Career information | Employment estimates and growth | How does BLS prepare projections? | Information included in the Occupational Outlook Handbook | Pay | Education, training, and licensing | Publications and website information | Military careers | Disclaimer
Career information
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Will the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) hire me or provide information on a specific job for me?
BLS hires primarily economists, mathematical statisticians, and information technology specialists. Information on job vacancies at BLS and how to apply for them may be found at USAJobs.
BLS resources related to job-search information, such as career exploration, are available on the Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) "How to find a job" page.
Additional career information is available through online sources from the U.S. Department of Labor. For example, DOL’s CareerOneStop site includes the following links:
- State job banks, which allow you to search job openings listed with state employment agencies
- Explore Careers, which allows you to compare occupations, research industries, and find a career that matches your interests
- Video Library, which provides videos on careers, industries, skills and abilities, or work options and education levels
- Find Training, which explains the different types of training, how to pay for training, and training choices
- Find Local Help, which allows you to search for workforce services in your neighborhood or across the country
If you are not a U.S. citizen, you should check immigration rules with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services before attempting to get a job in the United States.
How can I learn about an occupation that is of interest to me?
The Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) provides information on what workers do; the work environment; education, training, and other qualifications; pay; the job outlook; information on state and area data; similar occupations; and sources of additional information for more than 300 occupational profiles covering about 4 out of 5 jobs in the economy.
The OOH is broken up into clusters of similar occupations. In order to find an occupation, browse the occupation groups of interest on the left-hand side of the homepage, or use the A–Z Index if you know the specific occupation. You may search for occupations by using the selector drop-down menus on the OOH homepage. Select by pay range, entry-level education, on-the-job training, projected number of new jobs, or projected growth rate. If you know the specific occupation you are interested in, you may enter a job title into the “Search Handbook” box on the top right-hand side of the homepage. In addition, you may browse by clicking any of the four links titled “highest paying,” “fastest growing (projected),” “most new jobs (projected),” and “field of degree.”
Although hundreds of occupations are covered in detail in the OOH, BLS publishes information on additional occupations for which the required education, training, median wages, and employment projections are prepared but detailed occupational information is not developed.
What if I can't find the occupation I am interested in?
Many occupations and job titles are covered in the Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH). If you cannot find an occupation that you are interested in, look under the A–Z index to search for an occupation using similar titles. Or you can simply search for your occupation by entering the title into the “Search Handbook” box at the top of the page.
The OOH includes occupations that are defined in the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) System, which is used by federal statistical agencies to classify workers into occupational categories for the purpose of collecting, calculating, or disseminating data.
In addition, Career Outlook, published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, features employment projections in articles about occupations. Career Outlook articles also highlight projections data, unusual occupations, and interviews with workers.
What occupation would be best for me?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not provide specific career guidance or advice. Nevertheless, the Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) profiles do provide general information on the education and training typically needed to enter occupations. To learn about employment growth and job prospects, you are encouraged to read the “Job Outlook” section of occupations that interest you.
You also may use the Occupation Finder navigation tool featuring drop-down menus to search for occupations by pay range, entry-level education, on-the-job training, projected number of new jobs, or projected growth rate.
BLS resources related to job-search information, such as career exploration, are available on the OOH "How to find a job" page.
Career information also is available through online sources from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). For example, DOL's CareerOneStop site includes the following links:
- State job banks, which allow you to search job openings listed with state employment agencies
- Explore Careers, which allows you to compare occupations, research industries, and find a career that matches your interests
- Video Library, which provides videos on careers, industries, skills and abilities, or work options and education levels
- Find Training, which explains the different types of training, how to pay for training, and training choices
- Find Local Help, which allows you to search for workforce services in your neighborhood or across the country
If you are not a U.S. citizen, you should check immigration rules with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services before attempting to get a job in the United States.
Is the Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) available in Spanish?
A limited number of occupational profiles in Spanish are available. The information in these profiles is based on the 2021–31 employment projections. The article “Resumes, Applications, and Cover Letters” is also available in Spanish.
Does the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) have employment information for states or local areas?
Employment data for states and local areas are available from several BLS programs. Employment data by occupation for states and local areas are available from the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program. Each profile in the Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) has a “State and Area Data” section with links to OEWS data and resources for states and areas.
Current employment data by industry for states and metropolitan areas are available from the Current Employment Statistics (State and Metro Area) (CES-SAE) program. Local area unemployment statistics are available from the Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS) program.
The BLS Geographic Guide for Employment and Unemployment contains a comprehensive list of available information by geography.
Where can I find state resources on occupations and labor markets?
While the Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) provides projected employment growth at the national level, each state’s Employment Security Agency develops and provides state occupation projections. These projections—as well as the links to each of the states’ Labor Market Information websites, which contain information on that state’s employment, unemployment, and wages—are available from Projections Central. The “State and Area Data” section within each OOH profile contains links to resources for state and area data.
Where can I find more detailed data?
The Employment Projections (EP) program has detailed downloadable data on projected employment by occupation. In addition, tables 1.8 and 1.9 show National Employment Matrix base-year and projected employment for each occupation by industry and for each industry by detailed occupation. The EP homepage also has links to more detailed data on the aggregate economy, labor force, and industry output and employment. Methodology on occupational separations is available and tables 1.2, 1.7, and 1.10 include these data in addition to projections of new jobs.
The Current Population Survey (CPS), a monthly survey of households, has data on employment by detailed occupation, gender, race, and Hispanic origin. The CPS uses an occupational classification different from that of the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, and the OEWS is the primary source of employment data for the Occupational Outlook Handbook. Therefore, the coverage of some occupations may not match between the two sources.
Data on unemployment, prices, and other labor statistics–related topics are available from other BLS programs. BLS programs by subject area are available on the Subject Areas homepage.
I do not think my employer is treating me fairly. What can I do?
Although the Bureau of Labor Statistics does not have information regarding your legal employment rights, you can visit the Department of Labor’s compliance assistance website.
Employment estimates and growth
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What are the fastest growing occupations?
The table of fastest growing occupations shows the occupations that are projected to have the highest percent increase in employment over the projections decade.
Which occupations are adding the most jobs?
The table of fastest growing industries shows the industries that are projected to have the largest percent growth in employment over the projections decade.
What is the difference between “fastest growing occupations” and “occupations adding the most new jobs”?
Projected employment can be viewed in two ways: as percent change and as numeric change. BLS has two tables that illustrate these different approaches.
The table of fastest growing occupations shows the occupations that are projected to have the highest percent increase in employment over the projections decade. The table of occupations with the most job growth shows the occupations that are projected to add the most new jobs over the projections decade.
The occupations in these tables are different because a fast rate of employment growth does not always translate into many new jobs. For example, employment of occupation “A” is 2,000 and is projected to grow 20 percent. Because of the occupation’s relatively small size, this percent growth accounts for only 400 new jobs over the projections decade. In contrast, employment of occupation “B” is one million and projected to grow 5 percent. The large size of occupation “B” will still result in 50,000 new jobs over the decade despite the lower growth rate.
What are the fastest growing industries?
The table of fastest growing industries shows the industries that are projected to have the largest percent growth in employment over the projections decade.
Does the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) have data on projected employment growth for states or geographic areas?
The BLS provides data on projected employment growth at the national level. State projections are developed and provided by each state’s Employment Security Agency and are available from Projections Central.
Does the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) have employment estimates by state or geographic area?
The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for more than 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. Each profile in the Occupational Outlook Handbook has a “State and Area Data” section that contains links to OEWS data for states and areas.
Does the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) have more details on projected employment growth?
The Employment Projections (EP) program has detailed downloadable data on projected employment by occupation. In addition, tables 1.8 and 1.9 show National Employment Matrix base-year and projected employment for each occupation by industry and for each industry by detailed occupation. The EP homepage also has links to more detailed data on the aggregate economy, labor force, and industry output and employment. Methodology on occupational separations is available and tables 1.2, 1.7, and 1.10 include these data in addition to projections of new jobs.
Why might there be a difference between estimated employment in a particular occupation in the Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) and estimated employment in that same occupation from surveys such as the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey or the Current Population Survey (CPS)?
Employment for a particular occupation in the OOH represents total employment for all classes of workers—wage and salary, self-employed, and unpaid family workers—from the BLS National Employment Matrix, which combines employment data from several different sources. Data in the matrix come primarily from the establishment-based OEWS survey, which reports employment of wage and salary workers only, for each occupation in every industry except agriculture and private households. Matrix data also come from the household-based CPS, which provides information on the number of self-employed and unpaid family workers in each occupation. In addition, the matrix incorporates CPS employment data for all classes of workers in the agriculture and private household industries.
How does BLS prepare projections?
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Where can I find technical documentation on employment projections?
Technical documentation on employment projections is available in the Employment Projections: Handbook of Methods.
Where can I find the ONET-SOC-to-OOH crosswalk?
The ONET-SOC-to-OOH crosswalk is available on the BLS website on the Classifications and Crosswalks page.
Information included in the Occupational Outlook Handbook
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What information is included in the occupational profiles in the Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH)?
See Occupational Information Included in the OOH for information on what is included in each section, or page, of OOH profiles.
What are the definitions of the key phrases used to describe projected changes in employment?
The definitions of the key phrases used in the Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) are as follows:
| Changing employment between 2023 and 2033 |
| If the statement reads— |
Employment is projected to— |
| Grow much faster than the average |
increase 9 percent or more |
| Grow faster than the average |
increase 6 percent to 8 percent |
| Grow about as fast as the average |
increase 3 percent to 5 percent
|
| Grow slower than the average |
increase 1 percent to 2 percent
|
| Little or no change |
increase less than 1 percent to
decrease less than 1 percent |
| Decline |
decrease 1 percent or more |
Are all occupations included in the Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH)?
BLS publishes projections for more than 800 detailed occupations that are included in the Standard Occupational Classification System (SOC). The OOH includes detailed information on 597 occupations in 338 OOH profiles, which covers about 4 out of 5 jobs in the economy. Limited information, including wage data, base-year employment, and projected-year employment, is available for the remaining occupations that are not covered in detail.
How can I get my webpage added to the Contacts for More Info tab?
Analysts use the following guidelines when selecting and approving potential websites. Contact us through this form to request being added if you feel your website meets these criteria:
Websites must cover occupation-specific information not covered in the OOH.
- The website must provide at least one of the following:
- Education and training information; for example, degrees needed
- Statistics about the occupation or industry
- Licensure, certification, and/or registration information or requirements—the website may be from a certifying or accrediting body that commonly provides credentials for the occupation(s), or they are a group which links to an accrediting body
- Information on job specialties/types of the occupation
- School or training facilities are listed only if they are the sole provider of the service, training, or information
- Website must list contact information for the organization that maintains the site or otherwise list a point of contact for the person who created and/or maintains the site
We do not include these types of websites as Contacts:
-
- Job listing websites
- School aggregator websites
- Personal blogs
Pay
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Where can I find more information on occupational pay?
The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces wage estimates annually for more than 800 occupations. OEWS wage estimates represent wages and salaries only, and do not include nonproduction bonuses or employer costs for nonwage benefits, such as health insurance or employer contributions to retirement plans. Self-employed people are not included in the estimates. Estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. National occupational wage estimates for specific industries also are available. Additional information for these estimates, including hourly and annual 10th-, 25th-, 75th-, and 90th-percentile wage data, is available in downloadable Excel files found on each page.
How do I find starting-salary information?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not collect data on starting salaries. However, some profiles in the Occupational Outlook Handbook have links to outside organizations in the “Contacts” section that may have information on starting salaries.
Is information on pay by education or experience level available?
This chart shows median annual earnings by educational attainment. The data are from the Current Population Survey (CPS). They reflect the highest level of education that a worker has attained. They do not take into account completion of training programs in the form of apprenticeships and other on-the-job training, which also may influence earnings and unemployment rates.
The “How to Become One” sections in the Occupational Outlook Handbook profiles do provide information on the education and training typically needed to enter occupations.
What are the highest paying occupations?
This table shows the 20 occupations with the highest median annual earnings.
Education, training, and licensing
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Where can I find a school that offers the training or education I need to enter this occupation?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not have information on specific providers of education or training. However, CareerOneStop: Find Training has information on available training programs, colleges, and universities in your local area for the occupation you are interested in.
What courses should I take to enter this occupation?
Most occupational profiles in the Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) describe the general educational preparation typical among those who enter the occupation. This information is available under the “How to Become One” section in each OOH profile. Some profiles include information on helpful coursework. See CareerOneStop: Career Advisor for links to career guidance associations and other career services that may be able to advise you.
Does the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) have information on licensing requirements?
Beyond the general information on licensing presented in the “How to Become One” sections of some Occupational Outlook Handbook profiles, BLS does not have information on specific licensing requirements because those requirements often vary by state. However, CareerOneStop: License Finder allows you to search for occupational licensing requirements by state, occupation, or agency.
Publications and website information
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How do I get a print copy of the Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH)?
The Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) is no longer available in print from the U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO). However, some private publishers print it and it is available from private and online booksellers. Individual occupational profiles can be printed using the printer-friendly icon on the top right-hand side of each profile page.
Is there a mobile version of the Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH)?
The CareerInfo app presents information from the Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) and is available for Apple IOS and Android devices. CareerInfo allows you to browse by occupational groups and titles or search by occupation or keywords. Within occupational groups, you can sort by occupation title, projected growth, and typical education or median pay. You’ll even be able to personalize the app.
How often is the Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) updated?
Projections data in the Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) are updated annually. Detailed information in profiles is updated with new research on a rolling basis.
Who is the author of the Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH)? How do I cite the OOH?
OOH research is conducted by economists in the Employment Projections program at the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The projections and wage data in the OOH are updated annually.
A list of acknowledgments for the OOH is available. BLS suggests the following citation, which conforms to the U.S. Government Printing Office’s style guide, for the OOH website:
"Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, [article title], at [https web address] (visited [date accessed])."
The suggested citation for each profile can be found on the bottom of the web page. For example, the citation for Chemical Engineers profile is as follows:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Chemical Engineers, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/chemical-engineers.htm (visited September 6, 2023).
May I reproduce material from the Occupational Outlook Handbook website?
All text, charts, and tables are in the public domain and, with appropriate credit, may be reproduced without permission. Photographs are protected by copyright and used by BLS under a subscription service with Getty Images and Shutterstock Images. You will need the permission of the copyright holder in order to reproduce photographs.
Getty Images
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May I link to the Occupational Outlook Handbook website?
You may link to the site without permission. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) copyright policy indicates that you are free to use our public domain material without specific permission, although we do ask that you cite BLS as the source.
How do I contact the webmaster?
Address technical (Web) questions to webmaster@bls.gov.
Can I download the Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) as a single file?
There is no single PDF or other printer-friendly version of the entire OOH at this time. Individual printer-friendly versions are available on each occupational profile page.
For users interested in a data file with OOH content, an XML file is available for download here: OOH in XML format (13 MB). Note that:
- This is a data file and is not suitable for reading or printing.
- This file can be loaded into most databases.
- This file does not include any of the additional materials found in the OOH, only occupational profiles.
- This file does not include Military Careers because this profile is structured differently from the other OOH profiles.
For more information, see OOH Data Access and Republishing Information.
For information on how to import XML files, visit https://www.bls.gov/help/hlp_xml_output.htm.
Military careers
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How do I join the United States military?
The Occupational Outlook Handbook has general information on military careers.
Each military service publishes its own pamphlets, handbooks, and fact sheets, all of which describe entrance requirements, training and advancement opportunities, and other aspects of military careers. These publications are widely available at recruiting stations, at most state employment service offices, and in high schools, colleges, and public libraries. Phone numbers and addresses of recruiters can be found online at each service branch’s official website. Recruiters also can be located by searching by zip code.
The U.S. Department of Defense sponsors several websites that have information on military careers, including the following websites:
Careers in the Military
My Future
Today’s Military
Information on educational assistance and other veterans’ benefits is available at Department of Veterans Affairs offices throughout the country.
Can I join the United States military if I am not a U.S. citizen?
You must have U.S. citizenship or proof of permanent residency to join any branch of the U.S. military. Immigration rules are set by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Last Modified Date:
Thursday, August 29, 2024
United States Department of Labor
