The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a division of the U.S. Department of Labor, is “the principal fact-finding agency for the Federal Government in the broad field of labor economics and statistics.” For job seekers the BLS databases contain valuable detailed information about virtually every aspect of the current and future job market. The bureau’s data is available free of charge.
BLS Database Covers all Occupations and Professions
Among the dozens of databases on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website, the “National Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates” is an especially rich resource for job seekers. Here any one looking for a job can learn what various occupations pay both hourly and annually. This pay information is compiled from virtually every industry and profession. Each occupational category is broken down into very specific job categories.
For example, clicking on Health Professions will expand this broad category into dozens of specific health-related occupations such as health care worker, home health aide, and the like, with detailed pay information for each. If a person searches under “Healthcare Support Occupations” he or she will learn that home health aides on average make between $9.84-$10.31 and hour and earn a mean annual salary of $21,440.
Which Local Jobs Pay Best?
A related BLS database, "Wages by Area and Occupation," tell job seekers what regions of the country may offer the best employment opportunities. These wage data are very specific, organized by regions of the country (New England, Mid-Atlantic, Pacific, et al.) and by states. Also identified in the database are more than 370 metropolitan areas such as San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, the famous Silicon Valley, and Philadelphia, PA.
A quick look at this database will show, for example, that home health care aides in Huntsville, AL, earn about $18,150 whereas the same job in Anchorage, AK, pays on average $27,470. Of course, there is a pronounced difference in the cost of living between Alabama and Alaska, but this basic wage data can be an invaluable tool for anyone seeking a job or looking for new work opportunities.
Finding Job Growth Opportunities
Another extremely valuable database is the BSL’s “Occupational Outlook Quarterly.” These periodic reports project job needs for the next ten years, which jobs are likely to be most in demand. For example, the spring report 2010 predicts substantial growth in human resources occupations because of the growing need for business to retain and re-train employees.
This report is also bullish on healthcare jobs generally. “When it comes to employment,” says the report, “one of the healthiest occupational groups is…well, healthcare.” This is helpful guidance for job seekers looking to be re-trained for future employment options.
A Rich Source of Guidance for Younger Job Seekers
The information stored on the Bureau of Labor Statistic website is especially helpful for young people just entering the work force. Because the BLS projects job availability a decade ahead, it’s also a valuable resource for college students who may still be wavering in their choice of an area of study. The BSL data is used by community colleges and other training institutions to shape their course offerings to meet future job demand.
Whether it’s a laid off worker trying to find sales jobs, a young person just entering the work force looking for entry level jobs or online jobs, or a student who is still several years from full-time employment, the Bureau of Labor Statistics is an extraordinary resource – and it’s free.
Richard Methia - RICHARD A. METHIA Dick is an author, educator, trainer, and professional speaker with a career spanning more than forty years. In his ...
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