Located in:
- II. Strategic Elements
The Unified or Combined State Plan must include a Strategic Planning Elements section that analyzes the State’s current economic environment and identifies the State’s overall vision for its workforce development system. The required elements in this section allow the State to develop data-driven goals for preparing an educated and skilled workforce and to identify successful strategies for aligning workforce development programs to support economic growth. Unless otherwise noted, all Strategic Planning Elements apply to Combined State Plan partner programs included in the plan as well as to core programs.
- a. Economic, Workforce, and Workforce Development Activities Analysis
The Unified or Combined State Plan must include an analysis of the economic conditions, economic development strategies, and labor market in which the State’s workforce system and programs will operate.
- a. Economic, Workforce, and Workforce Development Activities Analysis
II. a. 1. A. Economic Analysis
The Unified or Combined State Plan must include an analysis of the economic conditions and trends in the State, including sub-State regions and any specific economic areas identified by the State. This must include—
i. Existing Demand Industry Sectors and Occupations
Provide an analysis of the industries and occupations for which there is existing demand.
ii. Emerging Demand Industry Sectors and Occupations
Provide an analysis of the industries and occupations for which demand is emerging.
iii. Employers’ Employment Needs
With regard to the industry sectors and occupations identified in (A)(i) and (ii), provide an assessment of the employment needs of employers, including a description of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required, including credentials and licenses.
Current Narrative:
In 2014, the Colorado Workforce Development Council (CWDC) convened a data team consisting of data analysts from multiple state agencies. This team included staff from the Labor Market Information unit within the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment along with representatives from the Department of Higher Education, the Department of Education, the Office of Economic Development and International Trade, the Office of State Planning and Budgeting and the State Demography Office at the Department of Local Affairs. The data team spearheaded the development of the first Colorado Talent Pipeline Report and created a common definition for a “top job”in Colorado.
Existing Demand Industry Sectors and Occupations
The table below shows the preliminary distribution of current employment, not seasonally adjusted, by industry for Colorado for October, 2019. Trade, Transportation, and Utilities comprise the largest industry in Colorado, employing 469,800 individuals, accounting for 17.2% of total employment. The second largest industry in the state is Government, employing 445,000 individuals, accounting for 16.3% of total employment. Professional and Business Services combine to form the third largest industry sector in Colorado, employing 425,600 individuals, accounting for 15.6% of the state’s total employment.
| INDUSTRY Total Nonfarm | EMPLOYMENT 2,725,300 |
|---|---|
| Total Private | 2,280,300 |
| Goods Producing | 348,200 |
| Service-Providing | 2,377,100 |
| Private Service Providing | 1,932,100 |
| Mining and Logging | 28,300 |
| Construction | 172,300 |
| Manufacturing | 147,600 |
| Durable Goods | 92,200 |
| NonDurable Goods | 55,500 |
| Trade, Transportation, and Utilities | 469,800 |
| Wholesale Trade | 108,000 |
| Retail Trade | 272,700 |
| Transportation Warehousing and Utilities | 89,000 |
| Information | 74,900 |
| Financial Activities | 170,500 |
| Professional and Business Services | 425,600 |
| Educational and Health Services | 340,600 |
| Leisure and Hospitality | 339,900 |
| Other Services | 110,800 |
| Government | 445,000 |
Source: Colorado Dept. of Labor and Employment, Labor Market Information
The top ten occupations by employment in the following table account for 73% of all jobs and total 2,620,640 jobs in Colorado. While the top four categories have not changed since 2015, there are shifts in the list overall. Office and Administrative Support Occupations employ 14% of the total state population. Sales and Related Occupations as well as Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations account for 11% and 10% of the state’s employment respectively
| SOC CODE | DESCRIPTION | 2018 JOBS | 2018 Avg. HOURLY WAGE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 00-0000 | Total all occupations | 2,620,640 | $26.84 |
| 43-0000 | Office and administrative support | 361,390 | $19.68 |
| 41-0000 | Sales and related | 291,900 | $23.01 |
| 35-0000 | Food preparation and serving-related | 255,250 | $13.12 |
| 13-0000 | Business and financial operations | 190,330 | $37.87 |
| 53-0000 | Transportation and material moving | 150,880 | $20.34 |
| 29-0000 | Healthcare practitioners and technical | 146,200 | $40.35 |
| 25-0000 | Education, training, and library | 143,090 | $26.40 |
| 47-0000 | Construction and extraction | 140,690 | $24.03 |
| 15-0000 | Computer and mathematical | 116,930 | $46.58 |
| 11-0000 | Management | 116,770 | $63.34 |
| 51-0000 | Production | 102,540 | $19.71 |
| 49-0000 | Installation, maintenance, and repair | 101,450 | $24.75 |
| 39-0000 | Personal care and service | 93,270 | $15.01 |
| 37-0000 | Building and grounds cleaning and maintenance | 83,120 | $15.01 |
| 31-0000 | Healthcare support | 65,740 | $17.07 |
| 17-0000 | Architecture and engineering | 61,970 | $43.79 |
| 33-0000 | Protective service | 59,080 | $24.04 |
| 27-0000 | Arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media | 40,640 | $26.55 |
| 21-0000 | Community and social services | 39,470 | $23.98 |
| 19-0000 | Life, physical, and social science | 30,330 | $36.62 |
| 23-0000 | Legal | 22,540 | $54.54 |
| 45-0000 | Farming, fishing, and forestry | 7,050 | $15.60 |
Source: Colorado Dept. of Labor and Employment, Labor Market Information
Emerging Demand Industry Sectors
The table below shows the top 10 industries with the highest annual percent change in Colorado for the 2018-2028 time period.
| Industry | 2018 Estimated Employment | 2028 Projected Employment | Total Annual Percent Change | Total 2018-2028 Employment Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warehousing and Storage | 11,208 | 17,868 | 4.77% | 6,660 |
| Support Activities for Mining | 15,533 | 21,752 | 3.42% | 6,219 |
| Ambulatory Health Care Services | 135,647 | 185,438 | 3.18% | 49,791 |
| Couriers and Messengers | 12,595 | 17,193 | 3.16% | 4,598 |
| Social Assistance | 58,397 | 78,226 | 2.97% | 19,829 |
| Construction of Buildings | 34,703 | 46,283 | 2.92% | 11,580 |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | 224,707 | 294,392 | 2.74% | 69,685 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | 40,869 | 53,235 | 2.68% | 12,366 |
| Specialty Trade Contractors | 113,876 | 145,746 | 2.50% | 31,870 |
| Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction | 24,430 | 31,031 | 2.42% | 6,601 |
Source: Colorado Dept. of Labor and Employment, Labor Market Information
To assess the emerging demand industry sectors, a 10-year projection (2018-2028) was utilized. Of the highest expected growth sectors, the five sectors with the largest gains in total projected employment are:
- Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (+69,685 )
- Ambulatory Health Care Services (+49,791 )
- Specialty Trade Contractors (+31,870 )
- Social Assistance (+19,829 )
- Management of Companies and Enterprises (+12,366)
Emerging Demand Occupations
Using a ten year labor market projections to assess emerging demand occupations lowers the variance of Top Jobs from year to year by creating a stronger measure of long-term economic growth and offers better insights into future opportunities.
More specifically, the Colorado Talent Pipeline Report identified a Top Jobs list for Colorado. The 2019 report uses labor-market projections from the CDLE Office of Labor Market Information to identify jobs that meet three criteria: projected high net annual openings (>40), above-average growth rate over 10 years (>20.5%), and a good wage. The jobs in this report are categorized into two earnings tiers, recognizing that there are many essential jobs that may not typically pay a high wage but are in high demand and/or could lead to a higher-paying in-demand job.
- Tier 1 includes jobs that have median earnings at or above a living wage for a family with two adults (one working) and one child ($25.06/hr.). When controlling for inflation, this is an increase of 56 cents from 2018’s living-wage benchmark.
- Tier 2 includes jobs that meet a living-wage benchmark for an individual (median earnings of $13.19/hr.). When controlling for inflation, this is an increase of 45 cents over the 2018 benchmark.
As the cost of living increases in Colorado, it is important to consider not just jobs, but jobs that pay a sustainable wage. In addition, this report recognizes the clear value in identifying occupations with momentum and demand that could lead to jobs that do not exist today, but will be in high demand in the future.
Tier 1 Top Jobs List, Organized by Occupation Cluster
| SOC | Occupation Title | Median Hourly | Median Annual | 2018-2028 Growth Rate (%) | Annual Avg. Openings | Typical Entry Education Level | Work Experience | Add'l Training |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11-2021 | Marketing managers | $77.82 | $161,875 | 22.8522 | 404 | Bachelor's degree | 5 years or more | None |
| 11-3021 | Computer and information systems managers | $73.93 | $153,783 | 24.0273 | 722 | Bachelor's degree | 5 years or more | None |
| 11-3031 | Financial managers | $70.19 | $145,997 | 30.7116 | 747 | Bachelor's degree | 5 years or more | None |
| 11-3061 | Purchasing managers | $64.82 | $134,819 | 21.0263 | 86 | Bachelor's degree | 5 years or more | None |
| 11-3121 | Human resources managers | $62.44 | $129,875 | 21.8021 | 173 | Bachelor's degree | 5 years or more | None |
| 11-3131 | Training and development managers | $54.58 | $113,532 | 21.9577 | 45 | Bachelor's degree | 5 years or more | None |
| 11-9021 | Construction managers | $42.88 | $89,189 | 27.6941 | 1248 | Bachelor's degree | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 11-9111 | Medical and health services managers | $52.24 | $108,653 | 32.4943 | 586 | Bachelor's degree | Less than 5 years | None |
| 11-9151 | Social and community service managers | $37.85 | $78,719 | 25.3977 | 221 | Bachelor's degree | 5 years or more | None |
| 13-1051 | Cost estimators | $31.86 | $66,265 | 25.2256 | 697 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 13-1111 | Management analysts | $41.62 | $86,560 | 27.6479 | 1410 | Bachelor's degree | Less than 5 years | None |
| 13-1131 | Fundraisers | $26.52 | $55,166 | 22.9008 | 427 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 13-1141 | Compensation, benefits, and job analysis specialists | $33.00 | $68,650 | 20.8497 | 138 | Bachelor's degree | Less than 5 years | None |
| 13-1151 | Training and development specialists | $32.35 | $67,284 | 22.6258 | 770 | Bachelor's degree | Less than 5 years | None |
| 13-1161 | Market research analysts and marketing specialists | $31.44 | $65,401 | 34.5199 | 2507 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 13-2011 | Accountants and auditors | $35.07 | $72,939 | 22.4184 | 4796 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 13-2021 | Appraisers and assessors of real estate | $33.13 | $68,900 | 27.5539 | 246 | Bachelor's degree | None | Long-term on-the-job training |
| 13-2051 | Financial analysts | $43.30 | $90,062 | 21.5241 | 448 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 13-2052 | Personal financial advisors | $40.92 | $85,116 | 23.8171 | 599 | Bachelor's degree | None | Long-term on-the-job training |
| 15-1122 | Information security analysts | $47.16 | $98,093 | 45.0062 | 308 | Bachelor's degree | Less than 5 years | None |
| 15-1132 | Software developers, applications | $50.47 | $104,982 | 43.2992 | 3361 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 15-1133 | Software developers, systems software | $56.42 | $117,350 | 26.7721 | 1479 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 15-1134 | Web developers | $34.31 | $71,362 | 25.8197 | 380 | Associate's degree | None | None |
| 15-1141 | Database administrators | $44.36 | $92,261 | 22.9425 | 254 | Bachelor's degree | Less than 5 years | None |
| 15-1151 | Computer user support specialists | $27.26 | $56,701 | 22.7429 | 1580 | Some college, no degree | None | None |
| 15-1199 | Computer, all other | $48.00 | $99,834 | 21.0087 | 1191 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 15-2031 | Operations research analysts | $40.59 | $84,417 | 39.2405 | 120 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 15-2041 | Statisticians | $39.86 | $82,902 | 42.8571 | 68 | Master's degree | None | None |
| 17-1021 | Cartographers and photogrammetrists | $33.80 | $70,312 | 28.1216 | 100 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 17-1022 | Surveyors | $30.00 | $62,404 | 25.0163 | 158 | Bachelor's degree | Less than 5 years | None |
| 17-2011 | Aerospace engineers | $55.54 | $115,528 | 26.7871 | 243 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 17-2041 | Chemical engineers | $45.55 | $94,738 | 22.576 | 65 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 17-2051 | Civil engineers | $41.73 | $86,805 | 24.4263 | 1005 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 17-2061 | Computer hardware engineers | $55.77 | $116,009 | 20.5154 | 355 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 17-2071 | Electrical engineers | $46.83 | $97,399 | 26.2624 | 383 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 17-2081 | Environmental engineers | $44.36 | $92,272 | 23.9631 | 188 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 17-2111 | Health and safety engineers, except mining safety engineers and inspectors | $47.80 | $99,428 | 22.3913 | 43 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 17-2112 | Industrial engineers | $46.69 | $97,123 | 26.5742 | 341 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 17-2141 | Mechanical engineers | $44.70 | $92,975 | 24.6623 | 544 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 17-2151 | Mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers | $47.56 | $98,922 | 24.0413 | 70 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 17-2171 | Petroleum engineers | $65.66 | $136,582 | 27.0391 | 179 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 17-3011 | Architectural and civil drafters | $27.35 | $56,886 | 22.4498 | 304 | Associate's degree | None | None |
| 17-3012 | Electrical and electronics drafters | $26.89 | $55,938 | 23.7189 | 80 | Associate's degree | None | None |
| 17-3013 | Mechanical drafters | $29.19 | $60,713 | 20.9081 | 107 | Associate's degree | None | None |
| 17-3022 | Civil engineering technicians | $26.93 | $56,011 | 23.8129 | 167 | Associate's degree | None | None |
| 17-3025 | Environmental engineering technicians | $28.74 | $59,788 | 23.4501 | 44 | Associate's degree | None | None |
| 19-1021 | Biochemists and biophysicists | $33.28 | $69,232 | 27.3885 | 58 | Doctoral or professional degree | None | None |
| 19-1042 | Medical scientists, except epidemiologists | $28.53 | $59,349 | 22.7348 | 139 | Doctoral or professional degree | None | None |
| 19-2021 | Atmospheric and space scientists | $44.42 | $92,397 | 34.3732 | 197 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 19-2041 | Environmental scientists and specialists, including health | $41.44 | $86,190 | 23.9803 | 433 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 19-2042 | Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers | $43.96 | $91,435 | 25.3448 | 295 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 19-2043 | Hydrologists | $43.42 | $90,305 | 23.991 | 56 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 19-3031 | Clinical, counseling, and school psychologists | $40.58 | $84,406 | 23.4458 | 371 | Doctoral or professional degree | None | Internship/residency |
| 19-3051 | Urban and regional planners | $36.01 | $74,898 | 21.8573 | 97 | Master's degree | None | None |
| 19-4092 | Forensic science technicians | $30.23 | $62,872 | 27.1955 | 56 | Bachelor's degree | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 21-1013 | Marriage and family therapists | $31.30 | $65,108 | 35.4467 | 108 | Master's degree | None | Internship/residency |
| 21-1019 | Counselors, all other | $25.28 | $52,573 | 24.7839 | 49 | Master's degree | None | None |
| 21-1091 | Health educators | $26.46 | $55,032 | 26.6085 | 148 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 21-2011 | Clergy | $26.24 | $54,582 | 26.5924 | 94 | Bachelor's degree | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 23-1011 | Lawyers | $61.09 | $127,068 | 20.5504 | 1017 | Doctoral or professional degree | None | None |
| 23-2011 | Paralegals and legal assistants | $27.26 | $56,710 | 28.8428 | 910 | Associate's degree | None | None |
| 27-2012 | Producers and directors | $28.28 | $58,831 | 20.7939 | 258 | Bachelor's degree | Less than 5 years | None |
| 27-3042 | Technical writers | $36.94 | $76,827 | 25.2915 | 178 | Bachelor's degree | Less than 5 years | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 27-3091 | Interpreters and translators | $28.62 | $59,539 | 37.6617 | 299 | Bachelor's degree | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 29-1021 | Dentists, general | $63.02 | $131,084 | 25.3086 | 150 | Doctoral or professional degree | None | None |
| 29-1031 | Dietitians and nutritionists | $28.67 | $59,632 | 23.2177 | 93 | Bachelor's degree | None | Internship/residency |
| 29-1041 | Optometrists | $63.07 | $131,181 | 23.8616 | 62 | Doctoral or professional degree | None | None |
| 29-1071 | Physician assistants | $49.55 | $103,069 | 51.1261 | 365 | Master's degree | None | None |
| 29-1122 | Occupational therapists | $41.70 | $86,745 | 30.5455 | 261 | Master's degree | None | None |
| 29-1123 | Physical therapists | $39.16 | $81,461 | 39.1667 | 480 | Doctoral or professional degree | None | None |
| 29-1126 | Respiratory therapists | $29.90 | $62,199 | 40.507 | 186 | Associate's degree | None | None |
| 29-1127 | Speech-language pathologists | $41.86 | $87,076 | 23.9087 | 277 | Master's degree | None | None |
| 29-1131 | Veterinarians | $43.57 | $90,627 | 34.0474 | 200 | Doctoral or professional degree | None | None |
| 29-1141 | Registered nurses | $35.03 | $72,868 | 28.9758 | 4422 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 29-1171 | Nurse practitioners | $50.75 | $105,555 | 48.6599 | 311 | Master's degree | None | None |
| 29-1199 | Health diagnosing and treating practitioners, all other | $27.19 | $56,564 | 32.6294 | 133 | Master's degree | None | None |
| 29-2011 | Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists | $33.26 | $69,186 | 24.6629 | 262 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 29-2021 | Dental hygienists | $41.75 | $86,845 | 25.1145 | 457 | Associate's degree | None | None |
| 29-2031 | Cardiovascular technologists and technicians | $33.17 | $69,000 | 25.6757 | 49 | Associate's degree | None | None |
| 29-2032 | Diagnostic medical sonographers | $40.70 | $84,661 | 37.4473 | 93 | Associate's degree | None | None |
| 29-2034 | Radiologic technologists and technicians | $30.83 | $64,125 | 24.9095 | 295 | Associate's degree | None | None |
| 29-2055 | Surgical technologists | $25.49 | $53,023 | 27.9927 | 191 | Postsecondary non-degree award | None | None |
| 29-9011 | Occupational health and safety specialists | $38.28 | $79,629 | 21.8417 | 137 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 31-2011 | Occupational therapy assistants | $27.14 | $56,445 | 27.7003 | 96 | Associate's degree | None | None |
| 31-2021 | Physical therapist assistants | $27.06 | $56,284 | 35.7945 | 217 | Associate's degree | None | None |
| 47-1011 | First-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction work | $33.32 | $69,301 | 29.2899 | 2385 | High school diploma or equivalent | 5 years or more | None |
| 47-2021 | Brickmasons and blockmasons | $26.67 | $55,484 | 27.1563 | 288 | High school diploma or equivalent | None | Apprenticeship |
| 47-2111 | Electricians | $26.43 | $54,980 | 26.5272 | 2934 | High school diploma or equivalent | None | Apprenticeship |
| 47-4011 | Construction and building inspectors | $31.28 | $65,071 | 21.6116 | 336 | High school diploma or equivalent | 5 years or more | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 47-4021 | Elevator installers and repairers | $36.90 | $76,760 | 29.6984 | 70 | High school diploma or equivalent | None | Apprenticeship |
| 47-5011 | Derrick operators, oil and gas | $25.53 | $53,095 | 40.9574 | 68 | No formal educational credential | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 49-2098 | Security and fire alarm systems installers | $26.59 | $55,305 | 23.1275 | 217 | High school diploma or equivalent | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 49-3043 | Rail car repairers | $28.00 | $58,234 | 21.9388 | 50 | High school diploma or equivalent | None | Long-term on-the-job training |
| 49-9044 | Millwrights | $25.13 | $52,279 | 22.6601 | 49 | High school diploma or equivalent | None | Apprenticeship |
| 49-9051 | Electrical power-line installers and repairers | $40.66 | $84,570 | 20.5279 | 290 | High school diploma or equivalent | None | Long-term on-the-job training |
| 51-8021 | Stationary engineers and boiler operators | $27.91 | $58,050 | 22.1093 | 107 | High school diploma or equivalent | None | Long-term on-the-job training |
| 53-1021 | First-Line Supervisors of Helpers, Laborers, and Material Movers, | $25.07 | $52,147 | 24.836 | 295 | High school diploma or equivalent | Less than 5 years | None |
| 53-7021 | Crane and tower operators | $25.73 | $53,517 | 21.6797 | 70 | High school diploma or equivalent | Less than 5 years | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
Tier 2 Top Jobs List, Organized by Occupation Cluster
| SOC | Occupation Title | Median Hourly | Median Annual | 2018-2028 Growth Rate (%) | Annual Avg. Openings | Typical Entry Education Level | Work Experience | Add'l Training |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13-1121 | Meeting, convention, and event planners | $23.18 | $48,210 | 20.6158 | 588 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 19-4091 | Environmental science and protection technicians, including health | $22.85 | $47,519 | 27.7476 | 146 | Associate's degree | None | None |
| 21-1011 | Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors | $20.03 | $41,663 | 31.6527 | 267 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 21-1012 | Educational, guidance, school, and vocational counselors | $23.88 | $49,667 | 21.3313 | 612 | Master's degree | None | None |
| 21-1014 | Mental Health Counselors | $23.45 | $48,787 | 30.6396 | 898 | Master's degree | None | Internship/residency |
| 21-1021 | Child, family, and school social workers | $22.67 | $47,157 | 23.4742 | 962 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 21-1022 | Healthcare social workers | $24.28 | $50,500 | 30.9055 | 369 | Master's degree | None | None |
| 21-1023 | Mental health and substance abuse social workers | $21.85 | $45,438 | 30.7107 | 286 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 21-1093 | Social and human service assistants | $16.87 | $35,080 | 24.1859 | 422 | High school diploma or equivalent | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 21-1094 | Community health workers | $18.67 | $38,833 | 27.7849 | 128 | High school diploma or equivalent | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 21-1099 | Community and social service specialists, all other | $17.54 | $36,477 | 24.892 | 552 | Master's degree | None | None |
| 25-3021 | Self-enrichment education teachers | $17.93 | $37,293 | 25.4063 | 858 | High school diploma or equivalent | Less than 5 years | None |
| 29-1128 | Exercise physiologists | $22.90 | $47,622 | 25.9939 | 57 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 29-2012 | Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians | $20.37 | $42,366 | 26.3716 | 205 | Associate's degree | None | None |
| 29-2041 | Emergency medical technicians and paramedics | $18.41 | $38,303 | 23.8851 | 417 | Postsecondary non-degree award | None | None |
| 29-2056 | Veterinary technologists and technicians | $17.34 | $36,065 | 35.8832 | 525 | Associate's degree | None | None |
| 29-2057 | Ophthalmic medical technicians | $17.77 | $36,962 | 25.4797 | 105 | Postsecondary non-degree award | None | None |
| 29-2071 | Medical records and health information technicians | $22.59 | $46,997 | 25.9966 | 272 | Postsecondary non-degree award | None | None |
| 29-2099 | Health technologists and technicians, all other | $20.61 | $42,877 | 29.3661 | 293 | High school diploma or equivalent | None | None |
| 31-1014 | Nursing assistants | $15.38 | $31,996 | 22.6368 | 2996 | Postsecondary non-degree award | None | None |
| 31-1015 | Orderlies | $14.07 | $29,257 | 23.5955 | 65 | High school diploma or equivalent | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 31-2022 | Physical therapist aides | $14.63 | $30,420 | 37.2428 | 85 | High school diploma or equivalent | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 31-9011 | Massage therapists | $22.00 | $45,752 | 39.9933 | 1438 | Postsecondary non-degree award | None | None |
| 31-9091 | Dental assistants | $19.31 | $40,166 | 25.1914 | 1076 | Postsecondary non-degree award | None | None |
| 31-9092 | Medical assistants | $17.13 | $35,640 | 37.5617 | 1746 | Postsecondary non-degree award | None | None |
| 31-9093 | Medical equipment preparers | $18.82 | $39,156 | 25.9363 | 176 | High school diploma or equivalent | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 31-9096 | Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers | $14.29 | $29,713 | 35.4839 | 126 | High school diploma or equivalent | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 31-9097 | Phlebotomists | $16.89 | $35,125 | 38.1194 | 281 | Postsecondary non-degree award | None | None |
| 35-2014 | Cooks, restaurant | $13.68 | $28,462 | 22.6184 | 5755 | No formal educational credential | Less than 5 years | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 39-2011 | Animal trainers | $13.20 | $27,459 | 24.2245 | 100 | High school diploma or equivalent | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 43-3021 | Billing and posting clerks and machine operators | $18.98 | $39,487 | 25.6654 | 945 | High school diploma or equivalent | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 43-4181 | Reservation and transportation ticket agents and travel clerks | $18.33 | $38,127 | 21.222 | 331 | High school diploma or equivalent | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 43-5011 | Cargo and freight agents | $20.05 | $41,699 | 23.796 | 81 | High school diploma or equivalent | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 43-5021 | Couriers and messengers | $14.77 | $30,721 | 38.6515 | 218 | High school diploma or equivalent | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 47-2022 | Stonemasons | $19.01 | $39,543 | 25 | 46 | High school diploma or equivalent | None | Apprenticeship |
| 47-2031 | Carpenters | $22.86 | $47,554 | 25.3971 | 2882 | High school diploma or equivalent | None | Apprenticeship |
| 47-2041 | Carpet installers | $22.04 | $45,845 | 27.8195 | 49 | No formal educational credential | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 47-2043 | Floor sanders and finishers | $16.18 | $33,663 | 28.1609 | 43 | No formal educational credential | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 47-2044 | Tile and marble setters | $19.21 | $39,954 | 24.9313 | 173 | No formal educational credential | None | Long-term on-the-job training |
| 47-2051 | Cement masons and concrete finishers | $21.61 | $44,956 | 28.2694 | 910 | No formal educational credential | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 47-2061 | Construction laborers | $17.05 | $35,466 | 25.093 | 4207 | No formal educational credential | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 47-2071 | Paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators | $21.78 | $45,304 | 21.4112 | 329 | High school diploma or equivalent | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 47-2073 | Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators | $23.78 | $49,456 | 25.7648 | 1582 | High school diploma or equivalent | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 47-2121 | Glaziers | $22.68 | $47,179 | 26.648 | 221 | High school diploma or equivalent | None | Apprenticeship |
| 47-2132 | Insulation workers, mechanical | $20.46 | $42,551 | 26.5606 | 118 | High school diploma or equivalent | None | Apprenticeship |
| 47-2151 | Pipelayers | $20.07 | $41,749 | 29.721 | 139 | No formal educational credential | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 47-2152 | Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters | $24.95 | $51,894 | 33.3302 | 1656 | High school diploma or equivalent | None | Apprenticeship |
| 47-2171 | Reinforcing iron and rebar workers | $22.08 | $45,928 | 30.1587 | 55 | High school diploma or equivalent | None | Apprenticeship |
| 47-2181 | Roofers | $19.55 | $40,663 | 28.9604 | 620 | No formal educational credential | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 47-2211 | Sheet metal workers | $21.21 | $44,110 | 27.6755 | 544 | High school diploma or equivalent | None | Apprenticeship |
| 47-2221 | Structural iron and steel workers | $24.18 | $50,300 | 28.73 | 213 | High school diploma or equivalent | None | Apprenticeship |
| 47-3011 | Helpers--brickmasons, blockmasons, stonemasons, and tile and marble setters | $17.92 | $37,271 | 29.4011 | 104 | No formal educational credential | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 47-3012 | Helpers--carpenters | $16.71 | $34,765 | 29.8413 | 59 | No formal educational credential | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 47-3013 | Helpers--electricians | $17.68 | $36,782 | 27.4272 | 76 | High school diploma or equivalent | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 47-3015 | Helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters | $16.33 | $33,971 | 36.9628 | 71 | High school diploma or equivalent | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 47-4031 | Fence erectors | $16.21 | $33,719 | 28.3308 | 100 | No formal educational credential | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 47-4041 | Hazardous materials removal workers | $19.68 | $40,927 | 23.0402 | 227 | High school diploma or equivalent | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 47-4071 | Septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners | $21.49 | $44,689 | 20.6107 | 82 | No formal educational credential | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 47-4099 | Construction and Related Workers, All Other | $17.12 | $35,622 | 28.5217 | 169 | High school diploma or equivalent | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 47-5012 | Rotary drill operators, oil and gas | $24.13 | $50,183 | 40.7155 | 214 | No formal educational credential | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 47-5013 | Service unit operators, oil, gas, and mining | $22.90 | $47,639 | 35.1922 | 410 | No formal educational credential | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 47-5021 | Earth drillers, except oil and gas | $23.91 | $49,733 | 29.3805 | 84 | High school diploma or equivalent | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 47-5071 | Roustabouts, oil and gas | $20.57 | $42,788 | 37.3613 | 603 | No formal educational credential | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 47-5081 | Helpers--extraction workers | $17.29 | $35,973 | 33.82 | 72 | High school diploma or equivalent | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 49-2092 | Electric motor, power tool, and related repairers | $22.05 | $45,856 | 20.7612 | 71 | Postsecondary non-degree award | None | Long-term on-the-job training |
| 49-2097 | Electronic home entertainment equipment installers and repairers | $20.44 | $42,515 | 21.4719 | 178 | Postsecondary non-degree award | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 49-3091 | Bicycle repairers | $14.44 | $30,038 | 27.2578 | 102 | High school diploma or equivalent | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 49-9011 | Mechanical door repairers | $20.57 | $42,789 | 20.9713 | 94 | High school diploma or equivalent | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 49-9021 | Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers | $24.94 | $51,880 | 32.7294 | 844 | Postsecondary non-degree award | None | Long-term on-the-job training |
| 53-1011 | Aircraft cargo handling supervisors | $23.87 | $49,654 | 24.5098 | 43 | High school diploma or equivalent | Less than 5 years | None |
| 53-3033 | Light truck or delivery services drivers | $16.98 | $35,319 | 22.3986 | 2827 | High school diploma or equivalent | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 53-6099 | Transportation workers, all other | $23.16 | $48,165 | 23.3079 | 331 | High school diploma or equivalent | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 53-7051 | Industrial truck and tractor operators | $16.91 | $35,178 | 21.7904 | 1314 | No formal educational credential | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 53-7062 | Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand | $14.54 | $30,244 | 21.1408 | 6037 | No formal educational credential | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
Tier 1
Occupations that are part of the Tier 1 list (high growth rates, high annual openings, and pay a living wage for a family of three) overwhelmingly require education or training beyond high school for entry into the field. When measured by job openings, 93 percent typically demand some level of postsecondary education or training, ranging from one-year-or-longer programs that combine OJT and coursework and graduate-level degrees. Nine percent of job openings are for middle-skill jobs - a job that typically requires additional education or training beyond a high school diploma, but less than a bachelor’s degree - in fields like IT, healthcare, and the skilled trades. At the same time, a paradigm shift is underway, with employers increasingly recognizing the need to look for required competencies rather than simply defaulting to certain degree requirements. As WBL opportunities expand, more Top Jobs may be filled by individuals with these types of OJT experiences.
Tier 1 Top Jobs - Projected Annual Openings by Typical Education Needed for Entry
| Education | Number of Openings | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree | 33585 | 67.11% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 7091 | 14.17% |
| Associate's degree | 3385 | 6.76% |
| Doctoral or professional degree | 2477 | 4.95% |
| Master's degree | 1669 | 3.33% |
| Some college, no degree | 1580 | 3.16% |
| Postsecondary non-degree award | 191 | 0.38% |
| No formal educational credential | 68 | 0.14% |
Tier 2
For occupations that are on the Tier 2 list (high growth rates, high annual openings, and pay a living wage for an individual), less than half (45 percent) typically require formal postsecondary education/training for entry into employment. For jobs that call for education and/or training beyond high school, most are considered middle-skill jobs. Middle-skill jobs on this list are concentrated in the skilled trades and health care support positions. Here, occupations that expect a bachelor’s or graduate degree tend to be in education, counseling, or social services.
Tier 2 Top Jobs - Projected Annual Openings by Typical Education Needed for Entry
| TIER 2 | Number of Opening per Education | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| No formal educational credential | 20819 | 40.60% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 15570 | 30.36% |
| Postsecondary non-degree award | 9424 | 18.38% |
| Master's degree | 2431 | 4.74% |
| Bachelor's degree | 2160 | 4.21% |
| Associate's degree | 876 | 1.71% |
Employers’ Employment Needs
For the occupations identified in Colorado’s “Top Jobs” list, 64% require a credential beyond high school with 86% of Tier 1 jobs requiring an associate’s degree or higher. However, our labor force is not adequately prepared or trained for these top jobs, with just 57 % of Coloradans holding a credential beyond high school. This suggests that Colorado has a need for multiple strategies to ensure people have opportunities for education and training, especially in nontraditional pathways.
Although top jobs and other occupations can be cross-industry, there are required skills that are common across occupations. The 2019 Colorado Talent Pipeline Report identified the top 10 essential skills that are found in job postings in Colorado. In contrast to technical (i.e., hard) skills that are specific measurable abilities, essential skills are more general personal qualities that help facilitate interactions with others. Often these skills are associated with workplace readiness. These nuanced qualities are transportable across industries (i.e., management, customer service), thus making them valuable for all individuals. The top ten essential skills include:
- Management
- Customer Service
- Sales
- Communication
- Operations
- Leadership
- Innovation
- Valid Driver’s License
- Problem Solving
- Presentations
The top ten technical (i.e., hard) skills across all occupations include:
- Restaurant Operation
- Merchandising
- Accounting
- Nursing
- Selling Techniques
- Auditing
- Customer Experience
- Basic Life Support
- Customer Relationship Management
- Agile Software Development
In addition to identifying skills required to perform in an occupation, it is important to provide upskilling opportunities for employees because new technology is causing a shift in how work is being done, creating opportunities for workers to be more productive and efficient. However, this means that workers’ knowledge, skills, and abilities need to ensure they are digitally literate, agile, and can keep up with the continuously shifting nature of work.