In the last quarter of 2013, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services released their “2020 Job Outlook” which projects economic and employment trends in Ohio’s metropolitan areas over the next 10 years. Today we’ll take a look at predictions for Cleveland’s growing job market and the 9.5% projected job growth over the next 6 years.
Employment by Industry
If you’re trying to decide which industry to focus your career in, the Industry Employment Projection report predicts which industries will see the most growth by 2020. The three industries that are expected to see the biggest increase of jobs are as follows:
- Construction
The Construction industry in Cleveland is expected to boom over the next six years. In 2010 there were 30,200 construction workers employed and that number is projected to jump to 36,500 by 2020 which is a 20.6% increase. - Professional and Business Services
125,200 workers were employed in the Professional and Business Services industry in 2010, and that number is expected to increase to 149,200 by 2020 for a 19.1% increase. Pulling heavy weight in that category are computer systems design and related services jobs which will see a 39.8% increase and management and technical consulting services at 51.5%. - Education and Health Services
While private educational services will see a 74% decrease in jobs by 2020, health care and social assistance categories will lead the Education and Health Services industry to an 18.5% growth in jobs by 2020.
Employment by Occupation
While the projected job growth of different industries fluctuate, the top occupations of Cleveland workers will remain mostly the same. This is largely due to the fact that administrative, technical, and sales staff are needed within every industry. Here are the top 5 occupations and their predicted employment numbers:
Office and Administrative Support Occupations: 171,000
Sales and Related Occupations: 111,300
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations: 90,700
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations: 89,600
Production Occupations: 87,200
Fastest Growing Occupations
While office, administrative, and sales positions will remain the most widely staffed occupations, they won’t be the fastest growing. The fastest growing occupations, with the exception of market research analysts, are all in the Health Services industry.
Personal and Home Care Aides: 56.8%
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers 38.6%
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists 35.3%
Mental Health Counselors 34.5%
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers 33.0%
Occupations with the Most Annual Openings
The occupations that will have the most annual openings are concentrated in the service and retail industries. This is not surprising since these industries typically have the highest turnover rates and the lowest wages. Here are the five categories and their predicted annual openings:
Registered Nurses: 1239
Cashiers: 1071
Retail Salespersons: 1042
Combined Food Prep Workers, Including Fast Food: 941
Waiters and Waitresses: 861
The Big Picture:
Overall this report is full of good news for the Cleveland economy. Dropping unemployment rates, combined with a projected 9.6% total job growth rate, serve as further proof that the Greater Cleveland job market is expanding. By 2020 Cleveland will be a business center with many thriving industries.
Now is the time to get your foot in the door at the leading companies in Cleveland. Whether you’re in the administrative, construction, technical or health fields, let the experienced recruiters at Area Temps give you access to the hidden job market. From entry level assignments through professional opportunities, we’ll work with you to find the perfect assignment for your skill level. Contact us today to fast track your job search.
