Bureau of Labor Statistics > Employment Projections > Data > Skills Data

Skills Data

Beginning with the 2023–33 projections cycle, BLS provides data users with information about the importance of skills by occupation alongside the annual release of occupational projections. Data from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) serves as the foundation for the skills data. BLS used the information from O*NET to create a score for 17 skills categories for each of the occupations for which BLS publishes projections data, which can be found in the tables below:

Adaptability	Computers and information technology	Creativity and innovation	Critical and analytical thinking	Customer service
Detail oriented	Fine motor	Interpersonal	Leadership	Mathematics
Mechanical	Physical strength and stamina	Problem solving and decision making	Project management	Science
Speaking and listening	Writing and reading

Methodology and Definitions

For most of the occupations for which BLS publishes projections data, BLS also provides information about the skills typically needed to perform the tasks of the occupation. This information provides data users with additional information to assist with career planning, hiring, and training programs. The methodology used to prepare the skills data is described in detail in the “A new data product for occupational skills: methodology, analysis, and a guide to using the employment projections skills data,” October 2024 Monthly Labor Review article. For more information on skills data, please see the Handbook of Methods, Skills Data Definitions, and the Employment Projections program’s methodology page.

Data Tables

All skills tables are available in a single file (XLSX)

Table 6.1 Skills data by major occupational group
Table 6.2 Skills data by detailed occupation
Table 6.3 Top skills categories for fastest growing occupations
Table 6.4 Skills data by typical education needed for entry
Table 6.5 Percentile rank of detailed occupations by skills category

Most Recent Analysis

Analytical articles from the Monthly Labor Review can be found on the EP Publications page.

Data for Researchers

Detailed skills data and 2023–33 employment projections (XLSX)
Crosswalk of O*NET elements to Employment Projections skills framework and definitions (XLSX)
Crosswalk of O*NET-SOC occupations to National Employment Matrix occupations for skills mapping (XLSX)

Media

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Last Modified Date: October 1, 2024