Money Making Reports

1¾

by Geoffrey C. Gradler and Kurt E. Schrammel

Geoffrey C. Gradler and Kurt E. Schrammel are economists in the Office of Employment Projections, BLS.

"What do you want to be when you finish school?"

The answers you can give to this question keep changing. Occupations that once offered solid careers are in decline, while positions once unheard of are now among the fastestgrowing. About the only thing that hasn't changed in the past 40 years is the relentlesspace of change itself.

Consumer demand, technology, and business practices are all inconstant flux. In today's rapidly changing, international marketplace, it is increasinglyimportant for people who are planning their careers to be aware of what occupations willbe in demand in the future. We can not stop the tide; the best we can do is to know whichway it is running.

For the U. S. economy as a whole, the tide is rising.

The $5-trillion economy of 1992 isprojected to reach $6 to $7.2 trillion in 2005. Employment is expected to reach 147.5million in 2005, an increase of 22 percent or 26 million jobs above the 1992 level. Thefollowing pages point out which occupations will benefit most from this growth and whichwill lose out. They give the numerical and percent change in employment and a summaryof job prospects for the 1992-2005 period for about 250 occupations.

The next few pages discuss factors that affect

employment in an occupation, describe theassumptions used in making the projections, and discuss general trends.

Why Employment Changes

The number of workers employed in any occupation depends in large part on the demandfor the goods or services provided by those workers. Over the last decade or so, forexample, increased use of computers by businesses, schools, scientific organizations, andgovernment agencies has contributed to large increases in the number of systems analysts,programmers, and computer repairers. Even if the demand for goods and servicesprovided by a group of workers rises employment may not increase at all or may increasemore slowly than demand because of changes in the ways goods are produced andservices are provided. In fact, some changes in technology and business practices causeemployment to decline. For example, while the volume of paperwork to process isexpected to increase dramatically, the employment of typists and word processors willprobably fall. This reflects the growing use of word processing equipment that increasesthe productivity of these workers and permits other office workers to do more of theirown typing.

Using information on the demand for goods and services,

advances in technology,changes in business practices, and the occupational composition of industries, economistsat BLS have developed three sets of projections of the economy in 2005. Each set wasdeveloped in light of a series of assumptions about the future. The various sets refleddifferent the assumptions about such factors as growth of the labor force, output,productivity, inflation, and unemployment. Referred to as the low-, moderate-, and high- growth scenarios, each provides a different employment estimate for most occupations.The scenarios should not be viewed as the bounds of employment growth but asillustrations of what might happen under different conditions. All the data in the "Brief"come from the moderate-growth projections. Any projection of future employment growth is clouded by uncertainty. Unforeseenchanges in technology or the balance of trade could radically alter future employment forindividual occupations. A few of the uncertainties that blur our view of the economy in2005 are highlighted in the accompanying box, "Past Trends and Future Uncertainties."

Employment Through the Year 2005

Between 1992 and 2005, employment will rise from 121.1 million to 147.5 million. Thissection gives a brief overview of projected employment change. It focuses on thefollowing 12 clusters of occupations based on the Federal Government's StandardOccupational Classification (SOC) system:

• Executive, administrative, and managerial occupations
• Professional specialty occupations
• Technicians and related support occupations
• Marketing and sales occupations
• Administrative support occupations, including clerical
• Service occupations
• Agriculture, forestry, fishing, and related occupations
• Mechanics, installers, and repairers
• Construction trades and extractive occupations
• Production occupations
• Transportation and material moving occupations
• Handlers, equipment cleaners, helpers, and laborers.

Keep in mind that a particular occupation may not follow the trend projected for its group.Therefore, you should refer to the table on pages XX to XX for the outlook in a specificoccupation. An index of individual occupations appears on page XX.

Executive, administrative, and managerial occupations.

Workers in executive,administrative, and managerial occupations establish policies, make plans, determinestaffing requirements, and direct the activities of businesses, government agencies, andother organizations. Workers in management support occupations, such as accountant andauditor or underwriter, provide technical assistance to managers.

Growth due to the increasing number and complexity of

business operations will beoffset somewhat by corporate restructuring and downsizing of management, resulting inaverage growth for executive, administrative, and managerial occupations. Because theseworkers are employed throughout the economy, differences in the rate of expansion forindividual industries will produce varying rates of employment change for particular kindsof managers and support workers. For example, employment of health services managerswill grow much faster than average, whereas wholesale and retail buyers are expected togrow more slowly than average.

Due to growth in the number of people seeking these

positions and the increasinglytechnical skills required, jobseekers with previous work experience, specialized training, orgraduate study have an advantage in competition for jobs. Familiarity with computers willcontinue to be helpful as more managers rely on computerized information systems to helpdirect their organizations.

Professional specialty occupations. This group includes

engineers; architects andsurveyors; computer, mathematical, and operations research occupations; life, physical,and social scientists; lawyers and judges; social, recreational, and religious workers;teachers, librarians, and counselors; health diagnosing, assessment, and treatingoccupations; and communications, visual arts, and performing arts occupations.Professional workers may provide services or conduct research and are employed inalmost every industry.

As a whole, this group is expected to continue to grow

faster than average and toincrease its share of total employment significantly by 2005. However, growth rates forindividual occupations are as diverse as the jobs these workers perform. Occupations suchas physical therapist, human services worker, operations research analyst, and computerscientist and systems analyst are expected to grow much faster than average. Others, suchas physicist and astronomer, mining and nuclear engineer, and dentist should grow moreslowly than average. Most new jobs will be in the education, business, and health servicesindustries.

Technicians and related support occupations. This group

includes health technologistsand technicians, engineering and science technicians, computer programmers, toolprogrammers, aircraft pilots, air traffic controllers, paralegals, broadcast technicians, andlibrary technicians. These workers operate and program technical equipment and assistengineers, scientists, physicians, and other professional workers. Changes in technology, demographics, and ways of conducting business will cause someof these occupations to grow faster than others. Overall employment is expected to growfaster than average. This group contains one of the fastest growing occupations_ paralegal; its growth will result in part from the increasing reliance of lawyers on theseworkers. Increased demand for health services from a growing and aging population willspur growth for radiological technologist, medical record technician, surgical technologist,and electroencephalographic (EEG) technologist. In fact, jobs for health technologists andtechnicians are expected to account for over half of all the new jobs in this group.Employment of computer programmers will also continue to grow rapidly, as moreorganizations use computers and the number of computer applications increases.

Employment growth in other occupations in this group

will be limited. For example,because of laborsaving technological advances, employment of broadcast techniciansshould show little change and employment of air traffic controllers should grow slowerthan average.

Marketing and sales occupations. Workers in this group

sell goods and services,purchase commodities and property for resale, and stimulate consumer interest.Employment is expected to grow as fast as average because of the increased demand forfinancial, travel, and other services. However, the rate of growth should be slower thanover the previous 13 years because these workers are concentrated in retail trade, anindustry which will grow more slowly than in the past.

A large number of part-time and full-time positions are

expected to be available forcashiers and retail trade sales workers due to the large size and high turnover of theseoccupations, as well as employment growth. Higher paying sales occupations, such assecurities and financial services sales worker, tend to be more competitive than retail salesoccupations. Job opportunities will be best for well-trained, personable, and ambitiouspeople who enjoy selling.

Administrative support occupations, including clerical.

Workers in this group prepareand record memos, letters, and reports; collect accounts; gather and distributeinformation; operate office machines; and handle other administrative tasks.

This occupational group will continue to employ the

largest number of workers,although growth is expected to be at the low end of the average range. As a result, theseoccupations will decline as a proportion of total employment by 2005. Despite thetremendous increase expected in the volume of clerical tasks to be done, increasedautomation and other technological changes will limit growth in many clericaloccupations, such as typist, word processor, and data entry keyer; bookkeeping,accounting, and auditing clerk; and telephone operator. In contrast, teacher aide shouldgrow much faster than average as schools increase their use of these workers.Receptionists and information clerks are expected to experience faster than averagegrowth because these workers are concentrated in rapidly growing industries.

Because many administrative support occupations are

large and have relatively highturnover, opportunities should be plentiful for full- and part-time jobs, even in slowgrowing occupations.

Service occupations. This group includes a wide range

of workers in protective, foodand beverage preparation, health, personal, private household, and cleaning and buildingservices. These occupations, as a group, are expected to grow faster than average becauseof a growing population and economy. Higher personal incomes and increased leisure timewill spur demand for many different types of services. This group is projected to add thelargest number of jobs of any occupational group in the 1992-2005 period.

Among protective service occupations, the employment of

guards is expected to risemuch faster than average because of growing concern over crime. As the number ofprisoners and correctional facilities increases, more correction officers also will be needed.However, only average employment growth is expected for police patrol officer andfirefighter because only slow growth in local government spending is anticipated. Employment growth will also be faster than average for food preparation and serviceoccupations. Due to the large size, high turnover, and fast growth of many food serviceoccupations_such as chef, cook, and other kitchen worker_both full- and part-time jobswill be plentiful.

Growth in personal service, cleaning, and private

household workers will vary widely.Homemaker-home health aide should be one of the fastest growing occupations, in partbecause of the substantial increase in the elderly population. Private household workers,on the other hand, will decline rapidly due to the shift from home to institutional childcare.

Among health services occupations, medical

assistant_one of the fastest growingoccupations in the economy_and nursing aide, orderly, and attendant will grow muchfaster than average, in response to the aging population and expanding health careindustry.

Agriculture, forestry, fishing, and related

occupations. Workers in these occupationscultivate plants, breed and raise animals, and catch fish. Although demand for food, fiber,and wood is expected to increase as the world's population grows, the use of moreproductive farming and forestry methods and the consolidation of small farms areexpected to result in little or no employment change in most of these occupations. Theemployment of farm operators and farm workers is expected to decline rapidly, reflectinggreater productivity; the need for skilled farm managers, on the other hand, should result in average employment growth for that occupation.

Mechanics, installers, and repairers. Workers in this

group adjust, maintain, and repairautomobiles, industrial equipment, computers, and many other types of machinery.Average overall growth is expected due to the continued importance of mechanical andelectronic equipment throughout the economy, but projections vary by occupation. Dataprocessing equipment repairer is expected to be the fastest growing occupation in thisgroup, reflecting the increased use of these types of machines. In sharp contrast, twooccupations_communications equipment mechanic, installer, and repairer and telephoneinstaller and repairer_are expected to decline in employment due to laborsavingadvances.

Construction trades and extractive occupations. Workers

in this group construct, alter,and maintain buildings and other structures or operate drilling and mining equipment.Virtually all of the new jobs will be in construction. An increase in the number ofhouseholds and industrial plants, the desire to alter or modernize existing structures, andthe need to maintain and repair highways, dams, and bridges will result in averageemployment growth in construction. In contrast, continued stagnation in the oil and gasindustries and low growth in the demand for coal, metal, and other minerals will result in adecline in employment of extractive workers.

Because the construction industry is sensitive to

fluctuations in the Nation's economy,employment in construction occupations varies from year to year. Many constructionworkers become unemployed during downturns in construction activity.

Production occupations. These workers set up, adjust,

operate, and tend machinery anduse handtools and hand-held power tools to make goods and assemble products. Increasesin imports, overseas production, and automation_including robotics and advancedcomputer techniques_will result in a slight decline in overall employment. For a fewoccupations, however, employment growth is expected. Expansion of the printing andpublishing industry, for example, will create average employment growth for printing pressoperator.

Many production occupations are sensitive to

fluctuations in the business cycle andcompetition from imports. When factory orders decline, workers face shortenedworkweeks, layoffs, and plant closings.

Transportation and material moving occupations. Workers

in this group operate theequipment used to move people and materials. Although overall employment is expectedto grow about as fast as average, prospects vary by occupation. Subway operator willgrow much faster than average as more cities build new systems and expand existing ones.Faster than average growth is expected for school busdriver, and average growth isexpected for taxidriver and chauffeur. These projections reflect rising school enrollmentsand growing demand for transportation services. However, slower than average growth isexpected in the employment of material moving equipment operator because of theincreased use of automated material handling systems.

Handlers, equipment cleaners, helpers, and laborers.

Workers in these occupationsassist skilled workers and perform routine tasks. Overall employment is expected to growabout as fast as the average for all occupations. Growth will be limited in someoccupations, such as machine feeder, due to automation. Many opportunities will arisefrom the need to replace workers who leave these occupations, because turnover is veryhigh. However, economic downturns may substantially lower the number of openings,particularly for construction laborer and other occupations in industries that are highlysensitive to changes in the economy.

Information in the "Brief"

"The Job Outlook in Brief" provides thumbnail sketches of employment data for eachoccupation in the Occupational Outlook Handbook, 1994-95 edition, on which it is based.Nearly all employment estemets are from the BLS industry-occupation matrix.Throughout this article, employment growth rates are compared to the average for alloccupations; the box, "Key Phrases in the Brief," explains the terms used. The box alsoexplains the phrases used to describe the amount of competition jobseekers are likely toencounter. The description of the relationship between the supply of, and the demand for,workers in a specific occupation is highly subjective. It is based on information obtainedfrom technical journals and other relevant literature, interviews with occupational experts,historical data, and the judgment of the analyst who studied the occupation. Assessing thedegree of competition is difficult, although for occupations with lengthy training and strictentry requirements, it can be done with some accuracy. However, because mostoccupations have several routes of entry and flexible requirements, the potential supply ofworkers is difficult to measure. For many occupations, therefore, no description of jobopportunities or competition is given.

One last factor to remember when checking the outlook

for an occupation is that growthin employment is only one source of job openings. In fact, BLS projects that 53 percent ofall job openings over the 1992-2005 period will arise because of the need to replaceworkers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force. As a result, evenoccupations with slower than average growth may offer many jobs for new workers; thisis especially true of large occupations.

Beyond the "Brief"

"The Job Outlook in Brief" is only a starting point for the exploration of economicprojections or careers. The projections in it were produced by BLS as part of itsemployment projections program, which develops new sets of projections every 2 years.Besides occupational employment, BLS also projects industry employment, industryoutlook, labor force activity, and numerous components of the gross domestic product.This information is available in a variety of publications designed to meet different needs.

The fall 1993 issue of the Occupational Outlook

Quarterly contains more than 40 chartsthat illustrate the economic. labor force, and employment projections. Considerably moredetail is available in the November 1993 issue of the Monthly Labor Review. Thesearticles_along with additional data_are reprinted in BLS Bulletin 2452, The AmericanWork Force: 1992-2005 (price: $X.XX). Occupational Projections and Training Data,1994 edition, (Bulletin 2451, price: $X.XX) is statistical supplement to the OccupationalOutlook Handbook containing current and projected employment estimates for about 500occupations. It also presents information on occupational separation rates, unemploymentrates, and the demographic characteristics of workers when such information is available. People weighing the advantages of different career choices will probably find two otherBLS publications more useful than the technical ones: Occupational Outlook Handbook,1994-95 edition (Bulletin 2450, price: $X.XX) and "Matching Yourself With the World ofWork in 1992" (price: $1). "The Job Outlook in Brief" provides outlook information in a format that allows easycomparison of job prospects in different fields, employment prospects are not the onlyconsideration when choosing a certain career. Matching your goals and abilities to thework done on the job and the education required is another important part of choosing acareer. Where you want to live and how much money you want to earn also are important.Information like this appears in the Handbook and "Matching."

The Handbook has been a major source of career guidance

information for more than 40years. It contains more about the outlook for each of the occupations in the "Brief," aswell as information about the nature of the work, training and personal qualifications,earnings, and other subjects. Originally published in the Fall 1992 OOQ, "Matching" is a20-page, tabular presentation similar in format to the "Brief." Rather than outlook, Ithighlights significant job characteristics, including educational level required, workingconditions, and interaction with data, people, and things (price: $X.XX).

Additional information on job growth also is available

from State Job Service offices.The outlook for many occupations varies considerably among local job markets. Forexample, sections of the country with slow population growth may have less need forelementary school teachers than regions with high growth. State Job Service offices, listedin the State government section of local telephone directories, can provide information onlocal labor market conditions. Also, see the section on "Sources of State and Local JobOutlook Information" in the Handbook.

Ordering Information
BLS publications are usually available in libraries, career centers, and the offices of schoolguidance counselors and employment counselors. They are sold by the GovernmentPrinting Office. Send orders to either of the following addresses:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Publication Sales Center
P.O. Box 2145
Chicago, IL 60690

New Orders
Superintendent of Documents
P.O. Box 371954
Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954.Payment by check, money order, VISA, MasterCard, or GPO deposit account mustaccompany your order. Make check or money order payable to the Superintendent ofDocuments.Key Phrases in the "Brief"

Changing employment between 1992 and 2005

If the statement about growth reads... Employment is projected to...

Opportunities and competition for jobs

If the statement about opportunities reads... Job openings compared to

job seekers may be...

Reprints of this article will be sold by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. GovernmentPrinting Office, Washington, DC 20402.

The 1992-2005 Job Outlook in Brief

Key:
Occupation Subgroup
Estimated employment 1992
Percent change in employment 1992-2005 Numerical change in employment 1992-2005

EXECUTIVE, ADMINISTRATIVE, AND MANAGERIAL OCCUPATIONS

Accountants and auditors
939,000
32
304,000
Faster than average employment growth will be spurred byincreases in the number of businesses and the complexity offinancial information. In addition to setting up books andpreparing taxes, more accountants and auditors will beneeded to tailor financial information and advisemanagement individually. Those with a bachelor's or higherdegree in accounting, particularly CPA's, should have goodjob opportunities; however, competition will remain keen forprestigious jobs with major accounting and business firms.

Administrative services
226,000
13
30,000
Slower than average employment growth will result frommanagerscorporate restructuring and contracting of administrativeservices in an effort to cut costs will result in . However,demand for these managers will increase in managementservices, management consulting, and facilities supportservices firms to which these services are contracted. Theample supply of competent, experienced workers seekingadvancement will result in competition for these jobs.

Budget analysts
67,000
20
13,000
Average employment growth is expected for budget analysts.Businesses and governments seeking to increase theirefficiency will create a strong demand for these workers.However, computer-induced productivity gains will offsetsome of the demand. The large number of qualified applicantswill contribute to competition for positions. Jobseekers with atleast a 4-year college degree, some experience, and afamiliarity with financial software packages will have the bestopportunities.

Construction and building
66,000
30
20,000
Faster than average employment inspectorsgrowth will stem from increases in the amount andcomplexity of construction projects, rising concern for publicsafety, and improved quality. Job prospects will be best forexperienced craft workers who have some college educationor certification.

Construction contractors
180,000
47
85,000
Much faster than average growth should result from increases and managers in the size and complexity of construction and increasedspending on the Nation's infrastructure_highways, bridges,dams, schools, subways, airports, and water and sewagesystems. Particularly favorable prospects are expected forexperienced construction managers with a bachelor's orhigher degree in construction science with an emphasis onconstruction management.

Cost estimators
163,000
30
49,000
Employment is expected to increase faster than average asmore estimators will be needed to project the cost ofconstruction and manufacturing projects. In construction, jobprospects should be best for those workers who havesubstantial experience in construction or those with a degreein construction management, engineering, or architecturaldrafting. In manufacturing, experienced people with degreesin engineering, science, mathematics, businessadministration, or economics and who have computerexpertise should have the best job prospects.

Education administrators
351,000
23
81,000
Employment is expected to grow about as fast as average asschool enrollments rise, services provided to students grow,efforts to improve the quality of education continue, andinstitutions comply with government regulations. However,stiff competition is expected. Candidates who have doctoratedegrees and are willing to relocate should have the best jobprospects.

Employment interviewers
79,000
22
17,000
Average growth is expected. Most new jobs will be withtemporary help or personnel supply firms; little growth isexpected in State job service offices. Job opportunities will bebest for college graduates.

Engineering, science, and data 337,000
32
106,000
Employment, which is expected to increase processing managers faster than average, is closely related to the growth of theoccupations these workers supervise and to changes in theindustries in which they are found. Underlying much of thegrowth of managers in science and engineering arecompetitive pressures and advancing technologies, whichforce companies to update and improve products morefrequently. Employment of data processing managers willincrease rapidly due to the expansion of the computer anddata processing services industry and the increasedemployment of computer systems analysts.

Financial managers
701,000
25
174,000
Average employment growth is expected. The need for skilledfinancial management will increase due to the demands ofglobal trade, the proliferation of complex financialinstruments, and changing laws and regulations; however,many firms are reducing their ranks of middle managers inan effort to be more efficient, thus preventing dramaticemployment growth. Like other managerial occupations, thenumber of applicants for financial management jobs isexpected to exceed the number of job openings, resulting incompetition for jobs.

Funeral directors
27,000
18
4,700
Average employment growth is expected, as demand forfuneral services rises with the number of deaths. Employmentopportunities are expected to be excellent because the numberof graduates in mortuary science is likely to continue to beless than the number of job openings in the field.

General managers and top
2,871,000
13
380,000
Slower than average employment executives growth is expected as companies restructure managerial hierarchies to cut costs. Projected employment growth varieswidely by industry; for example, employment in the servicesindustries will rise faster than average while that inmanufacturing declines. Competition will remain keen forthese top managerial jobs.

Government chief executives
73,000
3
2,200
Little, if any, employment growth and legislators is expected because few, if any, new governments are likely toform and the number of chief executives and legislators inexisting governments rarely changes. Small increases willoccur as growing communities become independent and electa chief executive and legislators. A few new positions willdevelop as cities and counties without managers hire themand as unpaid positions_which are not counted asemployment_are converted to paid positions. Generally,there is less competition in small jurisdictions than in largejurisdictions.

Health services managers
302,000
45
135,000
Much faster than average growth is expected as the healthcare industry expands and diversifies. Most new jobs will bein hospitals, offices and clinics of physicians, nursingfacilities, and home health care.

Hotel managers and assistants 99,000
23
23,000
Job growth is expected to be about as fast as average withgrowth in business and vacation travel and foreign tourism.People with college degrees in hotel or restaurantmanagement will have the best opportunities.

Industrial production
203,000
2
4,800
Little change in managers employment is expected as the trend toward smallermanagement staffs and the lack of growth in the employmentof production workers limit demand. Opportunities should bebest for MBA's with undergraduate engineering degrees andcollege graduates with degrees in industrial engineering orbusiness administration.

Inspectors and compliance
155,000
27
41,000
Faster than average growth is officers, except construction expected due to growing public demand for a saferenvironment and higher quality products. Employmentgrowth in government will stem from the expansion ofregulatory and compliance programs; in private industry,from increasing self- enforcement, particularly amongfranchise dealerships, which are growing rapidly.

Loan officers and counselors 172,000
40
68,000
Faster than average employment growth is expected as thepopulation and economy grow, increasing the number ofapplications for commercial, consumer, and mortgage loans.Growth in the variety and complexity of loans and theimportance of loan officers to the success of banks and otherlending institutions should also assure rapid employmentgrowth. College graduates and those with banking andlending experience should have the best job prospects.

Management analysts
208,000
43
89,000
Much faster than average employment growth is projected and consultants because of the tendency for businesses to rely on outsideexperts for many functions previously carried out internally.Demand also will be driven by the need for firms to improveperformance, expand markets, incorporate new technologies,cope with government regulations, and adapt to a changinglabor force. Despite projected rapid employment growth,jobseekers will face keen competition.

Marketing, advertising, and
432,000
36
156,000
Faster than average growth is public relations managers expected due to increasingly intense domestic and globalcompetition. Many of these highly coveted jobs will be soughtby other managers and other experienced people, resulting insubstantial competition. College graduates with extensiveexperience, a high level of creativity, and strongcommunication skills should have the best job opportunities.

Personnel, training, and
474,000
32
150,000
Faster than average growth is expected labor relations Greater resources will be devoted to job-specific training and managers programs in response to the growing complexity of manyjobs, the aging of the work force, and technological advancesthat can leave employees with obsolete skills. In addition,legislation and court rulings setting standards in occupationalsafety and health; equal employment opportunity; wages; andhealth, pension, family leave, and other benefits will spur jobgrowth. The job market is likely to remain competitive inview of the abundant supply of qualified college graduatesand experienced workers.

Property and real estate
243,000
35
85,000
Faster than average employment managers is expected to result from increases in the number of officebuildings, retail properties, and apartment and condominiumcomplexes requiring management. Opportunities should bebest for people with college degrees in businessadministration and related fields.

Purchasers and buyers
624,000
8
49,000
Employment is expected to grow more slowly than average asdemand is restricted by the consolidation of buyingdepartments resulting from mergers, changes in the waypurchases are made, and increases in the use of automatedsystems.

Restaurant and food
496,000
46
227,000
Job growth is expected to service managers be much faster than average. Population growth, risingpersonal incomes, and increased leisure time will continue toproduce growth in the number of eating and drinkingestablishments and, therefore, of managers. People withcollege degrees in restaurant or institutional food servicemanagement will have the best opportunities.

Retail managers
1,070,000( )
15
162,000
Employment is expected to increase about as fast as averageas an increase in the number of retail establishments is offsetby labor-saving innovations, such as computerized registersand inventory control systems. Competition is expected forjobs that offer the highest earnings or best workingconditions. Candidates with retail experience will have thebest opportunities.

Underwriters
100,000
24
24,000
Jobs should increase about as fast as average. Demand formore life, property, and casualty insurance should risebecause of population growth_especially of people in their40's and 50's, the age groups that tend to be most concernedabout liability and financial security. PROFESSIONAL SPECIALTY OCCUPATIONS

Engineers
1,354,000( )
23
306,000
Employment is expected to grow as fast as average because ofrising investment in plant and equipment to increaseproductivity and expand the output of goods and services. Jobopportunities in engineering have been good for a number ofyears, and this trend is expected to continue. However, manyjobs in engineering are related to national defense. Defenseexpenditures will decline, so the job outlook for engineerswill not be as strong as in the 1980's, when defenseexpenditures were increasing.

Aerospace engineers
66,000
14
9,200
Employment growth is expected to be slower than average,due to declining purchases of military aircraft and only slowgrowth of the commercial aircraft industry. Keen competitionis expected.

Chemical engineers
52,000
19
10,000
Employment growth is expected to be as fast as average.Although employment in the chemical manufacturingindustry is expected to grow very little, the relatively smallnumber of chemical engineering graduates should findfavorable job opportunities. The production of industrialchemicals, biotechnology, and materials science may providebetter opportunities than other segments of the chemicalmanufacturing industry.

Civil engineers
173,000
24
41,000
Employment is expected to increase about as fast as average,spurred by population growth and an expanding economy.More civil engineers will be needed to design and constructhigher capacity transportation, water supply, and pollutioncontrol systems and large buildings; the repair or replacementof existing roads, bridges, and other public structures willalso stimulate demand.

Electrical and
370,000
24
90,000
Average growth is expected, with the electronics engineers fastest growth anticipated outside manufacturing. Increaseddemand for computers and communications equipment isexpected to account for much of the projected employmentgrowth. However. layoffs of electrical engineers could resultfrom cutbacks in defense spending.

Industrial engineers
19,000
17
20,000
Employment is expected to grow about as fast as average dueto industrial growth, the increased complexity of businessoperations, and the rising use of automation in factories andoffices. The function of industrial engineers_to improveproducts and productivity_should keep their services indemand and job opportunities favorable.

Mechanical engineers
227,000
20
46,000
Employment is expected to increase about as fast as average.Even in manufacturing, which is expected to decline overall,the employment of mechanical engineers should increasebecause industrial machinery and processes are becomingincreasingly complex. Although many mechanicalengineering jobs are in defense-related industries andreductions will probably continue in these industries, rapidgrowth in other industries should make job opportunitiesfavorable overall.

Metallurgical, ceramic, and
19,000
28
5,400
Employment is expected to increase materials engineers faster than average. Research, testing, engineering, andarchitectural services should provide significant numbers ofjob openings.

Mining engineers
3,600
3
( )
Little change in employment is expected. The small numberof new graduates, however, is expected to find favorable jobopportunities.

Nuclear engineers
17,000
1

3. Although employment is expected to change little,opportunities should be good because the number of peoplegraduating with degrees in nuclear engineering is likely to below and in rough balance with the number of job openings.
   
   
   

Petroleum engineers
14,000
-2

3. Employment is expected to decline unless oil and gas pricesrise enough to increase exploration in this country, which isunlikely. Even without job growth, opportunities forpetroleum engineers should be good because the number ofdegrees granted in petroleum engineering is low.

Architects and surveyors

Architects
96,000
26
25,000
Employment is expected to grow as fast as average as newconstruction spurs demand. Competition for jobs will be keen,however, particularly during recessions. Architects familiarwith computer aided design technology may have betteropportunities, especially when the job market is tight.

Landscape architects
19,000
26
5,000
Average employment growth is expected, in keeping withanticipated growth in construction. Landscape architects willbe needed to design and develop land surrounding newconstruction, convert open space into recreation areas andparks, and refurbish existing sites.

Surveyors
99,000
13
13,000
Jobs are expected to increase more slowly than average. Jobgrowth will not keep pace with construction activity becausenew technology makes workers more productive. Growth willfluctuate from year to year because construction is sensitive toswings in the overall economy. Opportunities should be bestfor people with at least a bachelor's degree.

Computer, mathematical, and operations research occupations

Actuaries
15,000
29
4,300
Despite expected faster than average employment growth,especially for consulting actuaries, the number of jobopenings will be low because of the small size of thisoccupation. Relatively high potential earnings make theoccupation attractive to many who have a mathematicalaptitude, thereby increasing competition.

Computer scientists and systems analysts 666,000
111
737,000
Employment is expected to grow much faster than average as organizations demand technologicaladvances to maximize the efficiency of their computersystems and increasingly recognize the need to designcomputer networks that will facilitate the sharing ofinformation. Individuals with advanced degrees in computer science should enjoy very favorable job prospects. Those witha bachelor's degree in computer science, computerengineering, information science, or information systems alsoshould have good prospects for employment.

Mathematicians
16,000
8
1,200
Expected slowdowns in research and development will resultin slower than average employment growth. Job opportunitieswill be best for those whose educational background includesboth mathematics and a related discipline, such as computerprogramming, operations research, or engineering.

Operations research analysts
45,000
61
27,000
Employment is expected to grow much faster than averagedue to the increasing importance of quantitative analysis indecisionmaking and the increasing availability of computingresources. Much of the expected growth will be in thetransportation, manufacturing, finance, and servicesindustries. Job opportunities will be best for those who hold amaster's or Ph.D.

Statisticians
16,000
9
1,500
The number of jobs for statisticians is expected to grow moreslowly than average. Workers with a bachelor's degree instatistics and a strong background in mathematics,engineering, or physical or computer science will have thebest prospects for finding jobs..

Life scientists

Agricultural scientists
29,000
14
4,200
Overall, average employment growth is expected foragricultural scientists. Continued interest in the environmentand in improved food products and processing techniques willspur demand for soil scientists and food technologists.Animal and plant scientists with a background in molecularbiology, microbiology, genetics, or biotechnology also shouldhave good opportunities. However, budget cuts may limitfunding for basic research, creating keen competition forthese jobs.

Biological and medical
117,000
27
31,000
Efforts to clean up and

scientists
preserve the environment, use biological methods to developand produce goods, and expand health-related research willfuel demand for biological and medical scientists, leading tofaster than average employment growth. Nevertheless, budgettightening may slow funding of government research grants,creating competition for positions.

Foresters and conservation scientists 35,000
12
4,300
Slower than average employment growth is expected for foresters and conservationscientists, partly due to budgetary constraints in the Federalgovernment, where employment is concentrated.Opportunities will be better in private industry and State andlocal governments, where demand will increase in response toa growing emphasis on environmental protection andresponsible land management.

Physical scientists

Chemists
92,000
21
20,000
Average employment growth is expected. Demand for newconsumer goods such as better pharmaceuticals, personal careproducts, and specialty chemicals designed to address specificproblems will counterbalance the slower growth expected inother types of research and development.

Geologists and geophysicists
48,000
22
11,000
Average employment growth is expected. Althoughemployment prospects are uncertain in the petroleumindustry, demand for these professionals in environmentalprotection and reclamation is expected to be strong.

Meteorologists
6,100
24
1,500
Average employment growth will result both from hiring bythe National Weather Service to improve short-term andlocal-area weather forecasts and from the growth of privateenvironmental, weather, and consulting firms.

Physicists and astronomers
21,000
-3
-700
Small employment declines will result from the expectedreduction of civilian and defense-related research.

Lawyers and judges
716,000
28
197,000
Jobs for lawyers are expected to increase faster than average in response to growth in population and business activity.Employment of judges is expected to increase more slowly than average as public concern about crime is tempered by tight government budgets. Keen competition for job openingsis expected for both occupations.

Social scientists and urban planners 258,000
37
95,000
Faster than average growth is expected due to rising concern over theenvironment, crime, communicable diseases, mental illness,and the growing elderly and homeless populations, the increasingly competitive global economy, and a wide range ofother issues. Job prospects are best for those with advanceddegrees and are generally better in disciplines which offermany opportunities in nonacademic settings. Competitionmay ease for academic jobs due to an expected wave ofretirements among college and university faculty.

Economists and marketing research analysts 51,000
25
13,000
Average growth is expected due to the increasingly complex and competitiveglobal economy and increased reliance on quantitativemethods of analyzing business trends, forecasting sales, andplanning. Graduates with related work experience or anadvanced degree should have the best job opportunities.Training in quantitative techniques and their application toeconomic modeling, forecasting, and marketing researchprovide applicants with the most marketable skills.

Psychologists
143,000
48
69,000
Much faster than average growth is expected for severalreasons: Increased emphasis on mental health maintenance inconjunction with the treatment of physical illness; publicconcern for the development of human resources, includingthe growing elderly population; increased testing andcounseling of children; interest in rehabilitation of prisoners;and development of programs to combat substance abuse,crime, marital strife, and other problems plaguing society.Opportunities are best for candidates with a doctoral degreein applied specialties. Graduates with a master's degree mayencounter competition for the limited number of jobs forwhich they qualify, while bachelor's degree holders canexpect very few opportunities directly related to psychology.

Sociologists
( )

4. Job growth will stem from increasing demand for research insuch fields as demography, criminology, and gerontology andfrom the need to evaluate and administer social and welfareprograms. Sociologists well-trained in quantitative researchmethods and practical rather than theoretical sociologyshould have the widest choice of jobs. Ph.D.'s have the bestopportunities for academic positions and will find thatnonacademic opportunities also are expanding. People with amaster's degree face keen competition for academic positionsbut will be able to enter sociological practice.

Urban and regional planners
28,000
23
6,400
Average growth will stem from the importance of planning inseveral fields. Those with certification or a master's degreefrom an accredited planning program, or a master's degree incivil engineering or landscape architecture coupled withtraining in transportation or environmental planning have thebest job prospects. Graduates with an accredited bachelor'sdegree in planning have relatively good job prospects.

Social and recreation workers

Human services workers
189,000
136
256,000
Jobs are expected to increase much faster than average due tothe expansion of facilities and programs for the elderly anddisabled and the provision of more services for families incrisis. Opportunities for qualified people should be excellentdue to high job turnover, relatively low pay, and thedemanding nature of the work.

Social workers
484,000
40
191,000
Faster than average job growth is expected in response to theincreased needs of the elderly, mentally ill, and disabled aswell as individuals and families in crisis. Some of the needwill be met through greater use of human services workers toassist social workers. Competition for social worker jobs isexpected in some areas.

Recreation workers
204,000
38
78,000
Employment is expected to grow faster than average inresponse to population growth, increased interest in healthand fitness, and rising demand for organized recreationalactivities. Competition is expected for full- time careerpositions, but opportunities for seasonal and part-time workshould be good.

Religious workers

Protestant ministers
290,000
( )

6. Competition is expected to continue due to the slow growth of church membership and the large number of men and women attracted to the profession. Graduates of theological schools should have the best opportunities.
   
   
   

Rabbis
3,9005

6. Job opportunities are expected to be generally favorable in thefour major branches of Judaism. Present unmet needs forrabbis, together with the many rabbis approaching retirementage, should insure that the relatively constant numbers ofpeople completing rabbinical training should have good jobprospects.
   
   
   

Roman Catholic priests
53,0005

6. Opportunities are expected to continue to be very favorabledue to a shortage of priests. The number of men becomingpriests in recent years has not been, and will not be, enoughto meet needs even if seminary enrollments continue theirrecent slow increase, especially in light of the growingnumbers of priests reaching retirement age.

Teachers, librarians, and counselors

Adult education teachers
540,000
32
172,000
Employment is expected to grow faster than average as thedemand for adult education programs continues to rise. Tokeep abreast of changes in their fields and advances intechnology, an increasing number of adults are taking coursesto advance their careers, upgrade their skills, and enrich theirlives. Opportunities will be best in computer technology,automotive mechanics, medical technology, and other fieldsthat offer attractive, and often higher paying, jobs outside ofteaching.

Archivists and curators
19,000
18
3,500
Average employment growth is expected. More archivists willbe needed as institutions put more emphasis on establishingarchives and organizing records. Museums and botanical andzoological gardens, where curators are concentrated, areexpected to grow in response to increased interest in science,art, history, and technology. However, competition for jobs isexpected to be keen. Graduates with highly specializedtraining and practical work experience have the bestopportunities.

College and university faculty 812,000
26
214,000
Employment is expected to increase about as fast as average as enrollmentin higher education increases. In addition, retirements shouldbegin increasing in the late 1990's, resulting in improvedopportunities for college faculty positions and tenure. Fewerfaculty members should have to take part-time or short-termappointments. Job prospects will continue to be better in suchfields as business, engineering, health science, computerscience, physical sciences, and mathematics than in otherspecialties, largely because very attractive nonacademic jobswill be available for many potential faculty members in thesefields.

Counselors
154,000
32
50,000
Employment is expected to grow faster than average inresponse to increasing demand for school, rehabilitation,mental health, and employment counselors. Opportunitiesshould increase significantly by the end of the decade as alarge number of counselors reach retirement age.

Librarians
141,000
12
17,000
Employment is expected to grow more slowly than average,continuing the trend of the 1980's. Budgetary constraints inschool, public, and college libraries and the increasing use ofcomputerized information storage and retrieval systems willdampen demand. Opportunities will be best in nontraditionalsettings_information brokers, private corporations, andconsulting firms. Willingness to relocate will greatly enhancejob prospects.

School teachers_kinder- garten, elementary, and secondary 3,255,000
34
1,113,000
Faster than average employment growth is expected; however, projected growth varies among individual teaching occupations.Employment of special education teachers is expected toincrease much faster than average due to legislationemphasizing training and employment for individuals withdisabilities; technological advances resulting in moresurvivors of accidents and illnesses; and growing publicinterest in individuals with special needs. Employment ofsecondary school teachers is expected to grow faster thanaverage, while average employment growth is projected forkindergarten and elementary school teachers, reflectingpopulation trends and corresponding student enrollment. Jobprospects generally are better in cities and rural areas than insuburbs. Mathematics, science, and special education teachersremain in short supply in many locales.

Health diagnosing occupations

Chiropractors
46,000
36
16,000
Employment is expected to grow faster than average becauseof rapid growth in the older population, with its increasedlikelihood of physiological problems. Greater publicawareness of the profession also will encourage growth.Replacement needs are low because chiropractors generallyremain in the profession until they retire.

Dentists
183,000
5
9,500
Employment is expected to grow more slowly than averagedespite growing demand. Dentists will absorb the increase indemand for services by working more hours and hiring moredental hygienists and dental assistants to handle routineservices. Demand for dental care should grow substantially:The baby-boom generation will seek more care as it ages; theelderly will require more care than their predecessors becausethey are more likely to retain their teeth; and the youngergeneration will need preventive check- ups.

Optometrists
31,000
16
4,800
Employment is expected to grow as fast as average in order tomeet the needs of a population that is larger, older, and moreaware of the need for proper eye care. Replacement needs arelow because optometrists generally remain in the professionuntil they retire.

Physicians
556,000
35
195,000
Employment is expected to grow faster than average due to agrowing and aging population and technologicalimprovements that encourage expansion of the health careindustry. Job prospects are good for primary, geriatric, andpreventive care specialists. Some shortages have beenreported in general surgery and psychiatry and in some ruraland low income areas. Replacement needs are low becausephysicians generally remain in the profession until they retire.

Podiatrists
15,000
37
5,500
Employment is expected to grow faster than average due tothe rising demand for podiatric services, especially by olderpeople. Establishing a new podiatric practice will be toughestin areas surrounding the seven colleges of podiatric medicinesince podiatrists are concentrated in these locations.Replacement needs are low because podiatrists generallyremain in the profession until they retire.

Veterinarians
44,000
33
14,000
Employment is expected to grow faster than average due to anincrease in the number of pets and greater willingness of petowners to pay for more intensive care. The outlook will beparticularly good for veterinarians with specialty training intoxicology, laboratory animal medicine, and pathology.

Health assessment and treating occupations

Dietitians and nutritionists
50,000
26
13,000
Employment is expected to grow about as fast as averagebecause of increasing emphasis on nutrition in nursinghomes, hospitals, physicians' offices, and social serviceprograms.

Occupational therapists
40,000
60
24,000
Employment is expected to grow much faster than averagedue to strong growth in rehabilitative services. Medicaladvances now make it possible for more patients with criticalproblems to survive and need therapy. Also, as the baby- boomgeneration moves into middle age, the incidence of heartattack and stroke will increase. The rapidly growingpopulation 75 years of age and above and disabled childrenentering special education programs will spur furtherdemand.

Pharmacists
163,000
29
47,000
Spurred by the pharmaceutical needs of a larger and olderpopulation and greater use of medication, employment isexpected to grow faster than average.

Physical therapists
90,000
88
79,000
Employment is expected to grow much faster than average.Growth will occur as new technologies save more traumavictims and permit more disabled people to be treated, whothen will need therapy. Demand also will come from an agingpopulation that is more likely to encounter heart attacks,strokes, and other debilitating conditions. Younger peoplewill also need therapy as medical advances save the lives ofmore newborns with birth defects.

Physician assistants
58,000
34
20,000
Employment is expected to grow faster than average due toexpansion of the health services industry and increasedemphasis on cost containment and primary care. Jobprospects will be excellent, especially in rural and low incomeareas that have difficulty attracting physicians.

Recreational therapists
30,000
40
12,000
Employment is expected to grow faster than average, becauseof expansion in long-term care, physical and psychiatricrehabilitation, and services for the disabled. The growingnumber of older people is expected to spur job growth foractivity directors in nursing homes, retirement communities,adult day care programs, and social service agencies.Continued growth is expected in community residentialfacilities as well as in day care programs for people withdisabilities. Job prospects are expected to be best for thosewith clinical experience.

Registered nurses
1,835,000
42
765,000
Much faster than average growth is expected due to overallgrowth in health care and medical technology. Job prospectswill be good, especially as emphasis on primary care grows.Many job openings will also result from the need to replaceexperienced nurses who leave this large occupation.

Respiratory therapists
74,000
48
36,000
Employment is expected to grow much faster than averagebecause of the substantial growth in the middle-aged andelderly population. An older population is more likely tosuffer from cardiopulmonary diseases such as pneumonia,chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and heart disease. Rapidgrowth in the number of patients with AIDS also will boostdemand since lung disease often accompanies AIDS. Becausemedical advances will allow more premature infants tosurvive, job opportunities are expected to be highly favorablefor those with neonatal care skills.

Speech-language pathologists and audiologists 73,000
51
37,000
Much faster than average overall growth is expected because the increasednumber of older people and the entrance of the baby-boomersinto an age bracket when the possibility of stroke-inducedhearing and speech loss increases. Increased emphasis onearly detection and prevention will also spur growth.

Communications occupations

Public relations specialists
98,000
26
26,000
Average growth will stem from the recognition byorganizations of all sizes of the need for good public relationsin an increasingly competitive business environment. Keencompetition for public relations jobs will likely continueamong recent college graduates with a degree incommunications as the number of applicants is expected toexceed the number of job openings.

Radio and television announcers and newscasters 56,000
25
14,000
Employment is expected to grow about as fast as average as new radio andtelevision stations are licensed and the number of cabletelevision systems continues to grow. Competition will bevery keen because the broadcasting field attracts many morejobseekers than there are jobs. Radio stations are moreinclined than are television stations to hire beginners.

Reporters and correspondents
58,000
26
15,000
Employment is expected to grow about as fast as average.Competition on large metropolitan newspapers and broadcaststations and on national magazines will continue to be keen.Small town and suburban newspapers will continue to offerbetter opportunities for beginners. Talented writers who canhandle highly specialized scientific or technical subjects havean advantage.

Writers and editors
283,000
23
66,000
Employment is expected to increase about as fast as average.Employment of salaried writers and editors by newspapers,periodicals, book publishers, nonprofit organizations, andadvertising and public relations agencies is expected toincrease with growing demand for their publications. Demandfor technical writers is expected to increase because of thecontinuing expansion of scientific and technical information.

Visual arts occupations

Designers
302,000
19
57,000
Employment is expected to grow about as fast as average.Designers in most fields can expect to face competitionthroughout their careers as a result of the abundant supply oftalented, well-educated individuals attracted to thisoccupation. Job opportunities should be best in floral designdue to its relatively low pay and limited advancementopportunities. Opportunities also should be good for qualifiedpeople in some specialized fields, such as furniture design.

Photographers and camera and newscasters 118,000
25
29,000
Average employment growth will stem from increasing use of visual images in education,communication, entertainment, marketing, and research anddevelopment and as businesses make greater use of videos fortraining films, business meetings, sales campaigns, andpublic relations work. However, competition will be keen forwhat is generally regarded as an exciting field.

Visual artists
273,000
23
63,000
Average employment growth is expected for both graphicdesigners and fine artists. Despite demands by advertisingagencies, publishing firms, and other businesses for creativeand ingenious designs, graphic designers can expectcompetition for employment. Competition for jobs also willcontinue to be keen among fine artists, who often create art tosatisfy their need for self-expression, and display their worksin museums, art galleries, and homes.

Performing arts occupations

Actors, directors, and producers 129,000
54
69,000
Much faster than average job growth is expected. Keen competition is expected for jobsbecause large numbers of people are attracted to these careers,which do not require formal preparation. Only a relativelyfew people will find regular employment.

Dancers and choreographers
18,000
25
4,600
Jobs are expected to increase about as fast as average due tothe public's continued interest in dance. Very keencompetition is expected for job openings, and only the mosttalented will find regular employment.

Musicians
236,000
25
59,000
Jobs are expected to grow about as fast as average due to the continued demand for live and recorded musicalentertainment. Competition for jobs will be keen, and even many talented individuals will not be able to make a living solely as musicians. Opportunities will be best for people with an ability to play several instruments and a variety of types of music.

TECHNICIANS AND RELATED SUPPORT OCCUPATIONS

Health technologists and technicians

Cardiovascular technologists and technicians 31,000
9
2,600
Overall employment is expected to grow more slowly than average, but techniciansand technologists will experience different patterns ofemployment change. Employment of EKG technicians isexpected to decline as hospitals train nurses and otherpersonnel to perform basic EKG procedures. Employment ofcardiology technologists is expected to grow faster thanaverage as the population ages because older people have ahigher incidence of heart problems.

Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians 268,000
26
71,000
Employment is expected to grow about as fast as average, with demandstimulated by the growth of the older population and itsaccompanying medical problems. Technological advanceswill have opposite effects on employment: New, morepowerful tests encourage more testing, but automation andsimpler tests make each worker more productive. The fastestgrowth is expected in independent medical laboratories.Rapid growth also is expected in the offices and clinics ofphysicians. Hospitals will experience only slow growth asthey continue to send laboratories a greater share of theirtesting.

Dental hygienists
108,000
43
46,000
Employment should grow much faster than average becauseof increased demand for dental care. Demand will arise frompopulation growth, greater retention of natural teeth bymiddle-aged and elderly people, and rising incomes. Also,dentists are likely to hire more hygienists as their workloadsincrease.

Dispensing opticians
63,000
36
22,000
Employment is expected to grow faster than average inresponse to rising demand for corrective lenses as thepopulation grows and ages. Replacement needs will besignificant. This occupation emplys many young people; and,like many other occupations in retail trade, many peopletransfer to other fields.

EEG technologists
6,300
54
3,400
Employment is expected to grow much faster than average,reflecting the increased number of neurodiagnostic testsperformed. More testing will occur as new tests andprocedures are developed and as the aging populationrequires more medical care.

Emergency medical and technicians 114,000
36
41,000
Employment technicians is expected to grow faster than average because of theincreasing number of older people, who are more likely toneed emergency services. Most job openings will occurbecause of this occupation's high turnover.

Licensed practical nurses
659,000
40
261,000
Employment is expected to grow faster than average inresponse to general demand and the long-term-care needs of arapidly growing elderly population. Job prospects shouldremain excellent unless the number of people completingLPN training increases substantially.

Medical record technicians
76,000
61
47,000
Employment is expected to grow much faster than average.Demand will arise from rapid growth in the number ofmedical tests, treatments, and procedures and the increasingscrutiny of medical records by third-party payers, courts, andconsumers.

Nuclear medicine technologists 12,000
50
6,100
Employment is expected to grow much faster than average. Substantialgrowth in the number of middle-aged and older people willspur demand for nuclear medicine tests. Technologicalinnovations should increase the uses of nuclear medicine,further strengthening demand.

Radiologic technologists
162,000
63
102,000
Employment is expected to grow much faster than average.New generations of diagnostic imaging equipment shouldincrease demand. Also, more treatment of cancer isanticipated due to the aging of the population and theimproved ability to detect malignancies.

Surgical technologists
44,000
42
19,000
Much faster than average growth is expected as a growingpopulation and technological advances increase the number ofsurgical procedures performed. Growth will be fastest inclinics and offices of physicians due to increased outpatientsurgery; however, most jobs will be in hospitals.

Technicians except health

Aircraft pilots
85,000
35
30,000
Despite faster than average employment growth, pilots shouldface considerable competition for jobs because the glamour,prestige, and high pay associated with the occupation attractmany applicants. Pilots who have logged the greatest numberof flying hours using the most sophisticated equipment andthose with the most FAA licenses generally have the bestprospects.

Air traffic controllers
23,000
10
2,300
Employment growth is expected to be slower than average asproductivity gains stemming from laborsaving air trafficcontrol equipment offset some of the demand generated bymore aircraft flying. Competition for jobs is expected toremain keen because the occupation's relatively high pay andliberal retirement plan attract many applicants.

Broadcast technicians
35,000
4
1,400
Employment in radio and television broadcasting is expectedto grow more slowly than average because of laborsavingtechnologies. Employment in the motion picture industry willgrow faster than average as more movies are made. Jobprospects are expected to remain competitive because of thelarge number of people attracted to this relatively small field.

Computer programmers
555,000
30
169,000
Employment is expected to grow faster than average asorganizations seek new applications for computers andimprovement to the software already in use. Employment isnot expected to grow as rapidly as in the past, however,because new software and techniques have simplified oreliminated some programming tasks. Job opportunities shouldbe particularly plentiful in data processing services firms,software houses, and computer consulting businesses.

Drafters
314,000
11
35,000
Despite increasing demands by industry for drafting services,productivity gains due to advances in computer- aided draftingtechnology are expected to result in slower than averageemployment growth.

Engineering technicians
695,000
19
132,000
Average employment growth is expected. Overall, the drive toimprove manufacturing facilities and product designs willprovide good employment opportunities; however, the outlookvaries with the area of specialization and industry;technicians whose jobs are defense related may experiencefewer opportunities because of cutbacks.

Library technicians
71,000
25
18,000
Average employment growth will be spurred by increasingautomation. Computerized information systems havesimplified certain tasks, such as descriptive cataloging, whichcan now be handled by technicians instead of librarians.However, budgetary constraints may dampen employmentgrowth in school, public, and college and university libraries.Willingness to relocate enhances one's job prospects.

Paralegals
95,000
86
81,000
Employment is expected to grow much faster than average aslaw firms and other employers of legal workers restructuretasks to make greater use of paralegals. However, keencompetition for jobs should continue as the large number ofpeople graduating from paralegal training programs exceedsjob growth.

Science technicians
244,000
25
61,000
Average employment growth is expected because of thegrowth of scientific research and development and theproduction of technical products. Job opportunities will bebest for individuals who have training or experience on theequipment currently in use in industrial and governmentlaboratories.

MARKETING AND SALES OCCUPATIONS

Cashiers
2,747,000
24
669,900
Average growth is expected, spurred by a growingpopulation's expanding demand for goods and services. As inthe past, replacement needs will create a significant numberof job openings because the occupation is large and turnoveris much higher than average.

Counter and rental clerks
242,000
36
88,000
Faster than average employment growth is expected due torising demand for laundry and dry cleaning, automobilerental, amusement and recreation, and equipment rental andleasing services. Part-time employment opportunities shouldbe especially plentiful.

Insurance agents and brokers
415,000
15
62,000
Employment is expected to increase about as fast as averageas increasing productivity moderates growth in response tothe rising volume of sales of insurance and other financialproducts. Opportunities will be best for ambitious people whoenjoy sales work and develop expertise in a wide range ofinsurance and financial services. Many beginners abandonthis highly competitive business because they are unable toestablish a sufficiently large clientele.

Manufacturers' and wholesale sales representatives 1,613,000
5
78,000
Employment growth is expected to be slower than average as more firms rely ontechnology such as electronic data interchange, point of saleinventory systems, and expert system software and as morelarge companies begin to negotiate directly with suppliers,bypassing sales representatives entirely.

Real estate agents, brokers, and appraisers 397,000
16
63,000
Average employment growth is expected as a result of the growing volume of sales ofresidential and commercial property. Because turnover ishigh, real estate sales positions should be relatively easy toobtain.

Retail sales workers
4,086,000
21
877,000
Employment is expected to increase about as fast as averagedue to anticipated growth in retail trade. As in the past,replacement needs will generate an exceptionally largenumber of sales jobs because the occupation is large andturnover is much higher than average.

Securities and financial services sales representatives 200,000
33
65,000
Employment is expected to grow faster than average as economic growth,rising personal incomes, and greater inherited wealth increase the funds available for investment and as banks and otherfinancial institutions offer an increasing array of financialservices. Due to the highly competitive nature of securitiessales work, many beginners leave the field because they areunable to establish a sufficient clientele. Job prospects shouldbe best for mature individuals with successful salesexperience.

Services sales representatives

488,000 38
185,000
Faster than average growth is expected in response to thegrowth of the services industries. However, employment willnot keep pace with industry growth due to downsizing and theuse of technologies, such as voice mail, cellular telephones,and laptop computers, that increase productivity. Prospectiveservices sales representatives with a college background or aproven sales record should have the best job opportunities.

Travel agents
115,000
66
76,000
Employment is expected to grow much faster than averagedue to a sharp increase in business and vacation travel.

ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT OCCUPATIONS INCLUDING CLERICAL

Adjusters, investigators, and collectors 1,185,000
31
367,000
Job growth is expected to be about as fast as average as a result of increases in thepopulation, the economy, and the volume of insurance sales.Bill and account collectors and insurance adjusters andexaminers will grow the most rapidly.

Bank tellers
525,000
-4
-24,000
Employment is projected to decline. Overexpansion andcompetition from large nonbank corporations will result inclosings, mergers, and consolidations in the banking industry,where employment of tellers is highly concentrated. Further,teller employment could be adversely affected by newtechnologies if they are widely adopted by banks.Nevertheless, qualified applicants should have good prospectsbecause the number of job openings is large.

Clerical supervisors and managers 1,267,000
24
301,000
Employment is expected to increase as fast as average. These workers will not be affectedas dramatically by office automation as other administrativesupport workers, although automation may limit growth insome areas. Job openings will be numerous due toreplacement needs.

Computer and peripheral equipment operators 296,000
-41
-122,000
Employment is expected to decline sharply as data centers become increasinglyautomated and as more computing is done with personalcomputers.

Credit clerks and authorizers 218,000
24
53,000
Average employment growth is expected as the number ofreal estate, retail sales, and other transactions requiring creditincreases.

General office clerks
2,688,000
24
654,000
Average employment growth is anticipated as more smallbusinesses place a single office worker in charge of allclerical duties. Opportunities should be quite favorablebecause high turnover in this very large occupation producesmany job openings.

Information clerks
1,333,000
32
429,000
Faster than average growth is expected due to economicgrowth and general business expansion. Replacement needswill create large numbers of job openings. Many opportunitiesfor part- time work will be available.

Hotel and motel desk clerks
122,000
40
50,000
Faster than average growth is expected due to the expansionof the number of hotels, motels, and other lodgingestablishments. Job opportunities should be relatively goodbecause turnover is very high. Opportunities for part-timework should continue to be plentiful.

Interviewing and new accounts clerks 175,000
19
34,000
Overall employment is expected to increase about as fast as average. Employment ofinterviewing clerks is expected to grow faster than average inthe health services industry and much faster than average inpersonnel supply services as more firms contract for theservices of these clerks. New accounts clerks can anticipateslower than average employment growth, reflecting slowgrowth among commercial banks and savings and loaninstitutions.

Receptionists
904,000
34
305,000
Faster than average growth is expected due to strong growthin the services sector of the economy. Job opportunitiesshould be plentiful due to high turnover. Because many receptionists also perform secretarial duties, good typing andcomputer skills, coupled with strong interpersonal and communications skills, enhance one's job prospects.

Reservation and transportation 131,000
30
39,000
Faster than average ticket agents and travel clerks growth is expected due to expansion of both business and pleasure travel. Most applicants are likely to encounter considerable competition because the supply of qualified applicants far outstrips demand. Airline jobs, in particular, attract many applicants because of the travel benefits and glamour associated with the industry.

Mail clerks and messengers
271,000
10
26,000
Jobs are expected to increase more slowly than average as the increasing automation of mail handling offsets somewhat the growing volume of internal mail, parcels, and other written information that must be handled and delivered. High turnover should result in plentiful job openings.

Material recording, scheduling, 3,558,000
13
455,000
Overall

dispatching and distributing occupations employment is expected to grow more slowly than average.The volume of business transactions will increase as theeconomy grows, but automation will enable workers to bemore productive, holding down employment growthsomewhat. Job prospects for individual occupations vary.

Dispatchers
222,000
21
46,000
Employment is expected to grow about as fast as average dueto the growing need for the various services dispatchersprovide.

Stock clerks
1,969,000
10
187,000
Even though employment is expected to grow more slowlythan average, job prospects should be favorable. Thisoccupation is very large, and many job openings will occureach year to replace workers who transfer to other jobs orleave the labor force. Growing use of computers for inventorycontrol and automated equipment are expected to hold downdemand, especially in manufacturing and in wholesale trade,industries whose operations are most easily automated.

Traffic, shipping, and receiving clerks

824,000
18
147,000
Employment is expected to increase about as fast as average. Employment growth will beaffected by automation, as all but the smallest firms move tohold down labor costs by using computers to store andretrieve shipping and receiving records. However, certainfunctions cannot be automated.

Postal clerks and mail carriers 361,000
( )
1,600
Little change is expected in overall employment. Employment of postal clerks is expected to decline due to the implementation of productivity-increasing automatedequipment. Postal mail carrier employment is expected tochange little, the result of the conflicting factors of increasedmail volume and the growing use of automated sortingequipment. Competition for jobs will be keen as the numberof applicants continues to far exceed the number of jobopenings.

Record clerks
3,573,000
6
204,000
Slower than average employment growth is expected asautomation makes these workers more productive. However,opportunities will be plentiful for full-time, part- time, and seasonal employment due to above average turnover in thislarge occupation.

Billing clerks
409,000
3
12,000
Little change in employment is expected as computers areincreasingly used to manage account information and as moreadvanced equipment replaces billing machines.

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks 2,112,000
3
73,000
Little change in employment is expected. Although a growing economy willresult in more financial transactions, continuing automationwill increase productivity and limit employment growth.However, employment opportunities should be plentiful dueto the size of the occupation and relatively high turnover.

Brokerage clerks and statement clerks 88,000
7
5,900
Slower than average employment growth is expected as further automation andchanges in business practices reduce demand for theseworkers.

File clerks
257,000
19
48,000
Average employment growth is expected as recordkeepingrequirements continue to rise. Demand will be strongest inthe rapidly growing health sector. Job opportunities should beplentiful due to high turnover.

Library assistants and bookmobile drivers 114,000
18
20,000
Average employment growth is expected due to growth in local government and schools.Job prospects should be favorable, especially for part-timework.

Order clerks
300,000
4
13,000
Little change in employment is expected as office automationcontinues to increase the productivity of these workers.However, job opportunities should be plentiful, especially foroutside order clerks who deal directly with the public.

Payroll and timekeeping clerks 165,000
( )

8. Employment is expected to change little as continuing automation of payroll andtimekeeping make these workers more productive.
   
   
   

Personnel clerks
128,000
25
32,000
Average employment growth is expected. Despite anincreasing workload, rising productivity through automationwill moderate demand.

Secretaries
3,324,000
12
386,000
Overall employment is expected to grow more slowly thanaverage, in spite of projected rapid growth for legal andmedical secretaries. Employment gains resulting from anincrease in the amount of office work and the assumption ofnew responsibilities by secretaries will be tempered byproductivity gains made possible by automation. Job prospectsshould continue to be excellent, however, for well qualifiedsecretaries.

Stenographers and court reporters 115,000
-2
-1,700
Employment is expected to decline as decreases in stenographer jobs more than offsetgrowth in transcriptionist and court reporter jobs. Widespreaduse of dictation machines should continue to greatly reducethe need for stenographers, but medical transcriptionist jobsshould increase as health services grows. Growing use ofvideo recordings of court proceedings should dampen growthof court reporters.

Teacher aides
885,000
43
381,000
Employment is expected to grow much faster than average inresponse to the rising number of special education classes,restructuring of schools, and increasing number of studentswho speak English as a second language.

Telephone operators
314,000
-28
-89,000
Employment is expected to decline due to automaticswitching systems, voice message systems, and voicerecognition technology.

Typists, word processors, and data entry keyers 1,238,000
-4
-46,000
Employment is expected to decline, primarily due to new technologies that allow moredata to be collected at the point of its origin or transmittedelectronically. Job prospects will be best for those with abroad knowledge of office technology.

SERVICE OCCUPATIONS

Protective service occupations

Correction officers
282,000
70
197,000
Employment is expected to increase much faster than averageas correctional facilities expand and additional officers arehired to supervise and counsel a growing number of inmates.The large number of job openings from both rapid growth andreplacement needs will ensure highly favorable employmentprospects.

Firefighting occupations
305,000
16
50,000
Average employment growth is expected as the Nation'spopulation grows and fire protection needs increase. Keencompetition is expected in most areas; the best opportunitiesare likely to be found in smaller communities with expandingpopulations.

Guards
803,000
51
408,000
Much faster than average employment growth is expected dueto increasing concern about crime, vandalism, and terrorism .Job opportunities should be plentiful, although somecompetition is expected for in-house guard jobs, whichgenerally have higher salaries, more benefits, better jobsecurity, and greater potential for advancement. Opportunitieswill be best for those who work for contract security agencies.

Police, detectives, and special agents 700,000
13
92,000
Employment is expected to increase more slowly than average. Job growth resulting fromincreases in the population and the need for police protectionwill be restrained by tight government budgets. Keencompetition is likely for most jobs.

Food and beverage preparation and service occupations

Chefs, cooks, and other kitchen workers 3,092,000
38
1,190,000
Job growth is expected to be faster than average as the population and economy bothgrow and as fewer meals are prepared at home. High turnovershould result in plentiful job openings.

Food and beverage service workers 4,365,000
26
1,124,000
Employment is expected to grow about as fast as average in response to growth in the population and economy. Jobopenings should continue to be plentiful due to high turnover.

Health service occupations

Dental assistants
183,000
39
72,000
Employment is expected to grow faster than average.Population growth, higher incomes, and greater retention ofnatural teeth by middle-aged and older people will fueldemand for dental services. Also, dentists are expected to hiremore assistants to perform routine tasks.

Medical assistants
181,000
71
128,000
Much faster than average growth is anticipated due toexpansion of the health services industry. In view of the highturnover in the occupation and the preference of manyphysicians for trained personnel, job prospects should beexcellent for medical assistants with formal training orexperience.

Nursing aides and psychiatric aides 1,389,000
44
616,000
Overall employment is projected to grow much faster than average. Employment ofnursing aides will also grow much faster than average as aresult of the expansion of nursing and personal care facilities.Employment of psychiatric aides is expected to grow fasterthan average to meet the needs of very old people and thosesuffering from acute psychiatric and substance abuseproblems. Replacement needs will be high because ofrelatively high turnover in this occupation. Job prospects areexpected to be very good. Personal service and cleaning occupations

Animal caretakers, except farm 103,000
40
41,000
Employment is expected to grow faster than average due to a significant increase in thenumber of dogs and cats who need care. The best prospectsshould be for graduates of training programs in veterinarytechnology.

Barbers and cosmetologists
746,000
32
239,000
Population growth and rising incomes will produce fasterthan average employment growth. Most of this growth will bein cosmetology, reflecting shifting consumer preferencestoward personalized styling in full-service salons. Jobprospects will be best for those specializing in nail and skincare. Part-time employment will continue to account for asignificant share of the job growth.

Flight attendants
93,000
51
47,000
Employment is expected to grow much faster than average asthe number of airline passengers continues to increase.Competition for jobs is expected to remain very keen.Applicants with at least 2 years of college and experience indealing with the public have the best prospects.

Gardeners and groundskeepers
884,000
35
311,000
Faster than averageemployment growth is expected in response to increasingdemand for gardening and landscaping services. Employmentopportunities should be plentiful.

Homemaker-home health aides
475,000
136
645,000
A substantial increase in the elderly population, greater efforts to care for thechronically ill at home, and development of in-home medicaltechnologies should spur much faster than average growth.Job opportunities are excellent.

Janitors and cleaners and cleaning supervisors 3,018,000
20
600,000
Employment is expected to grow about as fast as average as the number of officebuildings, apartment houses, schools, hospitals, and otherbuildings increases. The occupation is easy to enter, turnoveris high, and part-time and temporary jobs are plentiful.

Preschool workers
941,000
65
611,000
Employment is projected to increase much faster thanaverage, reflecting a shift in the kind of child-carearrangements parents choose, and a rise in labor forceparticipation among women ages 20-44. Job openings shouldbe plentiful because many preschool workers leave theoccupation each year for other, often better paying, jobs,family responsibilities, or other reasons. Qualified peopleshould have little trouble finding and keeping a job.

Private household workers
869,000
-33
-286,000
Employment is expected to decline. The severely limitedsupply of people willing to work in this field has given rise tochild care and household cleaning service firms, whichadversely affects employment in this occupation.Nevertheless, job opportunities should be excellent.

AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY, FISHING, AND RELATED OCCUPATIONS

Farm operators and managers
1,218,000
-17
-204,000
Employment is expected to decline as farms become larger, more productive, and fewerin number. Nevertheless, replacement needs will result inmany job openings.

Fishers, hunters, and trappers 60,000
5
3,000
Slower than average growth is expected due to stockdepletion. Many operations currently are at or beyondmaximum sustainable yield, limiting potential foroccupational growth. Employment growth of fishers will alsobe restrained by improvements in fishing vessels and gear.

Forestry and logging occupations 131,000
2
3,200
Little change in overal employment is expected. Despite an increase in demand forlumber and wood products, improvements in loggingequipment will cause employment of timber and loggingworkers to decline. Employment of forestry and conservationworkers is expected to increase moderately as environmentalconcerns help spur demand. However, these jobs are soughtby many people, and applicants are expected to facecompetition.
MECHANICS, INSTALLERS, AND REPAIRERS

Aircraft mechanics and engine specialists 131,000
13
17,000
Slower than average employment growth is expected as productivity gainsresulting from greater use of automated inventory control andmodular systems speed repairs and parts replacement. Jobprospects are likely to be best in general aviation.

Automotive body repairers
202,000
30
61,000
Employment is expected to increase faster than average due toa rise in the number of motor vehicles and the popularity oflighter weight cars, which are more easily damaged incollisions and more difficult to repair. Opportunities shouldbe best for people with formal training in automotive bodyrepair or mechanics.

Automotive mechanics
739,000
23
168,000
Employment is expected to increase about as fast as averageas the need to service and repair an increasing number ofmotor vehicles is offset by improvements in their reliability.Most new jobs will be in automotive repair shops andautomobile dealerships as fewer gasoline service stationsprovide repair services. Opportunities should be best forpeople who complete formal automotive mechanic trainingprograms.

Diesel mechanics
263,000
24
64,000
Employment is expected to increase about as fast as averageas freight transportation by truck increases. Opportunitiesshould be best for people who complete formal dieselmechanic training programs.

Electronic equipment repairers 398,000
-4
-15,000
Overall employment is expected to decline due to improvements in product reliabilityand ease of service; in addition, lower prices will causeconsumers to purchase new equipment rather than have olditems repaired.

Commercial and industrial electronic equipment repairers 68,000
7
5,000
Overall employment is expected to grow more slowly than average. Employment innondefense industries is expected to grow about as fast asaverage as firms install more electronic equipment. Becauseof cuts in the defense budget, employment is expected todecline significantly in the Federal Government.

Communications equipment repairers 108,000
-38
-41,000
Employment is expected to decline sharply. Decreased labor requirements due toimproved technology have already caused layoffs.

Computer and office machine repairers 143,000
30
43,000
Overall employment is expected to grow faster than average. Employment ofcomputer repairers is expected to grow much faster thanaverage as the amount of computer equipment increases.Employment of other office machine repairers is expected togrow more slowly than average due to slow growth in theamount of that equipment.

Electronic home entertainment equipment repairers 39,000
-5
-2,100
Employment is expected to decline. Improvements in reliability and ease ofservice should reduce service requirements, even though moreequipment is expected to be in use. Nevertheless,opportunities should be good because many repairers transferto higher paying jobs that also require knowledge ofelectronics.

Telephone installers and repairers 40,000
-50
-20,000
Employment is expected to decline significantly due to technological improvements, suchas prewired jacks and modular telephones. Also, fewerphones will be worth repairing as prices continue to decline.

Elevator installers and repairers 22,000
18
3,900
Average growth will occur as the construction of buildings with elevators and escalatorsincreases and as the stock of equipment needing maintenancegrows. In addition, demand will be spurred by the need tomodernize older equipment. Job prospects will be best forpeople with postsecondary training in electronics.

Farm equipment mechanics
47,000
13
6,000
Employment is expected to increase more slowly thanaverage. Farmland consolidation and more efficient farmpractices will hold down demand, but the tendency of farmersto make fewer of their own repairs will increase it.Opportunities should be best for people who complete formaltraining in farm equipment repair or diesel mechanics.

General maintenance mechanics 1,145,000
28
319,000
Faster than average growth is expected as the number of office and apartmentbuildings, stores, schools, hospitals, hotels, and factoriesincreases. Although construction of these facilities is expectedto slow down, many opportunities will arise because of thehigh turnover in this large occupation.

Heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration technicians 212,000
29
62,000
Employment is expected to increase faster than average. Demand for newresidential, commercial, and industrial climate controlsystems, as well as the need to maintain existing systems,should create very favorable job prospects.

Home appliance and power tool repairers 74,000
( )

9. Little change in employment is expected as the increasing number of appliances in use willbe offset by their greater reliability and durability. Jobprospects will be best for people who have a strongbackground in electronics.
   
   
   

Industrial machinery repairers 477,000
-3
-15,000
Employment is expected to decline as more firms introduce automated productionequipment that requires less maintenance than existingmachines. Because maintenance and repair of machinery arecrucial regardless of the level of production, industrialmachinery repairers generally are less subject to layoffs thanother workers.

Line installers and cable splicers 273,000
-11
-31,000
Overall employment is expected to decline. Employment of telephone and cable TVline installers and repairers is expected to decline sharply asthe conversion to fiber optics is completed and asmaintenance requirements are reduced. Employment ofelectrical power line installers is expected to grow moreslowly than average.

Millwrights
73,000
9
6,400
Slower than average employment growth is expected.Millwrights continue to be needed to maintain and repairexisting machinery, to dismantle old machinery, and to installand maintain new equipment.

Mobile heavy equipment mechanics 96,000
4
3,900
Employment is expected to grow more slowly than average, matching the slow growth inthe amount of mobile heavy equipment in operation.Opportunities should be best for people who complete formaltraining programs in diesel or heavy equipment mechanics.

Motorcycle, boat, and small-engine mechanics 46,000
15
6,900
Overall employment is expected to grow about as fast as average as rising incomesenable consumers to buy more boats and outdoor powerequipment. Opportunities should be best for people whocomplete formal training programs.

Musical instrument repairers and tuners 12,000
9
1,100
Employment is expected to increase more slowly than average, even though moderategrowth is expected in the number of professional musicians,because the number of students playing instruments shouldgrow only slowly.

Vending machine servicers and repairers 20,000
( )

10. Little change in employment is expected because an increase in the number of vendingmachines in use is offset by the greater reliability of newequipment. CONSTRUCTION TRADES AND EXTRACTIVE OCCUPATIONS
    
    
    

Bricklayers and stonemasons
139,000
26
36,000
Average employment growth is expected as population andbusiness growth create a need for new factories, schools,hospitals, offices, and other structures, and as brick isincreasingly used for decorative work and for buildingexteriors.

Carpenters
990,000
20
197,000
Average employment growth is expected in response todemand for new housing, commercial buildings, andindustrial plants and the need to renovate and modernizeexisting structures. The demand for carpenters will be offsetsomewhat by expected productivity gains resulting from theincreased use of prefabricated components and better tools.Employment opportunities should be plentiful.

Carpet installers
62,000
22
13,000
Average employment growth is expected in response to thecontinuing need to renovate and refurbish existing structuresand growing demand for carpet in new industrial plants,schools, hospitals, and other structures.

Concrete masons and terrazzo workers 100,000
13
13,000
Despite strong demand for concrete and terrazzo, productivity gains from improved materials, equipment, and tools will result in slower than average growth.

Drywall workers and lathers
121,000
37
44,000
Faster than average employment growth is expected as thelevel of new construction and renovation increases. Many jobopportunities will be available because of replacement needs.

Electricians
518,000
19
100,000
Average employment growth will stem from the need toinstall and maintain electrical devices and wiring in homes,factories, offices, and other structures. Installation of thewiring for computers, telecommunications equipment, andother advanced technologies should also create jobopportunities for electricians.

Glaziers
39,000
30
12,000
Faster than average employment growth is expected due tothe increase in new construction, the need to modernize andrepair existing structures, and the increased popularity ofglass as a building material.

Insulation workers
57,000
40
22,000
Employment is expected to grow much faster than average,reflecting the demand for insulation for new construction andrenovation, as well as the demand for asbestos removal inexisting structures. Job opportunities should be plentifulbecause growth will be rapid and turnover is the highest of allconstruction occupations.

Painters and paperhangers
440,000
29
128,000
Faster than average employment growth is expected asconstruction activity increases and the number of buildings inneed of repainting grows. Job prospects should be quitefavorable.

Plasterers
32,000
16
5,200
Employment is expected to grow as fast as average due togrowing appreciation for the durability and attractiveness oftroweled finishes and the need to repair plaster surfaces inolder buildings.

Plumbers and pipefitters
351,000
8
27,000
Slower than average employment growth will result fromrising productivity because the growing use of plastic pipeand fittings, more efficient sprinkler systems, and otherlaborsaving technologies will offset much of the increasingdemand for plumbing services.

Roofers
127,000
22
28,000
Average employment growth is expected due to increases innew construction and the need to repair or replace roofs onexisting buildings. Employment will not keep pace withdemand because of productivity increases brought about byadvances in materials, technology, and tools. Because of highturnover, employment opportunities are expected to beplentiful.

Roustabouts
33,000
-33
-11,000
Employment is expected to decline as a result of reduced exploration and falling production in the domestic oilindustry. Opportunities will be very limited.

Sheet-metal workers
91,000
37
34,000
Employment is expected to grow as fast as average as morefactories, shopping malls, homes, and other structures usingsheet metal are built. Additional job opportunities will becreated as more efficient air-conditioning and heating systemsare installed in existing buildings.

Structural and reinforcing ironworkers 66,000
22
15,000
Average employment growth is expected due to the rising levels of industrial andcommercial construction, as well as the rehabilitation andmaintenance of an increasing number of older buildings,factories, power plants, highways and bridges. Job openingsfor ironworkers are usually more abundant during the springand summer, when construction activity increases.

Tilesetters
30,000
25
7,400
Rising levels of construction activity and the increasedpopularity of tile as a building material should ensure averageemployment growth. Job opportunities will not be as plentifulas in other construction occupations because the occupation issmall and turnover is relatively low.

PRODUCTION OCCUPATIONS

Assemblers

Precision assemblers
334,000
-6
-18,000
Employment is expected to decline, with increasingautomation offsetting any increase in employment that wouldhave occurred due to industrial growth. However,opportunities depend on the industries in which the jobs arelocated. For instance, keen competition is expected forassembly jobs in the aerospace and electronics manufacturingindustry. Other industries may provide more opportunities.

Blue-collar worker supervisors 1,757,000
12
217,000
Overall employment is expected to increase more slowly than average. Job creation varies byindustry, with employment expected to decline slightly inmanufacturing and increase in construction and most othernonmanufacturing industries.

Food processing occupations

Butchers and meat, poultry, and fish cutters 349,000
3
11,000
Employment is expected to increase more slowly than average as meat cuttingand processing shift from the store to the factory. Althoughconsumption of meat, poultry, and fish will continue toincrease, growth of lesser skilled factory machine cutter jobswill just barely offset the decline of skilled retail meatcutters.

Inspectors, testers, and graders 625,000
-10
-65,000
Employment is expected to decline. Manufacturers are increasingly using automatedinspection system and assigning inspection, testing, andgrading duties to production workers . There may becompetition for job openings.

Metalworking and plastics-working occupations

Boilermakers
26,000
-4
-1,100
Employment is expected to decline due to the trend towardrepairing rather than replacing old boilers, the use of smallerboilers requiring less on-site assembly, the automation ofproduction technologies, and the increased use of importedboilers. There may be competition for job openings.

Jewelers
30,000
19
5,700
Average growth is expected. Job opportunities for jewelersdepend largely on jewelry sales and on demand for jewelryrepair services. Jewelry sales are expected to remain strong.Opportunities should be good for graduates from jewelertraining programs. The outlook will be best in jewelry storesand repair shops; competition is expected for jobs in jewelrymanufacturing.

Machinists and tool programmers 359,000
-1
-3,400
Employment is expected to decline slightly. Nevertheless, job opportunities will be goodbecause, in recent years, employers have reported difficultiesin attracting workers to machining and tool programmingoccupations.

Metalworking and plastics-working machine operators 1,378,000
-3
-43,000
Overall employment is expected to decline, although machine operators in theplastics industry should fare better than their counterparts inmetalworking. Increasing productivity from automation andgrowing international competition are combining to dampenthe demand for machine operators. Workers able to operate avariety of machines, particularly computer controlledequipment, have the brightest prospects.

Tool and die makers
138,000
-7
-9,400
Employment is expected to decline because of increasedautomation and imports of finished goods. However,jobseekers with appropriate skills should find excellentopportunities because the number of tool and die makersreceiving training is not expected to be as great as the numberof retiring tool and die makers.

Welders, cutters, and welding machine operators 403,000
7
30,000
With automated welding systems taking the place of some workers, employment isexpected to increase more slowly than average. Manualwelders, especially those with a wide variety of skills, stillwill be needed for maintenance, repair, and other work thatcannot be automated.

Plant and systems operators

Electric power generating plant operators and power distributors and dispatchers
43,000
10
4,200
Employment is expected to grow more slowly than average. Construction ofpower plant capacity is expected to be moderate because ofoverbuilding in the past. The increasing use of automaticcontrols and more efficient equipment should further offsetthe need for new plant construction. Keen competition isexpected for jobs.

Stationary engineers
31,000
5
1,600
Employment is expected to grow more slowly than average asautomated and computerized equipment limits the number ofengineers needed. Job opportunities will be best for those withapprenticeship training or vocational school courses incomputerized controls and instrumentation.

Water and wastewater treatment plant operators 86,000
18
16,000
Employment is expected to grow as fast as average as population and economic growthspur the construction of new plants and the expansion ofexisting water and wastewater treatment services. Jobopportunities should be good.

Printing Occupations

Prepress workers
167,000
13
22,000
Employment is expected to increase more slowly thanaverage. The increased use of computers in typesetting andpage layout should restrain job growth despite rising demandfor printed materials.

Printing press operators
241,000
20
47,000
Job growth is expected to be about as fast as average as needsfor printed materials grow. Employment of offset, gravure,and flexographic press operators will grow, while letterpressoperator jobs will decline.

Bindery workers
76,000
16
12,000
Employment is expected to increase about as fast as averagein response to the growing volume of printed materials thatmust be bound. Needs for lesser skilled workers will declineas bookbinding machinery becomes more efficient andcomplex.

Textile, apparel, and furnishings occupations

Apparel workers
986,000
-19
-183,000
Employment is expected to decline due to increases inimports, offshore assembly, and automation. However,replacement needs will result in some job openings.

Shoe and leather workers and repairers 22,000
-20
-4,300
Employment is expected to decline, primarily because inexpensive imports have madeshoe replacement a reasonable alternative to shoe repair formany.

Textile machinery operators
284,000
-17
-47,000
Employment declines are expected as a result of greater use ofautomated machinery and changing business practices.However, there will still be job opportunities stemming fromthe need to replace workers who leave their jobs.

Upholsterers
60,000
11
6,700
Employment is expected to increase more slowly than averageas growth in jobs in furniture manufacturing is offset somewhat by declining employment in reupholstery shops. Opportunities for skilled upholsterers should be good.

Woodworking occupations
341,000
8
28,000
Employment is expected to grow more slowly than average,largely reflecting increasing productivity due to technologicaladvances and stiffer international competition. Opportunitiesshould be favorable for woodworkers who specialize inmoldings, cabinets, stairs, and windows.

Miscellaneous production occupations

Dental laboratory technicians 48,000
3
1,500
Little change in employment is expected. The fluoridation ofdrinking water and greater emphasis on preventive dentalcare since the early 1960's have improved the overall dentalhealth of the population. Instead of full or partial dentures,most people will need only a bridge or crown.

Ophthalmic laboratory technicians 19,000
22
4,100
Average growth is expected in response to rising demand for corrective lensesand fashionable glasses.

Painting and coating machine operators 15