Articles - Fall 2007 - return to index
Where the Jobs Are:
Service Sector Skyrockets
Of the 240,000 new jobs forecast to be generated statewide in the next 10 years, the majority will be service oriented, according to the Oregon Employment Department.
The top six sectors that offer many service-related jobs are:
- Business and professional
- Health and education
- Trade, transportation and utilities
- Leisure and hospitality
- Government
- Construction
One of every three new jobs created nationwide in the coming years will be in either health care or social assistance, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In Oregon, the trend is similar. The business and professional industry, which includes architectural, engineering and legal services, provides many new high-wage job opportunities for Oregonians. With businesses relying more and more on computers, there will be a large need for workers trained in maintaining networks, managing databases, developing software and offering technology expertise.
An increase in jobs in leisure and hospitality will stem from public participation in arts, entertainment, and recreation-reflecting rising incomes, leisure time, and awareness of the health benefits of physical fitness. Growth is expected to be brisk in the full-service restaurants segment in Oregon.
Most of the new jobs forecast for Oregon and the nation require specific skill sets or education. A bachelor’s or associate degree is critical to landing a job in the following 12 of the 20 fastest growing occupations:
- Network systems and data communications analysts
- Physician assistants
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Computer software engineers and applicators - Physical therapist assistants
- Dental hygienists
- Computer software and systems software engineers
- Network and computer systems administrators
- Database administrators
- Forensic science technicians
- Veterinary technologists and technicians
- Diagnostic medical sonographers
- Occupational therapist assistants
-Excerpted from an article courtesy of Oregon Employment Department
