.2

Total Hispanic Non-Hispanic

Annual growth rate in labor force by ethnic origin, projected 2010–2020, in percent
Winter 2011–12 • Occupational Outlook Quarterly 33

Industry employment

This section illustrates projected employment 

change for industries over the 2010–20 decade. 

Workers are grouped into an industry according to the type of good produced or service provided 

by the establishment for which they work. For example, 

everyone who is on a construction company’s payroll is 

part of the construction industry, regardless of his or her 

job duties. The construction industry includes not only 

construction workers, such as carpenters and roofers, 

but also other workers, such as office managers and 

truck drivers.

Industry employment projections are shown in 

terms of numeric change (growth or decline in the total 

number of jobs) and percent change (the rate of job 

growth or decline). Unlike the employment totals in the 

occupational charts, however, the employment totals in 

this section cover only wage and salary workers and do 

not include self-employed or unpaid family workers.

Employment growth for all wage and salary workers is projected to average about 15 percent between 

2010 and 2020. This average is shown as a dotted vertical line in two charts.

As discussed in the introduction to this issue of 

the Quarterly, job growth or decline in some industries 

affects particular occupations significantly. The number of jobs for registered nurses, for example, is highly 

dependent on the growth of the hospital industry. Many 

occupations, however—from accountants to computer 

systems analysts—are found in nearly every industry.

Employment growth in industries depends on 

industry output (the total amount produced) and worker 

productivity (how much each worker produces). Laborsaving technologies and methods can increase productivity, limiting employment growth even as output 

increases. For example, even as domestic manufacturing output is projected to increase, employment in 

factories is projected to decline as advanced methods 

and machines reduce the number of workers needed to 

produce goods.

Industries shown in the charts are defined primarily 

according to the 2007 North American Industry Classification System (NAICS), a system used by the federal 

government to classify establishments into industry 

categories. Industries fall into one of two groups: goods 

producing or service providing.

The goods-producing industries are as follows:

•	 Construction. Examples of establishments in 

this sector include electrical contracting firms 

and excavating companies.

•	 Manufacturing. Examples include businesses 

that make motor vehicle parts, snack foods, and 

other goods.

•	 Mining. Establishments in this sector include 

quarries, mines, and oil and gas extraction 

companies.

The service-providing industries are as follows:

•	 Educational services. This sector includes 

local, state, and private schools and other 

providers of education.

•	 Financial activities. This sector includes 

banks, insurance companies, real estate offices, 

and rental services organizations.

Industry employment
34 Occupational Outlook Quarterly • Winter 2011–12

Industry employment

•	 Health care and social assistance. Health 

care and social assistance providers—including 

public and private providers of health care and 

private providers of social assistance—are part 

of this sector. Examples include medical laboratories, optometrists’ offices, and nursing homes.

•	 Information. This sector includes print, software, and database publishing firms; broadcasting and telecommunications providers; and 

information and data processing providers.

•	 Leisure and hospitality. Examples include 

hotels, restaurants, theme parks, and performing arts companies.

•	 Professional and business services. Examples 

include law firms, consulting services, and 

temporary help firms.

•	 Public administration. This sector consists 

of government establishments that administer 

programs and provide for public safety. Federal, 

state, and local government (except education 

and hospitals) are classified here.

•	 Trade, transportation, and utilities. Included 

here are wholesale and retail trade establishments, taxi services, and sewage treatment 

facilities.

Wage and salary employment by industry type, 

2010 and projected 2020, in millions of jobs

Service-providing industries are projected to account for 

the most job growth between 2010 and 2020. In goodsproducing industries, employment is projected to stay 

about the same over the decade.

131

19

2010 Projected 2020

113

18

Service providing Goods producing

130*

150

*Note: Data do not sum to total because of rounding.
Winter 2011–12 • Occupational Outlook Quarterly 35

Industry employment

Employment, 2010

Percent distribution of wage and salary employment by industry sector, 2010

In 2010, four industry sectors—retail trade and wholesale trade, state and local government, professional and 

business services, and health care and social assistance—accounted for more than half of all employment.

Goods producing

Service providing 1, Mining

Construction

Manufacturing

Transportation 

and utilities

Financial services

Educational services Professional and business services

Health care and

social assistance

Leisure and

hospitality

Other services

Federal government

State and local 

government

Retail trade and

wholesale trade

Information

4

9

4

15

6

13 2

13

10

5

2

15

2
36 Occupational Outlook Quarterly • Winter 2011–12

Industry employment

Employment change

Numeric change in employment of wage and salary workers by industry sector,

projected 2010–20, in thousands of jobs

Employment is projected to increase by more than 5.6 million in the health care and social assistance sector. 

Home health care services and individual and family services are expected to lead growth in this sector. Growth 

in professional and business services is expected to be led by providers of management, scientific, and technical 

consulting services. 

Service providing

Goods producing

5,637

3,807

2,510

1,839

1,639

1,341

819

819

817

780

140

25

-74

-372

Health care and social assistance

Other services

Transportation and utilities

Financial activities

Information

Mining

Manufacturing

Federal government

State and local government

Leisure and hospitality

Educational services

Professional and business services

Retail trade and wholesale trade

Construction

Both the health care and social assistance sector and the construction sector are projected to grow more than twice 

as fast as the average for all industries between 2010 and 2020. Growth in health care and social assistance is 

expected to be driven by increased demand from an aging population. In construction, projected rapid employment 

growth represents a partial recovery of significant job losses that occurred between 2007 and 2009.

Percent change in employment of wage and salary workers by industry sector, projected 2010–20

Service providing

Goods producing

Health care and social assistance

Other services

Transportation and utilities

Financial activities

Information

Mining

Manufacturing

Federal government Average, all wage and salary workers = 15%

State and local government

Leisure and hospitality

Educational services

Professional and business services

Retail trade and wholesale trade

Construction

34%

33

26

23

17

14

13

10

10

-13

8

5

4

-1
Winter 2011–12 • Occupational Outlook Quarterly 37

Industry employment

Fastest growing industries

Percent growth in employment of wage and salary workers by detailed industry, 

projected 2010–20

Nearly all of the detailed industries that are projected to grow fastest between 2010 and 2020 are service-providing 

ones. Five of these are related to healthcare.

Home health care services

Individual and family services

Offices of health practitioners

Construction

Nursing and residential care facilities

Truck transportation

Employment services

Hospitals

Services to buildings and dwellings

Wholesale trade

Retail trade

Food services and drinking places

Child day care services

Management, scientific, and

technical consulting services

Computer systems design and

related services

Outpatient, laboratory, and other

ambulatory care services

Junior colleges, colleges, universities, 

and professional schools

Architectural, engineering, and

related services

State educational services 

Local educational services

81%

70

58

47

37

36

33

29

28

28

26

24

23

19

17

14

12

12

9

9

Average, all wage and salary workers = 15%

Goods producing

Service providing
38 Occupational Outlook Quarterly • Winter 2011–12

Industry employment

Most new jobs

Numeric growth in employment of wage and salary workers by detailed industry, 

projected 2010–20, in thousands of jobs

All of the projected growth in construction is to regain jobs that were lost during the 2007–09 recession, but these 

1.8 million jobs will not be enough to return construction employment to its pre-recession level. Five other industries projected to gain the most jobs are related to health care: offices of health practitioners; hospitals; home health 

care services; nursing and residential care facilities; and outpatient, laboratory, and other ambulatory care services.

Construction

Retail trade

Offices of health practitioners

Hospitals

Home health care services

Food services and drinking places

Employment services

Services to buildings and dwellings

Truck transportation

State educational services

Child day care services

Nursing and residential care facilities

Computer systems design and 

related services

Management, scientific, and

technical consulting services

Junior colleges, colleges, universities, 

and professional schools

Outpatient, laboratory, and other 

ambulatory care services

Architectural, engineering, and 

related services

Individual and family services

Wholesale trade

Local educational services

1,391

878

872

859

851

822

743

740

671

631

575

284

249

300

302

358

394

477

1,767

1,839

Goods producing

Service providing
Winter 2011–12 • Occupational Outlook Quarterly 39

Industry employment

Most job losses

Numeric decline in employment of wage and salary workers by detailed industry, 

projected 2010–20, in thousands of jobs

Declines in industry employment are usually the result of falling demand for specific goods and services, increased 

imports that reduce domestic production, or the use of technology that increases worker productivity. Declining 

employment may lead to unfavorable job prospects, but the need to replace workers who leave an industry often 

creates some job openings.

Motor vehicle parts manufacturing

Basic chemical manufacturing

Metalworking machinery manufacturing

Fiber, yarn, and thread mills

Printing and related support activities

Communications equipment manufacturing

State government enterprises

Drycleaning and laundry services

Other miscellaneous manufacturing

Apparel knitting mills

U.S. Postal Service

Federal defense government

Federal nondefense government

Crop production

Motion picture, video, and

sound recording industries

Semiconductor and other electronic 

component manufacturing

Electric power generation, transmission, 

and distribution

Navigational, measuring, electromedical, 

and control instruments manufacturing

Computer and peripheral equipment 

manufacturing

Newspaper, periodical, book, and

directory publishers

Goods producing

Service providing

-182

-122

-92

-62

-52

-43

-44

-50

-40

-36

-36

-33

-32

-32

-25

-21

-20

-23

-32

-33
40 Occupational Outlook Quarterly • Winter 2011–12

The economy’s need for workers originates in 

the demand for the goods and services that 

these workers provide. So, to project employment, BLS starts by estimating the components of gross 

domestic product (GDP) for 2020. GDP is the value of 

the final goods produced and services provided in the 

United States.

Then, BLS estimates the size—in inflation-adjusted 

dollars—of the five major categories of production. The 

categories are as follows:

•	 Personal consumption expenditures. This 

category includes purchases made by individuals, including goods (such as cameras, appliances, and food) and services (such as public 

transportation, personal care, and household 

maintenance).

•	 Gross private domestic investment. This 

category includes business investment in equipment and software; the construction of houses, 

factories, hospitals, and other structures; and 

changes in business inventories.

•	 Government consumption expenditures and 

gross investment. This category includes goods 

and services bought by federal, state, and local 

governments.

•	 Exports. These are goods and services produced in the United States and purchased in 

foreign countries.

•	 Imports. Imports are goods and services 

produced abroad and purchased in the United 

States. Because GDP measures production in 

the United States, the value of imports is subtracted from the other four categories of GDP.

Next, BLS breaks down these major categories into 

more detailed ones, such as the production of automobiles or the provision of medical services.

Changes in the level and composition of goods 

produced and services provided often affect industry 

employment levels. For example, an increased level of 

business investment in computer software may increase 

employment in the computer industry and in all those 

industries that provide inputs—either products or 

services—to the computer industry. In turn, employment in occupations in those industries would grow.

Industry employment levels are also affected by 

changes in labor productivity—the amount an employee 

produces per hour of work. Because of technological advances, for example, some industries are able to 

increase output with fewer employees.

Unlike previous sections, the growth charts in 

this section show annual rates of change instead of 

the percent change over the entire projections decade. 

Annual rates are used here, in part, because they are the 

measure used for other economic indicators, including 

inflation.

To show changes in demand more accurately, dollar 

amounts in these charts are given not in current dollars 

but in 2005 chain-weighted dollars. This means that 

amounts have been adjusted for changing prices over 

time.

Overall economy
Winter 2011–12 • Occupational Outlook Quarterly 41

Overall economy

Annual growth in productivity by decade, 1970–2010 and projected 2010–20, in percent

Growth in GDP is due, in part, to increasing productivity. Productivity is projected to grow 2.0 percent annually 

over the 2010–20 decade. 

1970–80 1980–90 1990–2000 2000–10 Projected 2010–20

1.7%

1.6

2.1

2.5

2.0

GDP in 1990, 2000, 2010, and projected 2020

By 2020, the value of goods produced and services provided (gross domestic product, or GDP) in the United States 

is projected to reach more than $17.5 trillion.

$8,027

11,217

13,088

17,513

1990 2000 2010 Projected 2020

(Billions of chained 2005 dollars)*

*Note: Chain-weighted dollars have been adjusted to reflect price changes that occur over time.
42 Occupational Outlook Quarterly • Winter 2011–12

Overall economy

Annual growth in real GDP, 1990–2000, 2000–10, and projected 2010–20, in percent

GDP growth of 1.6 percent for 2000–10 was slower that its long-run trend, reflecting the 2007–09 downturn and 

the fact that the economy had not fully recovered by 2010. GDP is projected to grow on average by 3.0 percent 

per year between 2010 and 2020. 

Annual change in components of GDP, 1990–2000, 2000–10, and projected 2010–20, in percent

Gross private domestic investment, which includes new construction and spending by businesses, is more sensitive 

to the business cycle than are expenditures by consumers. As the world becomes more open to trade, both imports 

and exports, is projected to keep outpacing GDP growth.

3.6%

7.1

5.6

7.1

6.3

3.4

9.3

2.4

-1.3

4.6

1.2

2.0

0.9

1.9%

2.7%

Personal consumption 

expenditure

Gross private domestic 

investment

Exports Imports Government

consumption and gross 

investment

1990–2000

2000–10

Projected 2010–20

1990–2000

2000–10

Projected 

2010–20

3.4%

1.6

3.0
Winter 2011–12 • Occupational Outlook Quarterly 43

2007–11

Choosing and changing jobs

Career beginnings for business 

majors. Winter 08–09

Career planning the second time 

around. Summer 09

Gap year: Time off, with a plan. 

Fall 09

Employment matchmakers: Pairing 

people and work. Winter 07–08

Focused jobseeking: A measured 

approach to looking for work. 

Spring 11

Flexible work: Adjusting the when 

and where of your job. Summer 07

Informational interviewing: Get the 

inside scoop on careers. 

Summer 10

Job openings by industry, March 

2008 (chart). Summer 08

Job outlook by education, 2006–16. 

Fall 08

Mapping out a career: An analysis 

of geographic concentration of 

occupations. Fall 10

Résumés, applications, and cover 

letters. Summer 09 

What can I do with my liberal arts 

degree? Winter 07–08

Earnings and benefits

Beyond averages: Other ways to 

look at occupational wages. 

Winter 07–08

Class of 1993: Earnings and 

occupations by college major, 

1 and 10 years after graduation, 

The. Summer 08

Earnings data from BLS: What we 

have and how to find it. Summer 07

Education pays: More education 

leads to higher earnings, lower 

unemployment (chart). Summer 10

Employment and wages in selected 

healthcare practitioners and 

technical occupations and healthcare support occupations, May 

2008 (chart). Spring 10

Good-for-you benefits on the rise 

(chart). Spring 07

Health benefit costs by occupation: 

An employer’s perspective (chart). 

Fall 08

Large occupations with higher-thanmedian wages, May 2008 (chart). 

Fall 09

Road to high wages, The (chart). 

Winter 10–11

Serving, learning, and earning: An 

overview of three organizations. 

Summer 11

Education and training 

Employment, trends, and training in 

information technology. Spring 09

Extracurricular activities: The afterschool connection. Winter 08–09

Finishing high school leads to better 

employment prospects (chart). 

Summer 11

Paving the occupational path: A new 

system for assigning education and 

training. Fall 11

Occupations and industries

2010 SOC, The: A classification 

system gets an update. Summer 10

Admissions consultant. (You’re a 

what?) Spring 08

Automation technician. (You’re a 

what?) Spring 10

Career beginnings for business 

majors. Winter 08–09

Careers in auto racing: Work in the 

fast lane. Fall 09

Careers in forensics: Analysis, 

evidence, and law. Spring 09

Careers in organic food production. 

Fall 10

Careers in wind energy. 

Winter 10–11

Cartoonist. (You’re a what?) Fall 08

Chimney sweep. (You’re a what?) 

Summer 10

Cobbler. (You’re a what?) 

Summer 07

Commercial diver. (You’re a what?) 

Winter 07–08

Consulting careers: A profile of three 

occupations. Spring 11

Employment matchmakers: Pairing 

people and work. Winter 07–08

Employment, trends, and training in 

information technology. Spring 09.

Fix-it careers: Jobs in repair. Fall 10

Foley artist. (You’re a what?) 

Spring 11

Framer. (You’re a what?) Spring 07

Futurist. (You’re a what?) Spring 09

Garden-variety job growth (chart). 

Spring 11

Genetic counselors. (You’re a what?) 

Summer 11

Going “green”: Environmental 

jobs for scientists and engineers. 

Summer 09

Healthcare jobs you might not know 

about. Summer 08

Health educators: Working for 

wellness. Summer 07

Home stager. (You’re a what?) 

Summer 08

House work: Jobs in residential 

upkeep. Winter 10–11

Helping those in need: Human 

service workers. Fall 11

Limnologist. (You’re a what?) Winter 

08–09

Making the news: Jobs in TV 

journalism. Spring 09

Medical physicists and health 

physicists: Radiation occupations. 

Summer 11
44 Occupational Outlook Quarterly • Winter 2011–12

2007–11

Metrology careers: Jobs for good 

measure. Fall 09

Military training for civilian careers 

(Or: How to gain practical experience while serving your country). 

Spring 07

More than food and drink: Careers in 

restaurants. Spring 09

Museum work: Put your skills on 

exhibit. Summer 10

Nursing jobs in nursing homes. 

Spring 11

Occupational employment of workers without disabilities and workers with disabilities, April 2009 

(chart). Summer 09

On the grid: Careers in energy. Fall 

08

Paid to persuade: Careers in sales. 

Summer 11

Patent work: The other side of 

invention. Fall 09

Policy analysts: Shaping society 

through research and problemsolving. Spring 07

Psychometrician. (You’re a what?) 

Fall 11

Recycling coordinator. (You’re a 

what?) Winter 10–11

Sky-high careers: Jobs related to 

airlines. Summer 07

Solar photovoltaic installer. (You’re 

a what?) Fall 09

Spectator sports employment by 

metropolitan area, 2007 annual 

averages (chart). Spring 09

STEM occupations: High-tech jobs 

for a high-tech economy. Spring 07

Toy jobs: Work in the business of 

play. Winter 08–09

Voice actor. (You’re a what?) 

Summer 09

Wind turbine service technician. 

(You’re a what?) Fall 10

Work for play: Careers in video game 

development. Fall 11

Working in politics. Summer 08

Working vacations: Jobs in tourism 

and leisure. Winter 10–11

Outlook and trends

2006–16 job outlook in brief, The. 

Spring 08

2008–18 job outlook in brief, The. 

Spring 10

Charting the projections: 2006–16. 

Fall 07

Charting the projections: 2008–18. 

Winter 09–10

Charting the projections: 2010–20. 

Winter 11–12

Employment, trends, and training in 

information technology. Spring 09

Fifty years of career information: 

The Occupational Outlook, vol. 1, 

no. 1. Spring 07

Going “green”: Environmental 

jobs for scientists and engineers. 

Summer 09

Men and women in the working 

world (chart). Winter 08–09

Multiple jobholders, 2006 (chart). 

Winter 07–08

On the clock at 2 a.m. (chart). 

Spring 08

Parents and work, 2006 (chart). 

Summer 07

Quits versus layoffs (chart). Fall 11

Temporary measures (chart). Fall 10

Job outlook by education, 2006–16. 

Fall 08

You’re a what?

Admissions consultant. Spring 08

Automation technician. Spring 10

Cartoonist. Fall 08

Chimney sweep. Summer 10

Cobbler. Summer 07

Commercial diver. Winter 07–08

Foley artist. Spring 11

Framer. Spring 07

Futurist. Spring 09

Genetic counselors. Summer 11

Home stager. Summer 08

Limnologist. Winter 08–09

Psychometrician. Fall 11

Recycling coordinator. Winter 10–11

Solar photovoltaic installer. Fall 09

Voice actor. Summer 09

Wind turbine service technician.

 Fall 10

See the complete OOQ Online index at

www.bls.gov/ooq/ooqindex.htm
UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICETM

Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation

(Required by 39 U.S.C. 3685)

1. Publication Title Occupational Outlook Quarterly

2. Publication No. 492-690

3. Filing Date January 9, 2012

4. Issue Frequency Quarterly

5. No. of Issues Published Annually 4

6. Annual Subscription Price $15

7. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication

U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics

2 Massachusetts Avenue NE., Washington, DC 20212–0001

8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher

U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics

2 Massachusetts Avenue NE., Washington, DC 20212–0001

9. Full Names and Complete Mailing Address of Publisher, Editor, and Managing Editor

Publisher

U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics

2 Massachusetts Avenue NE., Washington, DC 20212–0001

Attn: Emily Lloyd Liddell

Editor: Kathleen T. Green

2 Massachusetts Avenue NE., Washington, DC 20212–0001

Managing Editor: Drew Liming 

2 Massachusetts Avenue NE., Washington, DC 20212–0001

10. Owner

U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics

2 Massachusetts Avenue NE., Washington, DC 20212–0001

11. Known Bondholders, Mortgagees, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 

1 Percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages, or Other Securities.

If none, check here. 

x None

12 Tax Status (Check one)

The purpose, function, and nonprofit status of this organization and the exempt status for federal 

income tax purposes: ) 

x Has Not Changed During Preceding 12 Months

 Has Changed During Preceding 12 Months

13. Publication Title

Occupational Outlook Quarterly

14. Issue Date for Circulation Data Below

Winter 2011–12

15. Extent and Nature of Circulation: Average no. No. copies

 copies each of single issue

 issue during published

 preceding 12 nearest to 

 months filing date

a. Total No. Copies (Net Press Run) 5,155 5,155

b. Paid Circulation (By Mail and Outside the Mail)

(1) Mailed Outside-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on Form 3541 (Include 

paid distribution above nominal rate, advertiser’s proof copies, and exchange 

copies) 1,931 1,821

(2) Mailed In-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541 (Include paid 

distribution above nominal rate, advertiser’s proof copies, and exchange copies) N/A N/A

(3) Paid Distribution Outside the Mails Including Sales Through Dealers and 

Carriers, Street Vendors, and Counter Sales, and other Paid Distribution Outside 

USPS® 56 5

(4) Paid Distribution by Other Classes of Mail Through USPS N/A N/A

c. Total Paid Distribution (Sum of 15b (1), (2), (3), and (4)) 1,987 1,826

d. Free or Nominal Rate Distribution (by Mail and Outside the Mail)

(1) Free or Nominal Rate Outside-County Copies Included on PS Form 3541 2,038 2,038

(2) Free or Nominal Rate In-County Copies Included on PS Form 3541 N/A N/A

(3) Free or Nominal Rate Copies Mailed at Other Classes Through USPS 65 65

(4) Free or Nominal Rate Distribution Outside the Mail (Carriers or other means) 375 375

e. Total Free or Nominal Rate Distribution (Sum of 15d (1), (2), (3), and (4)) 2,478 2,478

f. Total Distribution (Sum of 15c and 15e) 4,465 4,465

g. Copies Not Distributed 399 399

h. Total (Sum of 15f and g) 4,864 4,864

i. Percent Paid (15c divided by 15f times 100) 44.5% 40.9%

16. If the publication is a general publication, publication of this statement is required. Will be printed in the 

Winter 2011–12 issue of this publication.

17. Signature and Title of Editor, Publisher, Business Manager, or Owner Date

(signed) Kathleen T. Green 01/09/2012

I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes 

false or misleading information on this form or who omits material or information requested on the form may be 

subject to criminal sanctions (including fines and imprisonment) and/or civil sanctions (including civil penalties). 

Available online in 2012:

•	 Detailed articles about the projections (February 2012 Monthly Labor Review)

•	 Completely revised online edition of Occupational Outlook Handbook (spring 2012)

•	 “The job outlook in brief,” summarizing the Handbook (spring 2012 OOQ)

For more information, visit the Employment Projections website, www.bls.gov/emp.

They’re here: 2010–20 projections!

Biennial projections of occupations, industries, the labor force, and the 

economy between 2010 and 2020 from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS

Postal Square Building, Rm. 2850

2 Massachusetts Ave., NE

Washington, DC 20212–0001

Inside this special issue:

2010–20 projections of

•	 Occupational employment

•	 Labor force

•	 Industry employment

•	 Economic growth