As workforce development professionals, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projections for 2024–34 give us a decade-long view of where jobs are expected to grow, where they’re likely to shrink, and what that implies for training, planning, and employer engagement.
Here’s the bottom-line:
• Overall job growth will be modest. The U.S. economy is projected to add about 5.2 million jobs between 2024 and 2034, which translates to roughly 3.1% growth — much slower than the previous decade. This is due to slower population and labor force growth alongside broader economic trends. Bureau of Labor Statistics+1
• Healthcare and tech-related sectors will drive much of the growth. Sectors like healthcare and social assistance and professional, scientific, and technical services are projected to contribute a large share of new jobs. Bureau of Labor Statistics
• Not all sectors will expand. Several industries — including retail trade, manufacturing, and certain administrative support jobs — are projected to see employment declines. Bureau of Labor Statistics
• Occupational demand varies significantly. On the occupational side, roles in healthcare support, computer and mathematical occupations, and healthcare practitioners are among those with above-average projected growth. Meanwhile, jobs in office support and production are expected to contract. Bureau of Labor Statistics
• Job openings will still be plentiful. Even in occupations with slow growth, large numbers of openings will occur because of retirements and workers changing careers. National data show about 19 million total openings per year on average when replacement needs are counted. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Why this matters for workforce development
These projections aren’t short-term hiring forecasts. They’re structural signals — broad patterns of where demand may be concentrated over the next decade. For workforce systems and partners, here’s how they can be practical:
• Translate numbers into local strategies. Regional economies don’t always mirror national patterns exactly. Use these projections as a starting point along with local labor market data and direct employer engagement.
• Focus training on growing clusters and skill sets. Health-related occupations and technology-related roles are consistent areas of projected expansion. That suggests continued emphasis on credentials, apprenticeship pathways, and stackable learning tied to these domains.
• Account for both growth and replacement needs. A focus only on fastest-growing occupations misses a big piece of demand. Programs that address retirements and turnover — especially in caregiving and mid-skill roles — will be important.
• Support transitions from declining work. Some occupational segments are shrinking or transforming. Effective workforce pathways include supports for workers moving from contracting areas into in-demand roles.
• Communicate clearly with learners and partners. Percent change figures — like “healthcare support projected to grow by 12%” — can be abstract. Translating those into actual job counts, local relevance, and real training opportunities helps learners and employers make informed decisions.
If you want to dig into the full technical article and data tables from BLS, you can read the full report here:
https://www.bls.gov/opub/mlr/2026/article/industry-and-occupational-employment-projections-overview.htm (BLS Monthly Labor Review)