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    Labor Market Intelligence

    In-Demand Careers &Job Shortage Occupations

    Occupations experiencing critical worker shortages, rapid growth, and high annual openings. Based on BLS Employment Projections and O*NET Bright Outlook data.

    4
    Critical Shortage
    6
    High Demand
    1
    Growing Demand
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    11 occupations

    Critical Shortage
    Bright Outlook
    SOC 35-2014
    10-Year Growth
    +8.4%
    Annual Openings
    255,700
    Projected Employment
    1,606,600

    Critical Shortage
    Bright Outlook
    SOC 15-1252
    10-Year Growth
    +18.4%
    Annual Openings
    140,100
    Projected Employment
    2,003,900

    Critical Shortage
    Bright Outlook
    SOC 47-2111
    10-Year Growth
    +10.2%
    Annual Openings
    80,100
    Projected Employment
    840,100

    Critical Shortage
    Bright Outlook
    SOC 11-3031
    10-Year Growth
    +15.2%
    Annual Openings
    75,100
    Projected Employment
    966,900

    High Demand
    Bright Outlook
    SOC 11-1021
    10-Year Growth
    +5.8%
    Annual Openings
    338,800
    Projected Employment
    3,712,900

    High Demand
    Bright Outlook
    SOC 53-3032
    10-Year Growth
    +6.5%
    Annual Openings
    241,200
    Projected Employment
    2,204,100

    High Demand
    Bright Outlook
    SOC 29-1141
    10-Year Growth
    +6%
    Annual Openings
    194,500
    Projected Employment
    3,497,400

    High Demand
    Bright Outlook
    SOC 13-2011
    10-Year Growth
    +5.6%
    Annual Openings
    130,800
    Projected Employment
    1,654,100

    High Demand
    Bright Outlook
    SOC 29-2061
    10-Year Growth
    +5.1%
    Annual Openings
    54,700
    Projected Employment
    690,400

    High Demand
    Bright Outlook
    SOC 49-3023
    10-Year Growth
    +2.4%
    Annual Openings
    67,700
    Projected Employment
    772,300

    In Demand
    SOC 23-1011
    10-Year Growth
    +7.4%
    Annual Openings
    55,700
    Projected Employment
    887,900

    Why These Shortages?

    Labor shortages occur when the demand for workers in specific occupations exceeds the available supply. Key drivers include:

    • Aging workforce and retirements
    • Rapid industry growth outpacing training pipelines
    • Geographic mismatches between workers and jobs
    • Skills gaps from emerging technologies

    Workers entering shortage occupations often benefit from higher wages, signing bonuses, and stronger job security.

    Hardest-Hit Industries

    🏥Healthcare
    Shortage
    🏗️Construction
    Shortage
    🚛Transportation
    Shortage
    🏭Manufacturing
    Shortage
    🍽️Hospitality
    Shortage

    Data Sources

    Shortage signals are derived from:

    • BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033)
    • O*NET Bright Outlook classifications
    • BLS JOLTS job openings rate
    View all data sources →