Last week, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released 2024-34 employment projections for over 800 occupations across different industries. The projections show that CTE-related occupations rank among the fastest-growing jobs as well as those with the highest number of projected openings nationwide.
Fastest-growing Occupations, 2024-34 (% change in employment):
- Wind turbine service technicians (50%)
- Solar photovoltaic installers (42%)
- Physical therapy assistants (22%)
- Ophthalmic medical technicians (20%)
- Occupational therapy assistants (19%)
- … among others
Occupations with the Highest Number of Projected Openings, 2024-34:
- Software developers (287,900)
- Construction laborers (106,500)
- Medical assistants (101,200)
- Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers (89,300)
- Electricians (77,400)
- … and others
Among industry sectors, health care and social assistance (8.7%) is projected to grow the fastest. Other sectors that exceed the average growth rate of 3.1% include utilities (4.9%) and construction (4.4%).
Alongside employment projections, the BLS also provides information on what skills are the most important for each occupation. CTE-related occupations that highly value specific skills include the following:
- Adaptability: Secondary and postsecondary CTE teachers, radiologists, audio and video technicians
- Fine motor: Machinists, HVAC technicians, carpenters
- Problem solving and decision making: Production managers; transportation, storage and distribution managers; public safety telecommunicators
- Creativity and innovation: Graphic designers, film and video editors, sound engineering technicians
Practitioners interested in exploring projections for other occupations are encouraged to explore the BLS’s Occupational Outlook Handbook. Additional information, including skills and educational attainment data, can be found here.
