Occupational Group Profiles 

2017 www.bls.gov/ors 

Table of Contents Page #

Occupational group: 

Architecture and engineering................................................................................... 2 

Arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media ...................................................... 3 

Building and grounds cleaning and maintenance .................................................... 4 

Business and financial operations ............................................................................ 5 

Community and social services ................................................................................ 6 

Computer and mathematical ................................................................................... 7 

Construction and extraction .................................................................................... 8 

Education, training, and library ............................................................................... 9 

Farming, fishing, and forestry .................................................................................. 10

Food preparation and serving related ..................................................................... 11

Healthcare practitioners and technical .................................................................... 12 

Healthcare support .................................................................................................. 13

Installation, maintenance, and repair ...................................................................... 14

Legal ......................................................................................................................... 15 

Life, physical, and social science .............................................................................. 16

Management ............................................................................................................ 17

Office and administrative support ............................................................................ 18 

Personal care and service ......................................................................................... 19

Production ................................................................................................................ 20

Protective service...................................................................................................... 21

Sales and related ...................................................................................................... 22

Transportation and material moving ....................................................................... 23

Technical note .......................................................................................................... 24

Occupational Requirements Survey
Occupational Requirements Survey • www.bls.gov/ors • ORSinfo@bls.gov • 202.691.6199

This occupational group includes architects, surveyors, cartographers, photogrammetrists, engineers, drafters, 

engineering technicians, electro-mechanical technicians, and mapping technicians.

Physical Requirements

The strength level for architecture and engineering jobs 

varies, with 23.1 percent of jobs classified as sedentary, 

another 24.4 percent classified as light, and almost half 

(45.4 percent) as medium. Most (82.4 percent) 

architecture and engineering jobs require reaching at or 

below the shoulder with both hands, and 90.1 percent 

require gross manipulation with both hands. On average, 

workers spend 68.6 percent of the workday sitting, and 

most workers (72.3 percent) are able to choose when they 

can sit versus stand.

Environmental Conditions

Some jobs (20.6 percent) require workers to be in high and exposed places, and 11.2 percent use personal protective 

equipment to mitigate risk associated with this exposure. Almost one-third (30.3 percent) of workers are in proximity to 

moving mechanical parts at some point in their workday. The most common noise intensity level is moderate which is 

experienced by 74.1 percent of workers. Another 18.1 percent of workers experience a quiet noise level, and 7.6 percent 

a loud noise level. 

Cognitive Requirements

The work location for 53.7 percent of jobs 

does not change. These jobs require work 

review at least weekly for 34.2 of these 

workers. Most jobs (71.6 percent) have a 

varying work pace, where there are faster 

and slower work periods. Typically, the 

pace of work is steady (68.7 percent of 

jobs), and another 26.3 percent of jobs are 

performed at a rapid pace.

Educational Requirements

Most (64.3 percent) jobs require a 

bachelor’s degree to fulfill a minimum 

education requirement. Most (77.8

percent) jobs also require prior work experience. On-the-job training is a requirement for 62.5 percent of jobs. 

Data are from the results of the 2017 Occupational Requirements Survey. For more information about the physical 

demands, environmental conditions, education and training, and mental requirements of jobs in the U.S. economy, see 

www.bls.gov/ors. 

Architecture and Engineering Occupations

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%

Choice of sitting or

standing and

walking

High and exposed

places

Rapid work pace Bachelor's degree

Selected requirements for architecture and 

engineering jobs, 2017

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Requirements Survey
Occupational Requirements Survey • www.bls.gov/ors • ORSinfo@bls.gov • 202.691.6199

This occupational group includes art directors, artists, fashion designers, actors, producers, directors, coaches, dancers, 

choreographers, musicians, singers, radio announcers, writers, editors, interpreters, sound engineering technicians, 

photographers, and film editors. 

Physical Requirements

Arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media workers spend

an average of over half of their workday (59.0 percent) sitting. 

The decision of when to sit or stand is left up to workers in 

56.2 percent of jobs. Gross and fine manipulation with both 

hands is required in 89.2 percent and 58.0 percent of jobs, 

respectively. Some workers (30.7 percent) are required to 

climb ramps or stairs as part of their job.

Environmental Conditions

The noise level experienced is moderate for 75.2 percent of 

jobs, and loud for another 10.3 percent. Exposure to wetness 

is required for 13.6 percent of these workers. Eleven percent of jobs require workers to be in high and exposed places. 

Almost all jobs do not require exposure to extreme heat (98.9 percent) or cold (98.2 percent). 

Cognitive Requirements

Over a quarter (27.4 percent) of workers 

have continuous interaction with regular 

contacts. For 41.3 percent of workers the 

work location changes more than four 

times per year, but for almost half (49.8 

percent) there is no change in location. The 

work schedule changes for over half (55.5

percent) of jobs. 

Educational Requirements

The most common minimum education 

level for these jobs is a bachelor’s degree

(39.7 percent). Another 29.6 percent of 

jobs require a high school diploma. On-thejob training is required for 66.1 percent of 

jobs and 66.7 percent require prior work 

experience. 

Data are from the results of the 2017 Occupational Requirements Survey. For more information about the physical 

demands, environmental conditions, education and training, and mental requirements of jobs in the U.S. economy, see 

www.bls.gov/ors. 

Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media 

Occupations

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%

Prior work

experience

Moderate noise

intensity

Work location

changes 4+ times

per year

Gross manipulation

with both hands

Selected requirements for arts, design, 

entertainment, sports, and media jobs, 2017

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Requirements Survey
Occupational Requirements Survey • www.bls.gov/ors • ORSinfo@bls.gov • 202.691.6199

This occupational group includes janitors, maids and 

housekeeping cleaners, pest control, landscaping, pesticide 

handlers, tree trimmers, and grounds maintenance workers. 

Physical Requirements

Crouching is required for 80.8 percent of these jobs, and

pushing or pulling with both hands and arms is required for 

59.0 percent. These workers lift or carry an average maximum 

weight of about 42 pounds. Standing and walking is necessary 

in these jobs, and 90.4 percent do not allow the worker a 

choice for when they can sit versus stand. Workers in building 

and grounds cleaning and maintenance jobs stand or walk an 

average of 89.3 percent of their day. 

Environmental Conditions

Exposure to wetness is a job 

requirement in 87.1 percent of jobs. 

Some (32.5 percent) jobs are exposed to 

hazardous contaminants, with 28.3 

percent of workers using personal 

protective equipment to mitigate this 

exposure. A quiet noise intensity level is 

present in 18.0 percent of jobs, a 

moderate level in 69.6 percent, and a 

loud noise level in 11.2 percent.

Cognitive Requirements

The work location for most (68.3 

percent) jobs never changes. The pace of 

work is steady in 75.1 percent of jobs and rapid for another 21.2 percent. In most jobs the work tasks change less than 

monthly (86.0 percent). A small amount of jobs, however, require workers to adapt to changing tasks at least once per 

month (5.1 percent), at least once a week (4.6 percent), or at least once a day (4.3 percent). 

Educational Requirements

Most (69.2 percent) jobs do not have a minimum education requirement, although about 29.2 percent required a high 

school diploma. On-the-job training is a requirement for 83.9 percent of jobs.

Data are from the results of the 2017 Occupational Requirements Survey. For more information about the physical 

demands, environmental conditions, education and training, and mental requirements of jobs in the U.S. economy, see 

www.bls.gov/ors. 

Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance

Occupations

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%

Exposure to wetness Crouching Work location never

changes

High school diploma

Selected requirements in building and grounds 

cleaning and maintenance jobs, 2017

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Requirements Survey
Occupational Requirements Survey • www.bls.gov/ors • ORSinfo@bls.gov • 202.691.6199

This occupational group includes purchasing agents, compliance officers, human resource workers, logisticians, 

fundraisers, market research analysts, accountants, auditors, credit counselors, and tax examiners. 

Physical Requirements

Business and financial operations workers spend an average of 

80.6 percent of the day sitting. About half of jobs (49.9 

percent) are classified as a sedentary strength level, with 

another 33.0 percent of jobs classified as a light strength level.

Near visual acuity and verbal communication are required in 

all jobs. Gross and fine manipulation with both hands are

required in 77.5 percent and 45.3 percent of jobs, 

respectively. Almost all jobs (99.8 percent) require the use of a 

traditional keyboard at some point in the workday, and the 

use of a 10-key pad is also required in 18.3 percent of jobs.

Environmental Conditions

Workers experience a moderate noise intensity level in 70.9 percent of jobs and another 28.2 percent of jobs have a 

quiet noise intensity level. Most workers are not exposed to various environmental conditions such as heavy vibrations

(99.8 percent), high and exposed places (98.6 percent), hazardous contaminants (98.4 percent), extreme heat (98.9 

percent) or cold (99.1 percent), or wetness (97.1 percent). 

Cognitive Requirements

The type of decision making required for 

workers is split between decisions that involve 

a degree of uncertainty or complexity (49.1 

percent) or that have no set responses to 

choose from (44.4 percent). The schedule 

does not change in 62.5 percent of jobs, and 

work tasks change less than monthly for 78.2 

percent. 

Educational Requirements

Many of these jobs (68.8 percent) require a 

minimum education of a bachelor's degree. 

On-the-job training is required for 64.3 

percent of jobs and 83.2 percent require prior 

work experience.

Data are from the results of the 2017 Occupational Requirements Survey. For more information about the physical 

demands, environmental conditions, education and training, and mental requirements of jobs in the U.S. economy, see 

www.bls.gov/ors. 

Business and Financial Operations Occupations

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%

Percent of day

spent sitting

Moderate noise

intensity

Work tasks

change less than

monthly

Bachelor's degree

Selected requirements in business and 

financial jobs, 2017

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Requirements Survey
Occupational Requirements Survey • www.bls.gov/ors • ORSinfo@bls.gov • 202.691.6199

This occupational group includes counselors, social workers, health educators, probation officers, correctional treatment 

specialists, community health workers, clergy, and directors of religious activities. 

Physical Requirements

Many community and social service workers (71.6 percent) 

can choose when to sit or stand to perform their work, and 

they typically spend about 63.4 percent of their workday 

sitting. About three-quarters of workers (75.7 percent) reach 

at or below their shoulder with both hands at some point 

during their workday. Using a traditional keyboard is required 

in almost all jobs (94.8 percent), with 55.3 percent doing so 

occasionally, 34.7 percent frequently, and another 4.2 percent 

constantly.

Environmental Conditions

Workers are exposed to wetness in 20.9 percent of jobs, however they are only exposed occasionally (11.8 percent) or

seldom (9.2 percent). A moderate noise intensity level is experienced in most jobs (78.3 percent), and another 19.2 

percent experience a quiet environment. 

Cognitive Requirements

Workers most commonly interact with 

regular contacts more than once per 

hour (46.9 percent), and another 27.7 

percent continuously interact with 

regular contacts. Almost half of jobs 

(45.5 percent) require work to be 

reviewed at least weekly, 17.1 percent 

require review once per day, and 

another 4.9 percent require more than 

once a day.

Educational Requirements

A minimum education requirement of a 

bachelor’s degree is the most common 

requirement for 46.3 percent of workers. 

A high school diploma is required for an 

additional 19.7 percent of workers. On-the-job training is a requirement for 64.6 percent of jobs.

Data are from the results of the 2017 Occupational Requirements Survey. For more information about the physical 

demands, environmental conditions, education and training, and mental requirements of jobs in the U.S. economy, see 

www.bls.gov/ors. 

Community and Social Service Occupations

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%

Reaching at or below

the shoulder with

both hands

Exposure to wetness Weekly work review Bachelor's degree

Selected requirements in community and social 

service jobs, 2017

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Requirements Survey
Occupational Requirements Survey • www.bls.gov/ors • ORSinfo@bls.gov • 202.691.6199

This occupational group includes computer and information analysts, software developers and programmers, database 

and systems administrators, computer support specialists, actuaries, mathematicians, statisticians, operations research 

analysts, and mathematical technicians. 

Physical Requirements

On average, workers in computer and mathematical 

occupations spend 83.5 percent of the workday sitting. These 

jobs require lifting or carrying an average maximum weight of 

about 17 pounds. Reaching at or below the shoulder with 

both hands is required in 61.0 percent of jobs. Traditional 

keyboarding is required in all jobs. Some jobs require 

crouching (26.8 percent) and kneeling (22.2 percent), while 

fewer require crawling (8.4 percent).

Environmental Conditions

A moderate noise intensity level was the most common (69.1

percent) noise exposure for these jobs, and another 30.5 

percent of workers experience a quiet noise intensity level. 

One hundred percent of these jobs do not expose workers to heavy vibrations or humidity. Most workers are not 

exposed to various other environmental conditions such as hazardous contaminants (99.3 percent), wetness (99.0 

percent), moving mechanical parts (99.2 percent), or extreme heat (99.8 percent).

Cognitive Requirements

Typically, the work location does not 

change for 74.7 percent of jobs. For 

the remainder of jobs the location 

can change up to four times per year 

for 9.2 percent and more than that 

for 16.1 percent. The type of 

decision making required for most 

workers (64.7 percent) involves a 

degree of uncertainty or complexity, 

with another 32.7 percent having no 

set responses to choose from when 

making decisions. 

Educational Requirements

The minimum education required for 

69.6 percent of jobs is a bachelor’s 

degree. For 88.7 percent of jobs, 

prior work experience is required 

with the average amount being about 4 years (1,499 days). 

Data are from the results of the 2017 Occupational Requirements Survey. For more information about the physical 

demands, environmental conditions, education and training, and mental requirements of jobs in the U.S. economy, see 

www.bls.gov/ors. 

Computer and Mathematical Occupations

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%

Reaching at or below

the shoulder

Moderate noise

intensity

Work location does

not change

Bachelor's degree

Selected requirements for computer and 

mathematical jobs, 2017

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Requirements Survey
Occupational Requirements Survey • www.bls.gov/ors • ORSinfo@bls.gov • 202.691.6199

This occupational group includes carpenters, laborers, equipment operators, electricians, roofers, elevator installers and 

repairers, earth drillers, mining machine operators, and carpet, floor, and tile installers and finishers.

Physical Requirements

The most common strength level for construction and 

extraction jobs is a heavy strength level for 45.3 percent, and 

another 10.4 percent are considered to have a very heavy

level. These jobs require lifting or carrying an average

maximum weight of about 65 pounds. Workers spend 83.8 

percent of their day standing or walking and most workers 

(85.8 percent) do not have the choice between sitting or 

standing and walking. All jobs require gross manipulation, 

with 10.9 percent requiring it occasionally, 32.9 percent 

frequently, and 55.6 percent constantly.

Environmental Conditions

Seventy-eight percent of jobs require workers to be in high exposed places, 75.3 percent require workers to be in 

proximity to moving mechanical parts, and 41.3 percent expose workers to heavy vibrations. Fifty percent of jobs are

performed in environments with a loud noise intensity level and another 5.6 percent are exposed to a very loud noise 

level. 

Cognitive Requirements

The work location changes more 

than four times per year for 81.1 

percent of jobs. Workers have their 

work reviewed more than once a 

day in 48.4 percent of jobs, and 

once a day in another 32.5 percent.

Educational Requirements

Half of jobs (50.0 percent) jobs do 

not have a minimum education 

requirement. Of jobs without a 

minimum education requirement,

40.1 percent require literacy and 

9.9 percent do not. A high school 

diploma is required in 47.0 percent of jobs. Prior work experience is a requirement for 55.3 percent of jobs with an 

average length of over two and a half years (1,029 days). 

Data are from the results of the 2017 Occupational Requirements Survey. For more information about the physical 

demands, environmental conditions, education and training, and mental requirements of jobs in the U.S. economy, see 

www.bls.gov/ors. 

Construction and Extraction Occupations

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%

Heavy strength level High and exposed

places

Work location

changes 4+ times per

year

Prior work

experience required

Selected requirements in construction and 

extraction jobs, 2017

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Requirements Survey
Occupational Requirements Survey • www.bls.gov/ors • ORSinfo@bls.gov • 202.691.6199

This occupational group includes postsecondary teachers, preschool teachers, primary school teachers, middle school 

teachers, self-enrichment education teachers, special education school teachers, librarians, curators, archivists, home 

management advisors, instructional coordinators, and teacher assistants.

Physical Requirements

Most (92.0 percent) workers use a traditional keyboard at the 

workplace. Communicating verbally occurs constantly for 58.7 

percent of workers, frequently for 38.9 percent, and 

occasionally for 1.9 percent of workers. On average workers 

spend 35.4 percent of the workday sitting and 64.6 percent of 

the workday standing or walking. 

Environmental Conditions

Most (89.3 percent) workers experience a moderate noise 

intensity level, 6.9 percent a quiet intensity level, and 3.8 

percent experience a loud intensity level. Exposure to the 

outdoors is present for 65.9 percent of workers. There are several environmental conditions for which these workers are 

not exposed to such as hazardous contaminants (97.0 percent), extreme heat (98.5 percent), humidity (99.6 percent), 

heavy vibrations (99.5 percent), exposed high places (98.5 percent), and proximity to moving mechanical parts (98.2 

percent). 

Cognitive Requirements

Interaction with regular contacts is 

performed by coordinating for 39.1 

percent of workers, 33.0 percent by 

persuading, 16.5 percent by influencing, 

10.6 percent by exchanging factual 

information, and 0.8 percent by resolving 

controversial issues. For most (84.8 

percent) workers the work tasks change 

less than monthly, for 8.5 percent the 

tasks change at least one a month, and for 

another 5.0 percent the tasks change at 

least once a week.

Educational Requirements

Most (59.8 percent) workers have a minimum educational requirement of a bachelor's degree. Prior work experience is 

required for 23.9 percent of workers with an average of about 2 and a half years (905 days) of prior work

experience. On-the-job training is required for 50.4 percent of workers.

Data are from the results of the 2017 Occupational Requirements Survey. For more information about the physical 

demands, environmental conditions, education and training, and mental requirements of jobs in the U.S. economy, see 

www.bls.gov/ors. 

Education, Training, and Library Occupations

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%

Traditional

keyboarding

Constant verbal

communication

Bachelor's degree Moderate noise

intensity

Selected requirements in education, training, 

and library jobs, 2017

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Requirements Survey
Occupational Requirements Survey • www.bls.gov/ors • ORSinfo@bls.gov • 202.691.6199

This occupational group includes agricultural inspectors, animal breeders, graders and sorters for agricultural products, 

and other miscellaneous agricultural workers like farmworkers or laborers and agricultural equipment operators. This 

group also includes fishing workers, hunters and trappers, forest and conservation workers, and logging workers.

Physical Requirements

Over half of jobs (57.0 percent) require a medium strength 

level. Gross manipulation is required in all of these jobs at 

some point in the workday, with 44.3 percent constantly 

performing gross manipulation. Workers are typically standing 

or walking for over three-quarters (77.0 percent) of their 

workday. Almost half (48.2 percent) of these jobs also require 

some climbing of ladders, ropes, or scaffolds, although most of 

it is only done seldom (31.5 percent).

Environmental Conditions

Fifty-nine percent of workers are exposed to the outdoors, 

with 42.6 constantly working outdoors. These workers most 

commonly experience a moderate noise level (70.0 percent of workers). Workers are required to be in proximity to 

moving mechanical parts in 46.6 of jobs, and in 56.9 percent of jobs they are exposed to wetness during their workday. 

Some jobs (39.5 percent) are exposed to hazardous contaminants. 

Cognitive Requirements

These jobs are mostly exchanging 

factual information with regular 

contacts (64.7 percent) and another 

32.8 percent are coordinating with 

regular contacts. The pace of work is 

typically steady in 81.6 percent of 

jobs, and work tasks change less 

than monthly for almost all (94.0

percent) or these jobs.

Educational Requirements

Most of these jobs (77.8 percent) do

not require a minimum education 

level, however, 59.3 percent are 

required to read and write. Prior 

work experience is required for about half (52.7 percent) of these jobs.

Data are from the results of the 2017 Occupational Requirements Survey. For more information about the physical 

demands, environmental conditions, education and training, and mental requirements of jobs in the U.S. economy, see 

www.bls.gov/ors. 

Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%

Gross manipulation -

constantly

Outdoors Steady pace of work Prior work experience

Selected requirements in farming, forestry, and 

fishing jobs, 2017

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Requirements Survey
Occupational Requirements Survey • www.bls.gov/ors • ORSinfo@bls.gov • 202.691.6199

This occupational group includes chefs, cooks, bartenders, dishwashers, waiters, waitresses, food servers, hosts, and 

hostesses. 

Physical Requirements

On average workers stand or walk 95.9 percent of the 

workday and almost all (97.1 percent) workers are not able to 

choose when to sit versus stand or walk. For most (68.1) 

workers, the job is considered to have a medium strength

level while for 22.7 percent the job is considered a light 

strength level.

Environmental Conditions

About 45.5 percent of workers experience exposure to 

extreme cold and 35.5 percent experience exposure to 

extreme heat. Wetness is present in jobs for 98.4 percent of 

workers. For 83.1 percent of workers experience a moderate noise intensity level. 

Cognitive Requirements

The work tasks change less than 

monthly for 84.1 percent of workers. 

The tasks change at least once a month 

for 5.7 percent of workers, for 5.2 

percent the tasks change at least once a 

day, and for 5.0 percent the tasks 

change at least once a week. Decision 

making is generally limited to 

predetermined actions for 77.5 percent 

of workers, while 21.2 percent make 

decisions where there are no set 

responses, and 1.3 percent make 

decisions that involve a degree of 

uncertainty or complexity. 

Educational Requirements

For 80.5 percent of workers there is no job requirement for obtaining an educational degree or diploma. However, 

literacy is required for 74.2 percent of workers and literacy is not required for 6.3 percent for those jobs with no 

minimum education requirement. Prior work experience is required for 23.6 percent of workers and on average the 

length is over a year (about 466 days). The preparation time necessary to satisfactorily perform the job is between a 

short demonstration (4 hours) and up to one month for 69.2 percent of workers. On-the-job training is a 

requirement for 92.1 percent of workers.

Data are from the results of the 2017 Occupational Requirements Survey. For more information about the physical 

demands, environmental conditions, education and training, and mental requirements of jobs in the U.S. economy, see 

www.bls.gov/ors. 

Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%

Extreme cold

exposure

Medium strength

level

Literacy Work tasks change

less than monthly

Selected requirements in food preparation 

and service related jobs, 2017

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Requirements Survey
Occupational Requirements Survey • www.bls.gov/ors • ORSinfo@bls.gov • 202.691.6199

This occupational group includes chiropractors, dentists, pharmacists, physicians, surgeons, health diagnosing and 

treating practitioners, therapists, veterinarians, registered nurses, health technologists and technicians, and 

occupational health and safety specialists.

Physical Requirements

On average workers sit 35.6 percent of the workday and 

64.4 percent of the day standing or walking. Any type of 

keyboarding is required for 97.7 percent of workers. The 

average maximum weight lifted or carried by workers is 

about 46 pounds.

Environmental Conditions

Exposure to wetness is experienced by 84.9 percent of 

workers and 26.5 percent have outdoor exposure. Most 

workers (82.7 percent) experience a moderate noise 

intensity level, 14.4 percent experience a quiet intensity 

level, and another a 2.9 percent a loud intensity level. 

Personal protective equipment to mitigate noise is not provided for 98.2 percent of workers. 

Cognitive Requirements

Interaction with regular contacts occurs more 

than once per hour for 44.1 percent of workers. 

Most (55.1 percent) workers interacted with 

regular contacts by coordinating, 27.0 percent 

by persuading, 9.6 percent by exchanging

factual information, and another 7.1 percent by 

influencing regular contacts. About half (48.7 

percent) of jobs the pace of work is rapid, for 

48.3 percent it is steady, and for another 3.0 

percent it is unhurried. 

Educational Requirements

The preparation time necessary to perform the 

job is between 2 and 4 years for 41.6 percent of 

workers while for 25.2 percent more than 4 

years and up to 10 years is required. The minimum education level required is a bachelor’s degree for 27.6 percent of 

workers, 21.8 percent a high school diploma, 14.3 percent an associate’s degree, 6.5 percent a master’s degree, 6.0 

percent a professional degree, and another 2.1 percent a doctorate. 

Data are from the results of the 2017 Occupational Requirements Survey. For more information about the physical 

demands, environmental conditions, education and training, and mental requirements of jobs in the U.S. economy, see 

www.bls.gov/ors. 

Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%

Any type of

keyboarding

Exposure to

wetness

Coordinating with

regular contacts

Preparation time

between 2 and 4

years

Selected requirements in healthcare 

practitioners and technicians jobs, 2017

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Requirements Survey
Occupational Requirements Survey • www.bls.gov/ors • ORSinfo@bls.gov • 202.691.6199

This occupational group includes nursing, psychiatric, home health aides, occupational therapy and physical therapist 

assistants and aides, dental, medical, and veterinary assistants, phlebotomists, and medial transcriptionists.

Physical Requirements

On average, workers spend 73.1 percent of the workday

standing or walking and 26.9 percent of the workday sitting. 

These workers are required to lift or carry an average

maximum weight of about 46 pounds. A medium strength 

level is present for 47.8 percent of workers, for 23.1 percent a 

light strength level, for 21.6 percent a heavy strength level, 

and for 4.2 percent a very heavy strength level. Constant

verbal communication is a requirement for 48.3 percent of 

workers.

Environmental Conditions

Most (83.4 percent) workers are not exposed to hazardous 

contaminants. For those that are, 16.5 percent of workers are 

provided with personal protective equipment, and for 4.2 percent of workers their exposure is fully mitigated by use of 

this personal protective equipment. Several environmental conditions are not present for workers such as heavy 

vibrations (99.7 percent), extreme cold (99.5 percent), extreme heat (99.4 percent), high exposed places (99.3 percent), 

and humidity (98.6 percent). 

Cognitive Requirements

Interaction with regular contacts to 

exchange factual information occurs for 29.0 

percent of workers, for 57.5 percent by 

coordinating, 12.2 percent by persuading, 

and another 0.9 by influencing. For 51.5 

percent of workers the work schedule 

changes while the work location does not 

change for 71.6 percent. For 23.1 percent of 

workers the work location changes by more 

than four times per year, and for 5.4 percent 

it changes up to four times per year. For 

59.1 percent of workers the pace of work is 

steady, for 35.5 percent it is rapid, and for 

another 5.5 percent it is unhurried.

Educational Requirements

The minimum education required for 73.9 

percent of workers is a high school diploma. On-the-job training is a requirement for 81.0 percent of workers.

Data are from the results of the 2017 Occupational Requirements Survey. For more information about the physical 

demands, environmental conditions, education and training, and mental requirements of jobs in the U.S. economy, see 

www.bls.gov/ors. 

Healthcare Support Occupations

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%

High school

diploma

Coordinating with

regular contacts

On-the-job training Medium strength

level

Selected requirements in healthcare 

support jobs, 2017

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Requirements Survey
Occupational Requirements Survey • www.bls.gov/ors • ORSinfo@bls.gov • 202.691.6199

This occupational group includes computer, automated teller and office machine repairers, avionics technicians, security 

and fire alarm systems installers, aircraft mechanics and technicians, bus and truck mechanics, diesel engine specialists, 

small engine mechanics, bicycle repairers, home appliance repairers, millwrights, watch repairers, wind turbine service 

technicians, and riggers. 

Physical Requirements

Workers spend, on average, 20.8 percent of the workday

sitting and 79.2 percent of the workday standing or walking. 

Fine manipulation with both hands is a requirement for 83.7 

percent of workers and for 99.7 percent gross manipulation 

with both hands is required. The average maximum amount 

of weight lifted or carried by workers is about 63 pounds. 

Environmental Conditions

About 8.8 percent of workers experience exposure to extreme 

cold and 18.0 percent experience exposure to extreme heat. 

Exposure to hazardous contaminants occurs in 45.2 percent of 

these jobs and heavy vibrations in 20.0 percent. A majority (89.6 percent) of jobs expose workers to the outdoors. Most 

workers (64.2 percent) experience a moderate noise intensity level, 32.0 percent experience a loud level, and 2.2 

percent experience a very loud intensity level.

Cognitive Requirements

Most (77.9 percent) workers perform the 

same work tasks where the tasks change 

less than monthly. For 54.9 percent of 

workers the work schedule changes while 

the work location does not change for 

50.4 percent of workers. A steady pace of 

work was experienced by 67.3 percent of 

workers, 31.4 percent experienced a 

rapid pace, and 1.2 percent an unhurried 

pace. 

Educational Requirements

For most (65.1 percent) workers a high 

school diploma is the minimum education requirement and another 23.0 percent have no minimum education 

requirement. Prior work experience is required for most (67.9 percent) workers and the median amount is about 2 years 

(730 days). The preparation time required is more than 2 years through 4 years for 27.7 percent of workers, more than 4 

years through 10 years for 20.3 percent, and more than 1 year through 2 years for 17.7 percent of workers. 

Data are from the results of the 2017 Occupational Requirements Survey. For more information about the physical 

demands, environmental conditions, education and training, and mental requirements of jobs in the U.S. economy, see 

www.bls.gov/ors. 

Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%

Fine manipulation

with both hands

Extreme heat

exposure

Moderate noise

instensity

High school diploma

Selected requirements in installation, 

maintenance, and repair jobs, 2017

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Requirements Survey
Occupational Requirements Survey • www.bls.gov/ors • ORSinfo@bls.gov • 202.691.6199

This occupational group includes lawyers, judicial law clerks, judges, arbitrators, mediators, conciliators, 

paralegals, legal assistants, court reporters, title examiners, abstractors, and searchers.

Physical Requirements

On average, workers spend 78.1 percent of the workday

sitting and 21.9 percent of the workday standing or walking. 

Most jobs (60.5 percent) require frequent verbal 

communication. Crawling, crouching, and kneeling are not 

often required of these workers, as these physical 

requirements are not present in 99.3, 79.0, and 87.4 percent 

of jobs, respectively. 

Environmental Conditions

Most workers (65.9 percent) experience a moderate noise 

intensity level. Another 34.1 percent of workers experience 

a quiet noise intensity level. Workers are not required to be 

exposed to humidity, heavy vibrations, or a proximity to moving mechanical parts in 100.0 percent of legal jobs.

Cognitive Requirements

Work location changes more than four times 

per year for 44.6 percent of jobs and never 

changes for another 45.3 percent. Interaction 

with regular contacts occurs continuously for 

28.8 percent of jobs and more than once per 

hour for 46.6 percent. Interactions with 

regular contacts occur by coordinating for 31.0 

percent of workers, by persuading for 20.7 

percent, by influencing for 22.6 percent, and 

by resolving controversial issues for 19.5 

percent of workers.

Educational Requirements

The most common (53.3 percent) educational 

requirement for legal occupations is a 

professional degree. Pre-employment training 

is required in 63.0 percent of jobs. Prior work 

experience is required for 58.5 percent of jobs 

with an average of about 4 years (1,373 days). 

Data are from the results of the 2017 Occupational Requirements Survey. For more information about the physical 

demands, environmental conditions, education and training, and mental requirements of jobs in the U.S. economy, see 

www.bls.gov/ors. 

Legal Occupations

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%

Frequent verbal

communication

Moderate noise

intensity

Coordinating with

regular contacts

Professional

degree

Selected requirements in legal jobs, 2017

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Requirements Survey
Occupational Requirements Survey • www.bls.gov/ors • ORSinfo@bls.gov • 202.691.6199

This occupational group includes agricultural scientists, food scientists, biological scientists, medical scientists,

astronomers, physicists, chemists, hydrologists, economists, survey researchers, psychologists, sociologists, urban 

planners, anthropologists, archeologists, geographers, historians, political scientists, and nuclear technicians. 

Physical Requirements

Most (63.2 percent) workers are able to choose when to 

sit or stand. Fine manipulation with both hands is 

required in 61.9 percent of these jobs. Crouching is 

required in 56.7 percent and pushing or pulling with 

hands and arms occurs in 23.7 percent of these jobs.

Environmental Conditions

Many (50.3 percent) workers are exposed to hazardous 

contaminants. For 10.6 percent of workers, exposure to 

hazardous contaminants is fully mitigated with the use of 

personal protective equipment. Exposure to wetness 

occurs in 55.0 percent of these jobs. A proximity to 

moving mechanical parts occurs in 19.5 percent of jobs. Most jobs do not expose workers to extreme cold (91.5 percent) 

or extreme heat (88.6 percent).

Cognitive Requirements

A steady pace of work is required for most 

jobs (72.0 percent). Work location never 

changes in 58.2 percent of jobs. The type of 

decision making required in this job most 

often (51.3 percent) is when there is a degree 

of uncertainty or complexity. For 35.3 percent 

of workers interaction with other contacts 

occurs by coordinating, 24.3 percent by 

exchanging factual information, 20.0 percent 

by persuading, and 12.1 percent by 

influencing.

Educational Requirements

The most common (47.6 percent) requirement 

for a minimum education in these jobs is a 

bachelor’s degree. Another 16.9 percent of jobs have a master’s degree as a minimum requirement. Of these jobs, 69.8 

percent require prior work experience with a median length of about 3 years (1095 days). 

Data are from the results of the 2017 Occupational Requirements Survey. For more information about the physical 

demands, environmental conditions, education and training, and mental requirements of jobs in the U.S. economy, see 

www.bls.gov/ors. 

Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%

Fine manipulation

with both hands

Hazardous

contaminants

Work location

never changes

Bachelor's degree

Selected requirements in life, physical, and 

social science jobs, 2017

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Requirements Survey
Occupational Requirements Survey • www.bls.gov/ors • ORSinfo@bls.gov • 202.691.6199

This occupational group includes chief executives, general and operations managers, advertising and promotions 

managers, construction, administrative services managers, financial managers, industrial production managers, 

transportation managers, storage managers, distribution managers, compensation and benefits managers, human 

resources managers, training managers, development managers, and education administrators.

Physical Requirements

The percentage of management jobs classified as a sedentary

strength level is 29.8 percent, a light strength level is required 

for 35.0 percent, and a medium strength level is required for

31.3 percent. 

Environmental Conditions

Most (73.2 percent) workers experience a moderate noise 

intensity level and 20.9 percent a quiet noise intensity level. 

Most workers are not exposed to extreme cold (96.9 percent) 

or extreme heat (96.3 percent). Only 9.6 percent of these jobs 

require work in proximity to moving mechanical parts and 

only 13.9 percent require some exposure to wetness.

Cognitive Requirements

Most management jobs (76.8) require a 

degree of uncertainty or complexity in the 

level of decision making. The speed of work 

is steady for 64.5 percent of jobs and rapid 

for another 30.8 percent. Interaction with 

regular contacts involves coordinating in 

31.0 percent of jobs, persuading in 30.2

percent of jobs, influencing in 26.5 percent 

of jobs, and resolving controversial issues in 

10.2 percent.

Education Requirements

Most (58.8 percent) management jobs have 

a bachelor’s degree as the minimum 

education requirement and 10.2 percent 

require a master’s degree. Prior work

experience is required for 94.4 percent of 

jobs, and the length of prior work 

experience required is on average greater than 5 years (1915 days). 

Data are from the results of the 2017 Occupational Requirements Survey. For more information about the physical 

demands, environmental conditions, education and training, and mental requirements of jobs in the U.S. economy, see 

www.bls.gov/ors. 

Management Occupations

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%

Light work Moderate noise

intensity

Rapid pace Bachelor's degree

Selected requirements in management jobs, 

2017

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Requirements Survey
Occupational Requirements Survey • www.bls.gov/ors • ORSinfo@bls.gov • 202.691.6199

This occupational group includes communications equipment and computer operators, bill collectors, gaming cage 

workers, tellers, information and record clerks, customer service representatives, eligibility interviewers, secretaries and 

administrative assistants, couriers, dispatchers, data entry and information processing workers, and desktop publishers. 

Physical Requirements

On average office and administrative support jobs spend 65.6 

percent of the workday sitting. Deciding when to sit or stand 

is left up to workers in 61.2 percent of jobs. Fine manipulation 

is required with at least one hand in 98.1 percent of jobs and 

with both hands in 52.4 percent of jobs.

Environmental Conditions

Exposure to hazardous contaminants is a requirement in 1.4

percent of jobs. A small percentage (2.8 percent) of jobs 

require work in high and exposed places. In 5.4 percent of 

jobs, work is performed with workers in proximity to moving

mechanical parts. A moderate noise intensity level is present in 77.8 percent of jobs.

Cognitive Requirements

Most office and administration jobs (78.9 

percent) require a pace of work with faster and 

slower periods. The speed is steady in 66.7 

percent of jobs and rapid in another 30.1 

percent of jobs. The pace is unhurried in just 3.3 

percent of jobs. Interaction with other contacts 

occurs continuously in 20.5 percent of jobs, 

more than once per hour in 27.2 percent of jobs, 

more than once per day in 23.3 percent of jobs, 

and no more than once per day in 29.0 percent 

of jobs.

Educational Requirements

Most (71.8 percent) office and administrative 

support jobs have a minimum education

requirement of a high school diploma. Almost all

(93.8 percent) of these jobs do not require preemployment training; although, 80.9 percent require on-the-job training. On average, 54.2 percent of jobs require an 

average of almost 2 years (about 663 days) of prior work experience. 

Data are from the results of the 2017 Occupational Requirements Survey. For more information about the physical 

demands, environmental conditions, education and training, and mental requirements of jobs in the U.S. economy, see 

www.bls.gov/ors. 

Office and Administrative Support Occupations

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%

Fine manipulation

with both hands

High and exposed

places

Unhurried pace High school

diploma

Selected requirements in office and 

administrative support jobs, 2017

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Requirements Survey
Occupational Requirements Survey • www.bls.gov/ors • ORSinfo@bls.gov • 202.691.6199

This occupational group includes animal care and service workers, entertainment attendants, funeral service workers, 

personal appearance workers, baggage portages, bellhops, and concierges, tour and travel guides, childcare workers, 

personal care aides, recreation and fitness workers, and residential advisors.

Physical Requirements

Most (50.7 percent) personal care and service jobs are 

classified as a medium strength level, 27.5 percent as a light 

strength level, and 16.9 percent as a heavy strength level. 

Workers may be required to lift or carry an average 

maximum weight of about 41 pounds. 

Environmental Conditions

A moderate noise intensity level is present in 71.2 percent of 

jobs, a quiet noise level is present in 12.4 percent of jobs, 

and a loud noise intensity level is present in 16.4 percent of 

jobs. 

Cognitive Requirements

Interaction with regular contacts is most often 

(49.1 percent) performed by coordinating, with 

another 27.5 percent by factual information 

exchange, and 20.2 percent by persuading. Work 

location does not change in 61.6 percent of jobs.

Work schedule changes in 56.1 percent of jobs 

and does not change in the remaining 43.9 

percent.

Educational Requirements

The most common (60.1 percent) minimum 

required education for personal care and 

service jobs is a high school diploma. Minimum 

education is not a requirement for 34.8 percent 

of workers; although literacy is required

for 32.4 percent of workers. On-the-job training 

is required for 85.3 percent of jobs and 33.0 

percent require prior work experience.

Data are from the results of the 2017 Occupational Requirements Survey. For more information about the physical 

demands, environmental conditions, education and training, and mental requirements of jobs in the U.S. economy, see 

www.bls.gov/ors. 

Personal Care and Service Occupations

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%

High school

diploma

Work schedule

changes

Moderate noise

intensity

Medium strength

level

Selected requirements in personal care and 

service jobs, 2017

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Requirements Survey
Occupational Requirements Survey • www.bls.gov/ors • ORSinfo@bls.gov • 202.691.6199

This occupational group includes engine assemblers, structural metal fabricators and fitters, bakers, butchers and meat 

cutters, meat packers, computer-controlled machine tool operators, forging machine setters, machinists, pourers and 

casters, tool and die makers, printing press operators, upholsters, furniture finishers, model maters, gas plant operators, 

tire builders, etchers, and engravers. 

Physical Requirements

On average, workers in production jobs spend 81.8 percent of 

the workday standing or walking and 18.2 percent of the 

workday sitting. Workers are required to lift or carry an average

maximum weight of about 44 pounds. Approximately 13.2

percent of jobs are classified with a light strength level, 60.1

percent as a medium strength level, and 19.1 percent as heavy.

Environmental Conditions

About 8.7 percent of workers experience exposure to extreme 

cold and 23.5 percent experience exposure to extreme heat. 

Conditions requiring high, exposed places occurs in 14.0 percent 

of these jobs and heavy vibrations in 7.9 percent. Over half 

(58.2 percent) of workers experience a moderate noise intensity level, 38.3 percent experience a loud level, and 1.4

percent experience a very loud intensity level.

Cognitive Requirements

Most (84.7 percent) workers perform 

the same work tasks where the tasks 

change less than monthly. For 44.9

percent of workers the work schedule 

changes while the work location does 

not change for 89.7 percent of 

workers. A steady pace of work was 

experienced by 67.0 percent of 

workers, 31.3 percent experienced a 

rapid pace, and 1.7 percent an 

unhurried pace. 

Educational Requirements

The minimum education requirement 

is a high school diploma in 55.9 percent of jobs. Most jobs (89.5 percent) do not require pre-employment training. In 

42.1 percent of jobs prior work experience is required and is on average over 2 years (about 767 days). On-the-job 

training is required for 85.5 percent of jobs.

Data are from the results of the 2017 Occupational Requirements Survey. For more information about the physical 

demands, environmental conditions, education and training, and mental requirements of jobs in the U.S. economy, see 

www.bls.gov/ors. 

Production Occupations

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%

Strength level:

medium work

Extreme heat

exposure

Work tasks change

less than monthly

High school diploma

Selected requirements in production jobs, 2017

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Requirements Survey
Occupational Requirements Survey • www.bls.gov/ors • ORSinfo@bls.gov • 202.691.6199

This occupational group includes workers engaged in firefighting and fire prevention, law enforcement, and animal 

control, as well as private detectives and investigators, security guards, lifeguards, transportation security screeners, and 

crossing guards. 

Physical Requirements

These jobs require lifting or carrying an average maximum 

weight of approximately 71 pounds. Climbing work related 

ramps or stairs is required in 70.5 percent of jobs. In most 

(84.5 percent) jobs the worker is not able to choose when 

they can sit versus stand.

Environmental Conditions

Exposure to extreme cold is a requirement for 8.9 percent of 

protective service jobs, while 19.3 percent of these jobs 

require exposure to extreme heat. Exposure to hazardous 

contaminants is a requirement for 32.6 percent of jobs. 

Cognitive Requirements

Most (65.5 percent) workers perform the same 

work tasks where the tasks change less than 

monthly. For 45.6 percent of workers the work 

location changes more than four times per year

while the work schedule does not change for 70.3 

percent of workers. A rapid pace of work is 

required by 56.5 percent of workers, 37.5 percent 

require a steady pace, and 6.1 percent an 

unhurried pace. 

Educational Requirements

A high school diploma was the most common 

(75.7 percent) minimum education requirement 

for protective service jobs. Over half of jobs (59.2 

percent) require pre-employment training and 

37.4 percent require prior work experience. Of 

those that require it, on average about two and a 

half years (890 days) of prior work experience are 

required. Protective service jobs require 

on-the-job training for 74.3 percent of workers.

Data are from the results of the 2017 Occupational Requirements Survey. For more information about the physical 

demands, environmental conditions, education and training, and mental requirements of jobs in the U.S. economy, see 

www.bls.gov/ors. 

Protective Service Occupations

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%

Exposure to

extreme heat

Work location

changes 4+ times

per year

Work schedule

does not change

High school

diploma

Selected requirements in protective 

service jobs, 2017

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Requirements Survey
Occupational Requirements Survey • www.bls.gov/ors • ORSinfo@bls.gov • 202.691.6199

This occupational group includes cashiers, rental clerks, retail salespersons, advertising sales agents, travel agents, 

wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives, models, demonstrators, product promoters, sales engineers, real 

estate brokers, street vendors, and telemarketers.

Physical Requirements

Most (57.6 percent) of sales and related jobs are classified as 

a medium strength level. Workers in these jobs stand or walk 

for 72.9 percent of the workday. Driving a passenger vehicle 

is required for 22.5 percent of workers. 

Environmental Conditions

Workers in these jobs typically experience a moderate noise 

intensity level (89.2 percent). A quiet noise intensity level is 

experienced by 8.1 percent of workers. Most workers are not 

exposed to heavy vibrations (99.1 percent), high and exposed 

places (94.6 percent), or hazardous contaminants (93.9

percent).

Cognitive Requirements

The frequency of interaction with 

regular contacts occurs more than 

one per hour for 52.1 percent of 

workers. Most (81.1 percent) 

workers perform the same work 

tasks where the tasks change less 

than monthly. For 57.1 percent of 

workers the work schedule changes 

while the work location does not 

change for 76.9 percent of workers. 

A steady pace of work is required

by half of jobs (50.0 percent), 46.7

percent require a rapid pace, and 

3.3 percent require an unhurried 

pace. 

Educational Requirements

Minimum education requirements for these jobs are mostly split between no requirement (46.7 percent) and a high 

school diploma (43.5 percent). Although some workers are not required to have a minimum education requirement, 

46.3 percent of jobs do require worker literacy. Most (88.8 percent) jobs require on-the-job training, and prior work 

experience is required in 37.4 percent of jobs. 

Data are from the results of the 2017 Occupational Requirements Survey. For more information about the physical 

demands, environmental conditions, education and training, and mental requirements of jobs in the U.S. economy, see 

www.bls.gov/ors. 

Sales and Related Occupations

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%

Medium strength level Moderate noise

intensity

High school diploma Work schedule

changes

Selected requirements in sales and related jobs, 

2017

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Requirements Survey
Occupational Requirements Survey • www.bls.gov/ors • ORSinfo@bls.gov • 202.691.6199

This occupational group includes airline pilots, flight attendants, bus drivers, taxi drivers, chauffeurs, locomotive 

engineers, railroad conducts, ship engineers, parking lot attendants, crane operators, recyclable material collectors, 

mine shuttle car operators, and ship loaders. 

Physical Requirements

On average, these jobs require lifting or carrying an average

maximum weight of about 52 pounds. These workers spend

57.6 percent of the workday standing or walking and 42.4 

percent of the workday sitting. Climbing ladders, ropes, or 

scaffolds is present for 33.9 percent of workers. Driving is 

present for 72.5 percent of workers, where 25.0 percent drive 

a passenger vehicle and 47.5 drive another type of vehicle.

Environmental Conditions

Exposure to hazardous contaminants is experienced by 19.4

percent of workers. Personal protective equipment to 

mitigate risks associated with hazardous contaminants are provided to 12.8 percent of workers. The exposure to 

hazardous contaminants is fully mitigated by use of personal protective equipment for 4.1 percent of workers. Twentythree percent of workers are required to be in high and exposed places. Proximity to moving mechanical parts is present 

for 40.8 percent of workers. A moderate noise intensity level is experienced by 67.8 percent of workers. Exposure to 

extreme cold is not experienced by 89.6 percent of workers. 

Cognitive Requirements

Most (86.1 percent) workers perform the same 

work tasks where the tasks change less than 

monthly. For 53.2 percent of workers the work 

location does not change. A steady pace of 

work was experienced by 64.7 percent of 

workers, 33.6 percent experienced a rapid

pace, and 1.8 percent an unhurried pace. 

Educational Requirements

Most (55.5 percent) workers have jobs where 

there is no minimum education requirement 

nor require a pre-employment training

requirement (57.5 percent). About 33.8 percent 

of these jobs require prior work experience, and 

most jobs (83.7 percent) require on-the-job training. 

Data are from the results of the 2017 Occupational Requirements Survey. For more information about the physical 

demands, environmental conditions, education and training, and mental requirements of jobs in the U.S. economy, see 

www.bls.gov/ors. 

Transportation and Material Moving Occupations

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%

Steady pace of work Rapid pace of work Unhurried pace of work

Selected requirements in transportation 

and material moving jobs, 2017

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Requirements Survey
Occupational Requirements Survey ● www.bls.gov/ors ● ORSinfo@bls.gov ● 202.691.6199

Technical Note

Data in this release are from the Occupational Requirements Survey (ORS), conducted by the U.S. Department of Labor,

Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The ORS is an establishment-based survey and provides job-related information about

the physical demands, environmental conditions, education and training, and mental requirements of jobs in the U.S.

economy. Excluded are the federal government, the military, agricultural workers, private household workers, and the

self-employed.

Additional estimates for detailed occupations and occupational groups are available at www.bls.gov/ors/#data.

Sample size

The 2017 estimates are from two samples of data collected from the Occupational Requirements Survey. The ORS is an 

establishment-based survey and uses a national sample design. To maximize the amount of publishable information, the 

BLS is combining data across three annual ORS samples to produce the 2018 estimates. The number of publishable 

occupations and the level of occupational detail is expected to increase with the addition of each subsequent year’s 

sample until the full ORS sample size of 26,500 sampled establishments is reached in 2018.

Data for the 2017 reference period were collected from 2 samples consisting of 14,000 private industry and 2,000 state 

and local government establishments. The ORS estimates represent 138,400,000 civilian workers in the United States.

Measures of reliability

To assist users in ascertaining the reliability of ORS estimates, standard errors are available for each estimate. For more

information on standard errors see: www.bls.gov/ors/se.htm.

Occupational classification

BLS uses the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system. The ORS classifies occupations by eight-digit codes used 

by O*NET’s detailed occupational taxonomy referred to as “O*NET-SOC 2010 Occupations.” Military specific occupations

(55-0000.00) are out of scope for the ORS. The occupational groups in this publication reflect the 2-digit aggregation of

occupations as defined using the 2010 SOC, see www.bls.gov./soc/major_groups.htm.

Definitions of major terms

The complete list of terms is available within the ORS collection manual and ORS Handbook of Methods. The glossary

below contains some major terms used in these occupational group profiles.

Job - group of workers in an establishment that have the same position. The term job refers to a single position 

within an establishment, whereas occupation refers to a profession or trade. Example: “waiters at Smith’s

Restaurant” is a job, whereas “waiters” is an occupation.

Civilian workers – includes private industry and state and local government workers. Excluded are the federal

government, the military, agricultural workers, private household workers, and the self-employed.

Work as generally performed – ORS data for 2017 were collected under this concept which refers to the way in which 

most workers normally complete the duties, tasks, and responsibilities as assigned. 

Duration levels:

Seldom – up to 2 percent of the day

Occasionally – from 2 percent up to 1/3 of the day

Frequently – from 1/3 up to 2/3 of the day
Occupational Requirements Survey ● www.bls.gov/ors ● ORSinfo@bls.gov ● 202.691.6199

Constantly – from 2/3 or more of the day

Physical requirements

Fine manipulation – touching, picking, pinching, or otherwise working primarily with fingers rather than with the

whole hand or arm.

Gross manipulation – seizing, holding, grasping, turning, or otherwise working with the hands; and also often

present when lifting involves the hands.

Strength level – A job is classified into strength five levels: sedentary, light, medium, heavy, and very heavy. The 

strength level is determined by how much weight a worker is required to lift or carry, how often they have to lift or 

carry that weight, as well as standing and walking in some special cases.

Pushing or pulling – Pushing or pulling can be done with the hands and arms, feet and legs, or feet only. 

Environmental conditions

Extreme cold – 40 degrees or below when exposed 2/3 or more of the time or 32 degrees or below when exposed 

up to 2/3 of the time.

Extreme heat – above 90 degrees in a dry environment or above 85 degrees in a humid environment.

Hazardous contaminants – exposure that negatively affects the respiratory system, eyes, skin, or other living tissue

via inhalation, ingestion, or contact.

Noise intensity level – amount of noise that a worker experiences while working. Examples of noise level:

• Quiet – settings such as a private office or art museum; 

• Moderate – business office, department store, fast food restaurant;

• Loud – large earth moving equipment or can manufacturing department;

• Very loud – rock concert or jackhammer work.

Outdoors – is considered present when two conditions exist, (1) a worker performs typical job duties outdoors or a

worker moves between different work sites during the workday and (2) a worker is unprotected and exposed to the

elements.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) – gear used or worn to minimize exposure to serious workplace injuries and 

illnesses.

Proximity to moving mechanical parts – refers to moving materials, mechanical parts, settings, or any moving objects 

that could cause bodily injury.

High and exposed places – when a worker is at risk of falling five feet or more from the worker’s center of gravity.

Cognitive requirements

Other contacts – include the public and those with whom the worker has no working relationship.

Regular contacts – those people with whom a worker has an established working relationship.

Frequency of contact – the highest frequency of work-related verbal contact that a worker has with regular and

other contacts.

Change in work location – a change to a new worksite or from a discontinued work site.
Occupational Requirements Survey ● www.bls.gov/ors ● ORSinfo@bls.gov ● 202.691.6199

Change in work task – the worker must remember new instructions, procedures, or similar information. This 

includes new work assignments, tasks that occur infrequently throughout the year, and irregular/variable tasks.

Decision making – The type and scope of decisions a worker is expected to make ranges from:

• Using independent judgment to select from a limited number of predetermined actions;

• Using independent judgment to determine the most appropriate course of action in situations that do not 

have set responses;

• Using independent judgment to make decisions by choosing from a large number of possibilities in 

situations where a high degree of uncertainty or complexity may exist.

Education, training, and experience requirements

Preparation time – the amount of time required by a typical worker to learn the techniques, acquire the information, 

and develop the facility needed for average performance in a specific job/worker situation. This is also referred to as 

specific vocational preparation (SVP) and is measure in nine levels from a “short demonstration” to “over 10 years”. 

For more information see the Calculation section of the Handbook of Methods.

Minimum education – the lowest level of formal coursework required in a job and excludes general education, see

the Education Requirements fact sheet for more information.

Pre-employment training – the amount of time needed to complete required training as a condition for hiring which 

may include certifications, licenses, and educational certificates.

On-the-job training – the amount of training time that occurs after an employee has been hired.

Prior work experience – the amount of prior relevant work activity. This excludes any non-vocationally specific 

requirements.

Literacy – the ability to read and write. This is collected only when no formal education is required, and includes any 

language used in the establishment.