Key phrases in the Handbook

The following boxes explain 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 job seekers. The description of this relationship in a particular occupation reflects the knowledge and judgment of economists in the BLS Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projections.

 

Changing employment between 2006 and 2016
If the statement reads: Employment is projected to:
Grow much faster than average increase 21 percent or more
Grow faster than average increase 14 to 20 percent
Grow about as fast as average increase 7 to 13 percent
Grow more slowly than average increase 3 to 6 percent
Little or no change decrease 2 percent to increase 2 percent
Decline slowly or moderately decrease 3 to 9 percent
Decline rapidly decrease 10 percent or more

 

Opportunities and competition for jobs
If the statement reads: Job openings compared with job seekers may be:
Very good to excellent opportunities More numerous
Good or favorable opportunities In rough balance
May face, or can expect, keen competition Fewer

 

Last Modified Date: December 18, 2007