Financial Employment Information
Key phrases in the Handbook
This table explains 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 jobseekers. The descriptions of this relationship in a particular occupation reflects the knowledge and judgment of economists in the Bureau’s Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projections.
Changing employment between
2004 and 2014 |
| If the statement reads: |
Employment is projected to: |
| Grow much faster than average |
Increase 27 percent or more |
| Grow faster than average |
Increase 18 to 26 percent |
| Grow about as fast as average |
Increase 9 to 17 percent |
| Grow more slowly than average |
Increase 0 to 8 percent |
| Decline |
Decrease any amount |
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 |