January 04, 2002 (The Editor’s Desk is updated each business day.)

Occupations losing the most jobs, 2000-10

Farmers and ranchers are expected to have by far the largest loss in employment during the period 2000-10, followed by administrative support positions.

Employment decline in selected occupations, projected 2000-10 (thousands)
[Chart data—TXT]

Occupational employment declines usually are caused by increased imports of or decreased demand for specific goods and services, technology that increases productivity, or a transfer of duties to different occupations. Farming and administrative support occupations are both areas that are affected by technology.

Although declining employment often results in unfavorable prospects or limited opportunity, some openings may occur if the number of people leaving the occupation is greater than the decline in jobs.

These data are from the BLS Employment Projections program. For more information, see "Occupational Employment" in the Occupational Outlook Quarterly, Winter 2001-2002. (The BLS employment projections for the period 2000-2010 were completed prior to the tragic events of September 11, 2001. BLS will continue to review its projections and, as the long-term consequences of September 11 become clearer, will incorporate these effects in subsequent analyses of industrial and occupational outlook.)

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