This box explains how to interpret the key phrases used to describe projected changes in employment. It also explains the terms used to describe the relationship between the number of job openings and the number of jobseekers. The descriptions of this relationship in a particular occupation reflects the knowledge and judgment of economists in the Bureau’s Office of Employment Projections.
Changing employment between 1998 and 2008
| If the statement reads: |
Employment is projected to: |
| Grow much faster than average |
increase 36 percent or more |
| Grow faster than average |
increase 21 to 35 percent |
| Grow about as fast as average |
increase 10 to 20 percent |
Grow more slowly than average,
or little or no change |
increase 0 to 9 percent |
| Decline |
decrease 1 percent or more |
Opportunities and competition for jobs
| If the statement reads: |
Job openings compared to jobseekers may be: |
| Very good to excellent opportunities |
More numerous |
| Good or favorable opportunities |
In rough balance |
| May face keen competition or can expect keen competition |
Fewer |
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