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 November, 2021. Trade, Transportation, and Utilities comprise the largest industry in Colorado, employing 502,000 individuals, accounting for 18.1% of total employment. The second largest industry in the state is Professional and Business Services, employing 456,500 individuals, accounting for 16.5% of total employment. Government sector jobs combine to form the third largest industry sector in Colorado, employing 451,800 individuals, accounting for 16.3% of the state’s total employment.
| INDUSTRY Total Nonfarm | EMPLOYMENT 2,770,500 |
|---|---|
| Total Private | 2,318,700 |
| Service-Providing | 2,429,200 |
| Private Service Providing | 1,977,400 |
| Trade, Transportation, and Utilities | 502,000 |
| Professional and Business Services | 456,500 |
| Government | 451,800 |
| Educational and Health Services | 343,900 |
| Goods Producing | 341,300 |
| Leisure and Hospitality | 313,900 |
| Retail Trade | 277,200 |
| Mining, Logging and Construction | 193,200 |
| Financial Activities | 176,200 |
| Construction | 173,100 |
| Manufacturing | 148,100 |
| Transportation Warehousing and Utilities | 113,500 |
| Wholesale Trade | 111,300 |
| Other Services | 111,000 |
| Durable Goods | 90,500 |
| Information | 73,900 |
| NonDurable Goods | 57,600 |
| Mining and Logging | 20,100 |
Source: Colorado Dept. of Labor and Employment, Labor Market Information
In 2020, the occupational groups with the most workers were Office and Administrative Support (314,260 workers), Sales and Related Occupations (268,680), and Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations (215,880). These three groups accounted for 31 percent of total covered employment. Management occupations had the highest average wage, while food preparation and serving related occupations had the lowest (see the table below).
The top ten occupations by employment in the following table account for 72.7% of all jobs and total 2,578,000 jobs in Colorado during 2020. While the top three categories have not changed since 2015, there are shifts in the list overall. Office and Administrative Support Occupations employ 12.2% of the total state population. Sales and Related Occupations as well as Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations account for 10.4% and 8.4% of the state’s employment respectively.
| SOC CODE | SOC TITLE | EMPLOYMENT | MEAN HOURLY |
|---|---|---|---|
| 00-0000 | Total all occupations | 2,678,490 | $27.73 |
| 43-0000 | Management | 325,200 | $20.65 |
| 41-0000 | Business and financial operations | 287,130 | $24.35 |
| 35-0000 | Computer and mathematical | 259,440 | $13.81 |
| 13-0000 | Architecture and engineering | 207,380 | $39.11 |
| 53-0000 | Life, physical, and social science | 195,980 | $20.22 |
| 29-0000 | Community and social service | 144,680 | $40.64 |
| 25-0000 | Legal | 143,990 | $27.04 |
| 47-0000 | Educational instruction and library | 143,530 | $24.76 |
| 15-0000 | Arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media | 123,040 | $47.23 |
| 11-0000 | Healthcare practitioners and technical | 118,210 | $64.75 |
| 51-0000 | Healthcare support | 105,080 | $20.38 |
| 49-0000 | Protective service | 104,660 | $25.21 |
| 31-0000 | Food preparation and serving related | 95,560 | $16.42 |
| 37-0000 | Building and grounds cleaning and maintenance | 84,190 | $15.56 |
| 39-0000 | Personal care and service | 70,150 | $16.53 |
| 17-0000 | Sales and related | 64,100 | $45.23 |
| 33-0000 | Office and administrative support | 60,210 | $24.69 |
| 27-0000 | Farming, fishing, and forestry | 42,270 | $27.25 |
| 21-0000 | Construction and extraction | 40,810 | $24.96 |
| 19-0000 | Installation, maintenance, and repair | 32,050 | $38.67 |
| 23-0000 | Production | 23,830 | $56.93 |
| 45-0000 | Transportation and material moving | 7,010 | $16.10 |
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 | 2020 Estimated Employment | 2028 Projected Employment | Total 2020-2030 Employment Change | Total Annual Percent Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Warehousing | 89,919 | 128,010 | 38,091 | 3.6% |
| Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | 44,404 | 62,806 | 18,402 | 3.5% |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | 239,231 | 337,172 | 97,941 | 3.5% |
| Accommodation and Food Services | 227,796 | 306,683 | 78,887 | 3.0% |
| Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting | 20,047 | 26,862 | 6,815 | 3.0% |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | 334,109 | 433,313 | 99,204 | 2.6% |
| Construction | 174,710 | 219,916 | 45,206 | 2.3% |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | 41,982 | 51,495 | 9,513 | 2.1% |
| Mining | 21,595 | 26,388 | 4,793 | 2.0% |
| Services | 149,396 | 178,443 | 29,047 | 1.8% |
Source: Colorado Dept. of Labor and Employment, Labor Market Information
To assess the emerging demand industry sectors, a 10-year projection (2020-2030) was utilized. Of the highest expected growth sectors, the five sectors with the largest gains in total projected employment are:
Health Care and Social Assistance
- Health Care and Social Assistance (+99,204)
- Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (+97,941 )
- Accommodation and Food Services (+78,887 )
- Construction (+45,206 )
- Transportation and Warehousing (+38,091 )
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 2021 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 (>20.4%), 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 ($31.19/hr.). When controlling for inflation, this is an increase of $6.31 from 2020’s living-wage benchmark.
- Tier 2 includes jobs that meet a living-wage benchmark for an individual (median earnings of $16.35/hr.). When controlling for inflation, this is an increase of $3.44 over the 2020 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 CODE | OCCUPATION TITLE | MEDIAN HOURLY WAGE | MEDIAN SALARY | 2020-2030 Growth Rate (% Change) | Openings Per Year | Typical Education Attainment | Work Experience | Additional Job Training |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11-1021 | General and Operations Managers | $58.46 | $121,607.00 | 23.3 | 4065 | Bachelor's degree | 5 years or more | None |
| 11-2011 | Advertising and Promotions Managers | $76.99 | $160,139.00 | 24.3 | 62 | Bachelor's degree | Less than 5 years | None |
| 11-2021 | Marketing Managers | $79.17 | $164,674.00 | 25.5 | 455 | Bachelor's degree | 5 years or more | None |
| 11-2022 | Sales Managers | $74.96 | $155,925.00 | 20.9 | 576 | Bachelor's degree | Less than 5 years | None |
| 11-2030 | Public Relations and Fundraising Managers | $62.73 | $130,469.00 | 19.1 | 130 | Bachelor's degree | 5 years or more | None |
| 11-3010 | Administrative Services and Facilities Managers | $55.98 | $116,436.00 | 18.5 | 262 | Bachelor's degree | Less than 5 years | None |
| 11-3021 | Computer and Information Systems Managers | $78.03 | $162,311.00 | 30.4 | 887 | Bachelor's degree | 5 years or more | None |
| 11-3031 | Financial Managers | $75.52 | $157,085.00 | 29.8 | 809 | Bachelor's degree | 5 years or more | None |
| 11-3051 | Industrial Production Managers | $63.32 | $131,697.00 | 12.7 | 92 | Bachelor's degree | 5 years or more | None |
| 11-3061 | Purchasing Managers | $69.57 | $144,700.00 | 17.4 | 89 | Bachelor's degree | 5 years or more | None |
| 11-3071 | Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers | $51.57 | $107,274.00 | 21.9 | 160 | High School diploma or equivalent | 5 years or more | None |
| 11-3121 | Human Resources Managers | $65.58 | $136,415.00 | 24.5 | 208 | Bachelor's degree | 5 years or more | None |
| 11-3131 | Training and Development Managers | $57.74 | $120,106.00 | 26.5 | 61 | Bachelor's degree | 5 years or more | None |
| 11-9013 | Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers | $31.90 | $66,349.00 | 21.2 | 1449 | High School diploma or equivalent | 5 years or more | None |
| 11-9021 | Construction Managers | $47.11 | $97,995.00 | 17.1 | 1377 | Bachelor's degree | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 11-9033 | Education Administrators, Postsecondary | $44.47 | $92,493.00 | 21.3 | 179 | Master's degree | Less than 5 years | None |
| 11-9041 | Architectural and Engineering Managers | $80.22 | $166,856.00 | 21.2 | 303 | Bachelor's degree | 5 years or more | None |
| 11-9081 | Lodging Managers | $39.94 | $83,066.00 | 21.7 | 150 | High School diploma or equivalent | Less than 5 years | None |
| 11-9111 | Medical and Health Services Managers | $52.45 | $109,104.00 | 31 | 666 | Bachelor's degree | Less than 5 years | None |
| 11-9121 | Natural Sciences Managers | $64.92 | $135,036.00 | 14.1 | 100 | Bachelor's degree | 5 years or more | None |
| 11-9141 | Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers | $37.82 | $78,670.00 | 13.8 | 260 | High School diploma or equivalent | Less than 5 years | None |
| 11-9151 | Social and Community Service Managers | $40.13 | $83,472.00 | 24.5 | 194 | Bachelor's degree | Less than 5 years | None |
| 13-1041 | Compliance Officers | $33.77 | $70,237.00 | 19.9 | 723 | Bachelor's degree | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 13-1051 | Cost Estimators | $33.51 | $69,692.00 | 22.8 | 645 | Bachelor's degree | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 13-1071 | Human Resources Specialists | $33.00 | $68,649.00 | 21.1 | 1693 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 13-1081 | Logisticians | $38.71 | $80,522.00 | 19.2 | 394 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 13-1111 | Management Analysts | $45.81 | $95,287.00 | 29.5 | 1744 | Bachelor's degree | Less than 5 years | None |
| 13-1131 | Fundraisers | $27.96 | $58,147.00 | 23.4 | 327 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 13-1141 | Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists | $35.40 | $73,636.00 | 22.8 | 180 | Bachelor's degree | Less than 5 years | None |
| 13-1151 | Training and Development Specialists | $31.69 | $65,906.00 | 26 | 956 | Bachelor's degree | Less than 5 years | None |
| 13-1161 | Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists | $33.64 | $69,978.00 | 38.1 | 3136 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 13-1198 | Project Management Specialists and Business Operations Specialists, All Other | $39.69 | $82,554.00 | 19.1 | 6092 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 13-2011 | Accountants and Auditors | $36.89 | $76,729.00 | 22.8 | 4576 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 13-2031 | Budget Analysts | $39.82 | $82,828.00 | 10.8 | 91 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 13-2052 | Personal Financial Advisors | $42.11 | $87,590.00 | 19.1 | 542 | Bachelor's degree | None | Long-term on-the-job training |
| 13-2061 | Financial Examiners | $37.57 | $78,145.00 | 18.5 | 124 | Bachelor's degree | None | Long-term on-the-job training |
| 13-2072 | Loan Officers | $30.00 | $62,391.00 | 10.8 | 481 | Bachelor's degree | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 13-2082 | Tax Preparers | $28.00 | $58,249.00 | 28.6 | 208 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 13-2098 | Financial and Investment Analysts, Financial Risk Specialists, and Financial Specialists, All Other | $39.92 | $83,030.00 | 14.8 | 756 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 15-1211 | Computer Systems Analysts | $48.86 | $101,621.00 | 20.7 | 899 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 15-1212 | Information Security Analysts | $50.22 | $104,453.00 | 27.7 | 416 | Bachelor's degree | Less than 5 years | None |
| 15-1221 | Computer and Information Research Scientists | $54.57 | $113,512.00 | 18.2 | 40 | Master's degree | None | None |
| 15-1231 | Computer Network Support Specialists | $35.04 | $72,877.00 | 22.3 | 445 | Associate's degree | None | None |
| 15-1232 | Computer User Support Specialists | $27.60 | $57,413.00 | 21.7 | 1501 | Some college, no degree | None | None |
| 15-1241 | Computer Network Architects | $59.00 | $122,730.00 | 24 | 621 | Bachelor's degree | 5 years or more | None |
| 15-1244 | Network and Computer Systems Administrators | $42.26 | $87,904.00 | 22 | 1124 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 15-1245 | Database Administrators and Architects | $47.97 | $99,775.00 | 24.4 | 316 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 15-1251 | Computer Programmers | $40.88 | $85,040.00 | 22.9 | 247 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 15-1256 | Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers | $53.32 | $110,898.00 | 27.4 | 4528 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 15-1257 | Web Developers and Digital Interface Designers | $35.04 | $72,892.00 | 25.8 | 399 | Associate's degree | None | None |
| 15-1299 | Computer Occupations, All Other | $50.14 | $104,291.00 | 22.3 | 1468 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 15-2031 | Operations Research Analysts | $43.70 | $90,887.00 | 44.1 | 94 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 15-2041 | Statisticians | $39.59 | $82,356.00 | 46.2 | 153 | Master's degree | None | None |
| 15-2098 | Data Scientists and Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other | $44.38 | $92,318.00 | 22.2 | 71 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 17-1011 | Architects, Except Landscape and Naval | $36.98 | $76,922.00 | 31.2 | 465 | Bachelor's degree | None | Internship/residency |
| 17-1012 | Landscape Architects | $36.26 | $75,423.00 | 22.4 | 107 | Bachelor's degree | None | Internship/residency |
| 17-1021 | Cartographers and Photogrammetrists | $34.87 | $72,527.00 | 23.6 | 126 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 17-1022 | Surveyors | $30.96 | $64,403.00 | 29.3 | 189 | Bachelor's degree | None | Internship/residency |
| 17-2011 | Aerospace Engineers | $59.41 | $123,583.00 | 25.2 | 201 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 17-2031 | Biomedical Engineers | $45.42 | $94,464.00 | 13.2 | 65 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 17-2041 | Chemical Engineers | $46.99 | $97,747.00 | 22.5 | 67 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 17-2051 | Civil Engineers | $43.52 | $90,527.00 | 26.8 | 1114 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 17-2061 | Computer Hardware Engineers | $55.95 | $116,375.00 | 32.1 | 543 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 17-2071 | Electrical Engineers | $47.20 | $98,166.00 | 30.7 | 359 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 17-2072 | Electronics Engineers, Except Computer | $55.23 | $114,885.00 | 20.6 | 558 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 17-2081 | Environmental Engineers | $44.49 | $92,532.00 | 25.2 | 113 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 17-2112 | Industrial Engineers | $46.44 | $96,599.00 | 27.3 | 356 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 17-2131 | Materials Engineers | $48.83 | $101,568.00 | 18.8 | 42 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 17-2141 | Mechanical Engineers | $45.18 | $93,980.00 | 25 | 498 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 17-2171 | Petroleum Engineers | $71.43 | $148,566.00 | 25.3 | 108 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 17-2199 | Engineers, All Other | $54.58 | $113,527.00 | 19.9 | 218 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 17-3011 | Architectural and Civil Drafters | $29.29 | $60,932.00 | 23.1 | 305 | Associate's degree | None | None |
| 17-3012 | Electrical and Electronics Drafters | $28.97 | $60,263.00 | 24.8 | 103 | Associate's degree | None | None |
| 17-3013 | Mechanical Drafters | $31.31 | $65,125.00 | 12.8 | 48 | Associate's degree | None | None |
| 17-3019 | Drafters, All Other | $29.68 | $61,745.00 | 25.6 | 45 | Associate's degree | None | None |
| 17-3023 | Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technicians | $35.08 | $72,968.00 | 19.7 | 205 | Associate's degree | None | None |
| 17-3025 | Environmental Engineering Technicians | $25.88 | $53,824.00 | 29.1 | 47 | Associate's degree | None | None |
| 17-3027 | Mechanical Engineering Technicians | $30.52 | $63,481.00 | 16.3 | 47 | Associate's degree | None | None |
| 17-3098 | Calibration and Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other | $30.95 | $64,377.00 | 19.8 | 176 | Associate's degree | None | None |
| 19-1013 | Soil and Plant Scientists | $27.34 | $56,872.00 | 30.5 | 60 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 19-1021 | Biochemists and Biophysicists | $40.95 | $85,181.00 | 25.8 | 106 | Doctoral or professional degree | None | None |
| 19-1022 | Microbiologists | $33.79 | $70,281.00 | 21.7 | 65 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 19-1023 | Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists | $33.71 | $70,111.00 | 11.7 | 58 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 19-1031 | Conservation Scientists | $34.26 | $71,255.00 | 15.2 | 161 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 19-1042 | Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists | $34.89 | $72,577.00 | 27 | 176 | Doctoral or professional degree | None | None |
| 19-2012 | Physicists | $68.22 | $141,893.00 | 21.2 | 82 | Doctoral or professional degree | None | None |
| 19-2021 | Atmospheric and Space Scientists | $50.38 | $104,782.00 | 32.2 | 124 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 19-2031 | Chemists | $36.55 | $76,027.00 | 20.1 | 185 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 19-2041 | Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health | $39.06 | $81,237.00 | 25.8 | 321 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 19-2042 | Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers | $43.93 | $91,376.00 | 28.9 | 249 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 19-2043 | Hydrologists | $48.53 | $100,945.00 | 26.4 | 62 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 19-3031 | Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists | $46.10 | $95,885.00 | 20.6 | 321 | Doctoral or professional degree | None | Internship/residency |
| 19-3051 | Urban and Regional Planners | $37.24 | $77,459.00 | 25.1 | 120 | Master's degree | None | None |
| 19-4031 | Chemical Technicians | $27.11 | $56,387.00 | 23.4 | 127 | Associate's degree | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 19-4092 | Forensic Science Technicians | $31.93 | $66,412.00 | 27.3 | 51 | Bachelor's degree | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 19-5011 | Occupational Health and Safety Specialists | $39.05 | $81,217.00 | 19.3 | 181 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 19-5012 | Occupational Health and Safety Technicians | $33.07 | $68,791.00 | 23.7 | 40 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 21-1013 | Marriage and Family Therapists | $27.09 | $56,349.00 | 37.7 | 123 | Master's degree | None | Internship/residency |
| 21-1022 | Healthcare Social Workers | $27.15 | $56,468.00 | 33.1 | 416 | Master's degree | None | Internship/residency |
| 21-1029 | Social Workers, All Other | $26.38 | $54,874.00 | 15.4 | 161 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 21-1091 | Health Educators | $28.34 | $58,951.00 | 21.7 | 113 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 21-2011 | Clergy | $27.66 | $57,526.00 | 32.4 | 74 | Bachelor's degree | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 21-2021 | Directors, Religious Activities and Education | $30.35 | $63,127.00 | 18.6 | 42 | Bachelor's degree | Less than 5 years | None |
| 23-1011 | Lawyers | $61.10 | $127,092.00 | 27 | 1393 | Doctoral or professional degree | None | None |
| 23-2011 | Paralegals and Legal Assistants | $29.09 | $60,504.00 | 36.8 | 828 | Associate's degree | None | None |
| 23-2093 | Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers | $28.99 | $60,306.00 | 10.4 | 148 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 23-2099 | Legal Support Workers, All Other | $27.05 | $56,268.00 | 15.9 | 193 | Associate's degree | None | None |
| 25-1194 | Vocational Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $26.83 | $55,804.00 | 11.4 | 146 | Bachelor's degree | Less than 5 years | None |
| 25-4012 | Curators | $28.52 | $59,314.00 | 31 | 41 | Master's degree | None | None |
| 25-4022 | Librarians and Media Collections Specialists | $28.88 | $60,071.00 | 16.3 | 229 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 25-9031 | Instructional Coordinators | $32.13 | $66,839.00 | 20.8 | 337 | Master's degree | 5 years or more | None |
| 27-1011 | Art Directors | $36.30 | $75,500.00 | 23.1 | 213 | Bachelor's degree | 5 years or more | None |
| 27-1014 | Multimedia Artists and Animators | $35.01 | $72,820.00 | 19.5 | 70 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 27-1021 | Commercial and Industrial Designers | $30.53 | $63,493.00 | 17.9 | 96 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 27-1024 | Graphic Designers | $26.61 | $55,341.00 | 15.7 | 630 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 27-1025 | Interior Designers | $27.12 | $56,412.00 | 18.9 | 345 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 27-2012 | Producers and Directors | $30.47 | $63,372.00 | 33.9 | 217 | Bachelor's degree | Less than 5 years | None |
| 27-2042 | Musicians and Singers | $32.73 | $0.00 | 39.1 | 112 | No formal educational credential | None | Long-term on-the-job training |
| 27-3031 | Public Relations Specialists | $30.58 | $63,600.00 | 21.4 | 843 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 27-3042 | Technical Writers | $37.08 | $77,135.00 | 30.2 | 207 | Bachelor's degree | Less than 5 years | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 27-3043 | Writers and Authors | $31.57 | $65,675.00 | 22.8 | 232 | Bachelor's degree | None | Long-term on-the-job training |
| 27-3091 | Interpreters and Translators | $29.17 | $60,682.00 | 47.6 | 281 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 27-3099 | Media and Communication Workers, All Other | $27.74 | $57,706.00 | 18.4 | 66 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 27-4098 | Lighting Technicians and Media and Communication Equipment Workers, All Other | $37.28 | $77,550.00 | 14.5 | 84 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 29-1011 | Chiropractors | $28.27 | $58,792.00 | 17.6 | 52 | Doctoral or professional degree | None | None |
| 29-1021 | Dentists, General | $69.87 | $145,320.00 | 17.9 | 132 | Doctoral or professional degree | None | None |
| 29-1031 | Dietitians and Nutritionists | $28.93 | $60,177.00 | 23.8 | 108 | Bachelor's degree | None | Internship/residency |
| 29-1041 | Optometrists | $58.24 | $121,137.00 | 15.2 | 46 | Doctoral or professional degree | None | None |
| 29-1051 | Pharmacists | $62.18 | $129,326.00 | 15.6 | 299 | Doctoral or professional degree | None | None |
| 29-1071 | Physician Assistants | $52.55 | $109,306.00 | 47 | 341 | Master's degree | None | None |
| 29-1122 | Occupational Therapists | $42.82 | $89,071.00 | 31.5 | 318 | Master's degree | None | None |
| 29-1123 | Physical Therapists | $41.08 | $85,442.00 | 36.5 | 442 | Doctoral or professional degree | None | None |
| 29-1126 | Respiratory Therapists | $31.58 | $65,694.00 | 39.5 | 191 | Associate's degree | None | None |
| 29-1127 | Speech-Language Pathologists | $41.38 | $86,062.00 | 40.3 | 421 | Master's degree | None | Internship/residency |
| 29-1129 | Therapists, All Other | $28.17 | $58,586.00 | 32 | 55 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 29-1131 | Veterinarians | $44.61 | $92,779.00 | 50.1 | 251 | Doctoral or professional degree | None | None |
| 29-1141 | Registered Nurses | $36.78 | $76,502.00 | 28.6 | 4425 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 29-1171 | Nurse Practitioners | $53.24 | $110,743.00 | 42.7 | 301 | Master's degree | None | None |
| 29-1215 | Family Medicine Physicians | $95.61 | $198,868.00 | 28.6 | 159 | Doctoral or professional degree | None | Internship/residency |
| 29-1292 | Dental Hygienists | $43.09 | $89,635.00 | 36.5 | 452 | Associate's degree | None | None |
| 29-1298 | Acupuncturists and Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners, All Other | $30.31 | $63,050.00 | 16.3 | 65 | Master's degree | None | None |
| 29-2010 | Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians | $27.68 | $57,568.00 | 27 | 445 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 29-2031 | Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians | $35.70 | $74,250.00 | 22.4 | 51 | Associate's degree | None | None |
| 29-2032 | Diagnostic Medical Sonographers | $41.84 | $87,027.00 | 36.8 | 120 | Associate's degree | None | None |
| 29-2034 | Radiologic Technologists | $32.06 | $66,691.00 | 24 | 295 | Associate's degree | None | None |
| 29-2055 | Surgical Technologists | $27.63 | $57,475.00 | 25.5 | 188 | Postsecondary non-degree award | None | None |
| 29-2061 | Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | $25.94 | $53,955.00 | 21.4 | 522 | Postsecondary non-degree award | None | None |
| 29-9098 | Health Information Technologists, Medical Registrars, Surgical Assistants, & Healthcare Practitioners, AO | $26.43 | $54,976.00 | 22.3 | 56 | Postsecondary non-degree award | None | None |
| 31-2011 | Occupational Therapy Assistants | $28.05 | $58,342.00 | 36.5 | 103 | Associate's degree | None | None |
| 31-2021 | Physical Therapist Assistants | $28.05 | $58,346.00 | 38.5 | 242 | Associate's degree | None | None |
| 33-1012 | First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives | $54.75 | $113,875.00 | 13.9 | 109 | High School diploma or equivalent | Less than 5 years | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 33-1021 | First-Line Supervisors of Fire Fighting and Prevention Workers | $45.48 | $94,603.00 | 15.4 | 91 | Postsecondary non-degree award | Less than 5 years | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 33-2011 | Firefighters | $29.65 | $61,674.00 | 15.6 | 481 | Postsecondary non-degree award | None | Long-term on-the-job training |
| 33-3021 | Detectives and Criminal Investigators | $43.27 | $89,993.00 | 10 | 148 | High School diploma or equivalent | Less than 5 years | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 33-3051 | Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers | $38.34 | $79,742.00 | 15.8 | 889 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 41-3091 | Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel | $31.06 | $64,614.00 | 22.6 | 4368 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 41-4011 | Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products | $45.69 | $95,033.00 | 18.7 | 749 | Bachelor's degree | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 41-4012 | Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products | $32.70 | $68,017.00 | 12 | 3040 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 41-9031 | Sales Engineers | $67.13 | $139,625.00 | 23 | 286 | Bachelor's degree | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 43-1011 | First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers | $29.09 | $60,505.00 | 11.4 | 2448 | High School diploma or equivalent | Less than 5 years | None |
| 43-4011 | Brokerage Clerks | $26.91 | $55,980.00 | 16.5 | 84 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 45-1011 | First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers | $28.08 | $58,416.00 | 28.1 | 154 | High School diploma or equivalent | Less than 5 years | None |
| 47-1011 | First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers | $34.69 | $72,147.00 | 23.8 | 2222 | High School diploma or equivalent | 5 years or more | None |
| 47-2021 | Brickmasons and Blockmasons | $28.04 | $58,321.00 | 27.7 | 174 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Apprenticeship |
| 47-2111 | Electricians | $26.34 | $54,793.00 | 26.6 | 2323 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Apprenticeship |
| 47-2221 | Structural Iron and Steel Workers | $27.58 | $57,364.00 | 27 | 187 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Apprenticeship |
| 47-4011 | Construction and Building Inspectors | $33.92 | $70,550.00 | 23.5 | 510 | High School diploma or equivalent | 5 years or more | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 47-5012 | Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas | $34.83 | $72,446.00 | 40.6 | 64 | No formal educational credential | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 49-1011 | First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers | $35.55 | $73,949.00 | 17.7 | 1035 | High School diploma or equivalent | Less than 5 years | None |
| 49-2022 | Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers | $31.57 | $65,667.00 | 18.4 | 602 | Postsecondary non-degree award | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 49-2094 | Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment | $30.26 | $62,940.00 | 14.9 | 189 | Postsecondary non-degree award | None | Long-term on-the-job training |
| 49-2098 | Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers | $26.81 | $55,758.00 | 28.8 | 233 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 49-3011 | Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $36.23 | $75,353.00 | 17.6 | 188 | Postsecondary non-degree award | None | None |
| 49-3031 | Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists | $26.02 | $54,125.00 | 16.3 | 498 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Long-term on-the-job training |
| 49-3042 | Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines | $27.66 | $57,538.00 | 15.9 | 402 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Long-term on-the-job training |
| 49-3043 | Rail Car Repairers | $27.06 | $56,291.00 | 23.4 | 74 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Long-term on-the-job training |
| 49-9021 | Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | $26.04 | $54,153.00 | 30.1 | 1032 | Postsecondary non-degree award | None | Long-term on-the-job training |
| 49-9041 | Industrial Machinery Mechanics | $29.76 | $61,907.00 | 19.3 | 454 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Long-term on-the-job training |
| 49-9051 | Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers | $43.16 | $89,778.00 | 13.4 | 219 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Long-term on-the-job training |
| 49-9062 | Medical Equipment Repairers | $28.57 | $59,420.00 | 15.4 | 108 | Associate's degree | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 49-9081 | Wind Turbine Service Technicians | $29.38 | $61,106.00 | 33.6 | 52 | Postsecondary non-degree award | None | Long-term on-the-job training |
| 51-1011 | First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers | $32.30 | $67,189.00 | 12.4 | 785 | High School diploma or equivalent | Less than 5 years | None |
| 51-8091 | Chemical Plant and System Operators | $28.25 | $58,752.00 | 13.7 | 48 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 51-8093 | Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers | $43.64 | $90,761.00 | 13.4 | 65 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 53-1047 | FirstLine Supervisors of Transportation & Material Moving Workers, Exc Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisor | $27.52 | $57,235.00 | 24.9 | 1070 | High School diploma or equivalent | Less than 5 years | None |
| 53-6051 | Transportation Inspectors | $32.05 | $66,664.00 | 15.4 | 57 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 53-7072 | Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers | $32.57 | $67,740.00 | 28.5 | 48 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 53-7073 | Wellhead Pumpers | $36.68 | $76,300.00 | 25.9 | 123 | High School diploma or equivalent | Less than 5 years | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 53-7121 | Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders | $27.50 | $57,190.00 | 49.1 | 52 | No formal educational credential | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
Tier 2 Top Jobs List, Organized by Occupation Cluster
| SOC CODE | SOC TITLE | MEDIAN* HOURLY | MEDIAN* ANNUAL | pchg | annualopenings | Education | Work Experience | Job Training |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11-9031 | Education Administrators, Preschool and Childcare Center/Program | $ 24.48 | $ 50,912.00 | 22.2 | 73 | Bachelor's degree | Less than 5 years | None |
| 13-1121 | Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners | $ 23.47 | $ 48,824.00 | 24 | 538 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 17-3022 | Civil Engineering Technicians | $ 25.74 | $ 53,543.00 | 27.7 | 177 | Associate's degree | None | None |
| 17-3031 | Surveying and Mapping Technicians | $ 22.62 | $ 47,058.00 | 24.3 | 369 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 19-4021 | Biological Technicians | $ 19.87 | $ 41,320.00 | 22.6 | 389 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 19-4042 | Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health | $ 25.53 | $ 53,110.00 | 25.7 | 97 | Associate's degree | None | None |
| 19-4099 | Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other | $ 24.92 | $ 51,828.00 | 25 | 195 | Associate's degree | None | None |
| 21-1012 | Educational, Guidance, School, and Vocational Counselors | $ 25.55 | $ 53,143.00 | 22.5 | 683 | Master's degree | None | None |
| 21-1015 | Rehabilitation Counselors | $ 22.93 | $ 47,701.00 | 21.6 | 178 | Master's degree | None | None |
| 21-1018 | Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors | $ 24.44 | $ 50,834.00 | 35.6 | 1259 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 21-1021 | Child, Family, and School Social Workers | $ 23.89 | $ 49,689.00 | 20.8 | 841 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 21-1023 | Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | $ 22.46 | $ 46,716.00 | 33.7 | 219 | Master's degree | None | Internship/residency |
| 21-1093 | Social and Human Service Assistants | $ 17.79 | $ 37,008.00 | 27.8 | 522 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 21-1094 | Community Health Workers | $ 19.59 | $ 40,751.00 | 27.6 | 118 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 21-1099 | Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other | $ 19.94 | $ 41,479.00 | 27.1 | 427 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 21-2099 | Religious Workers, All Other | $ 16.33 | $ 33,963.00 | 12 | 131 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 25-2011 | Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education | $ 16.14 | $ 33,570.00 | 23.2 | 820 | Associate's degree | None | None |
| 25-3021 | Self-Enrichment Education Teachers | $ 17.53 | $ 36,465.00 | 26.3 | 878 | High School diploma or equivalent | Less than 5 years | None |
| 25-4013 | Museum Technicians and Conservators | $ 21.38 | $ 44,473.00 | 34.6 | 43 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 25-9099 | Education, Training, and Library Workers, All Other | $ 24.97 | $ 51,940.00 | 20 | 291 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 27-1013 | Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators | $ 21.87 | $ 45,479.00 | 35.8 | 43 | Bachelor's degree | None | Long-term on-the-job training |
| 27-1019 | Artists and Related Workers, All Other | $ 20.95 | $ 43,582.00 | 15.6 | 47 | No formal educational credential | None | Long-term on-the-job training |
| 27-1026 | Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $ 14.99 | $ 31,179.00 | 14.9 | 237 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 27-2011 | Actors | $ 16.67 | $ - | 43.3 | 116 | Some college, no degree | None | Long-term on-the-job training |
| 27-2090 | Miscellaneous Entertainers and Performers, Sports and Related Workers | $ 19.53 | $ - | 21.2 | 137 | No formal educational credential | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 27-4011 | Audio and Video Equipment Technicians | $ 21.13 | $ 43,944.00 | 39.1 | 154 | Postsecondary non-degree award | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 27-4021 | Photographers | $ 22.19 | $ 46,162.00 | 10.5 | 230 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 27-4031 | Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Motion Picture | $ 25.69 | $ 53,443.00 | 30.4 | 59 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 27-4032 | Film and Video Editors | $ 24.95 | $ 51,896.00 | 48.1 | 60 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 29-1128 | Exercise Physiologists | $ 23.45 | $ 48,784.00 | 27.2 | 41 | Bachelor's degree | None | None |
| 29-2040 | Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics | $ 18.63 | $ 38,752.00 | 26.8 | 363 | Postsecondary non-degree award | None | None |
| 29-2052 | Pharmacy Technicians | $ 18.07 | $ 37,595.00 | 20.7 | 568 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 29-2053 | Psychiatric Technicians | $ 19.67 | $ 40,910.00 | 22.4 | 122 | Postsecondary non-degree award | Less than 5 years | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 29-2056 | Veterinary Technologists and Technicians | $ 18.07 | $ 37,592.00 | 50.7 | 542 | Associate's degree | None | None |
| 29-2057 | Ophthalmic Medical Technicians | $ 18.99 | $ 39,492.00 | 28.5 | 154 | Postsecondary non-degree award | None | None |
| 29-2081 | Opticians, Dispensing | $ 19.26 | $ 40,057.00 | 17.2 | 148 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Long-term on-the-job training |
| 29-2098 | Medical Dosimetrists, Medical Records Specialists, and Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other | $ 22.81 | $ 47,445.00 | 27 | 571 | Postsecondary non-degree award | None | None |
| 31-1120 | Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $ 13.83 | $ 28,760.00 | 33.4 | 6083 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 31-1131 | Nursing Assistants | $ 16.61 | $ 34,544.00 | 25.1 | 3177 | Postsecondary non-degree award | None | None |
| 31-1132 | Orderlies | $ 14.42 | $ 29,991.00 | 26.1 | 85 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 31-1133 | Psychiatric Aides | $ 17.13 | $ 35,637.00 | 26.6 | 117 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 31-2022 | Physical Therapist Aides | $ 15.98 | $ 33,237.00 | 35.9 | 79 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 31-9011 | Massage Therapists | $ 22.12 | $ 46,014.00 | 44.3 | 1498 | Postsecondary non-degree award | None | None |
| 31-9091 | Dental Assistants | $ 21.19 | $ 44,080.00 | 22.1 | 1116 | Postsecondary non-degree award | None | None |
| 31-9092 | Medical Assistants | $ 18.49 | $ 38,455.00 | 36.3 | 1855 | Postsecondary non-degree award | None | None |
| 31-9093 | Medical Equipment Preparers | $ 19.91 | $ 41,420.00 | 22.4 | 166 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 31-9096 | Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers | $ 14.37 | $ 29,898.00 | 50.9 | 362 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 31-9097 | Phlebotomists | $ 17.90 | $ 37,222.00 | 38 | 294 | Postsecondary non-degree award | None | None |
| 31-9099 | Healthcare Support Workers, All Other | $ 16.67 | $ 34,677.00 | 15.7 | 280 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | None |
| 33-1090 | Miscellaneous First-Line Supervisors, Protective Service Workers | $ 23.95 | $ 49,825.00 | 17.3 | 220 | High School diploma or equivalent | Less than 5 years | None |
| 33-9021 | Private Detectives and Investigators | $ 23.25 | $ 48,363.00 | 21.9 | 47 | High School diploma or equivalent | Less than 5 years | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 33-9032 | Security Guards | $ 15.66 | $ 32,573.00 | 19.8 | 2186 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 33-9098 | School Bus Monitors and Protective Service Workers, All Other | $ 17.07 | $ 35,502.00 | 18.2 | 1248 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 35-2012 | Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria | $ 14.71 | $ 30,606.00 | 17.2 | 1477 | No formal educational credential | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 35-2014 | Cooks, Restaurant | $ 14.81 | $ 30,813.00 | 48.4 | 5849 | No formal educational credential | Less than 5 years | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 35-2015 | Cooks, Short Order | $ 13.55 | $ 28,182.00 | 19 | 233 | No formal educational credential | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 35-2021 | Food Preparation Workers | $ 14.23 | $ 29,605.00 | 26.5 | 2543 | No formal educational credential | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 37-1011 | First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers | $ 23.77 | $ 49,451.00 | 31.9 | 610 | High School diploma or equivalent | Less than 5 years | None |
| 37-1012 | First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers | $ 24.93 | $ 51,850.00 | 30 | 490 | High School diploma or equivalent | Less than 5 years | None |
| 37-2011 | Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners | $ 14.16 | $ 29,453.00 | 23 | 5315 | No formal educational credential | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 37-2012 | Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners | $ 13.48 | $ 28,036.00 | 28.1 | 3757 | No formal educational credential | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 37-2019 | Building Cleaning Workers, All Other | $ 16.32 | $ 33,948.00 | 26 | 137 | No formal educational credential | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 37-2021 | Pest Control Workers | $ 22.05 | $ 45,872.00 | 22.1 | 131 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 37-3011 | Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers | $ 16.83 | $ 35,005.00 | 27.4 | 4253 | No formal educational credential | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 37-3012 | Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation | $ 18.59 | $ 38,662.00 | 30.9 | 81 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 37-3013 | Tree Trimmers and Pruners | $ 17.18 | $ 35,742.00 | 28.8 | 169 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 37-3019 | Grounds Maintenance Workers, All Other | $ 20.19 | $ 41,992.00 | 29.8 | 78 | No formal educational credential | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 39-1013 | First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers | $ 25.70 | $ 53,456.00 | 53.5 | 116 | High School diploma or equivalent | Less than 5 years | None |
| 39-1098 | First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service & Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Exc Gambling Services | $ 20.48 | $ 42,603.00 | 26.6 | 771 | High School diploma or equivalent | Less than 5 years | None |
| 39-2011 | Animal Trainers | $ 15.25 | $ 31,717.00 | 33.6 | 104 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 39-4021 | Funeral Attendants | $ 13.95 | $ 29,007.00 | 21.1 | 42 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 39-4031 | Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Directors | $ 18.90 | $ 39,320.00 | 21.3 | 65 | Associate's degree | None | Long-term on-the-job training |
| 39-5011 | Barbers | $ 15.27 | $ 31,754.00 | 24.2 | 517 | Postsecondary non-degree award | None | None |
| 39-5012 | Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $ 14.50 | $ 30,163.00 | 37.5 | 3098 | Postsecondary non-degree award | None | None |
| 39-5092 | Manicurists and Pedicurists | $ 13.70 | $ 28,492.00 | 25.9 | 554 | Postsecondary non-degree award | None | None |
| 39-5094 | Skincare Specialists | $ 20.15 | $ 41,902.00 | 28.4 | 277 | Postsecondary non-degree award | None | None |
| 39-6012 | Concierges | $ 15.74 | $ 32,748.00 | 29.9 | 118 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 39-7010 | Tour and Travel Guides | $ 14.57 | $ 30,309.00 | 31.2 | 259 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 39-9011 | Childcare Workers | $ 14.32 | $ 29,795.00 | 24.5 | 2614 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 39-9031 | Fitness Trainers and Aerobics Instructors | $ 20.97 | $ 43,621.00 | 37.9 | 2275 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 39-9032 | Recreation Workers | $ 14.41 | $ 29,968.00 | 23.6 | 1347 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 41-1011 | First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers | $ 22.50 | $ 46,802.00 | 10 | 2602 | High School diploma or equivalent | Less than 5 years | None |
| 41-2021 | Counter and Rental Clerks | $ 17.40 | $ 36,198.00 | 17.4 | 1622 | No formal educational credential | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 41-2031 | Retail Salespersons | $ 13.84 | $ 28,788.00 | 16.9 | 12343 | No formal educational credential | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 41-3021 | Insurance Sales Agents | $ 25.19 | $ 52,402.00 | 12.3 | 1261 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 41-3031 | Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents | $ 25.34 | $ 52,716.00 | 10.6 | 1174 | Bachelor's degree | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 41-9099 | Sales and Related Workers, All Other | $ 17.47 | $ 36,333.00 | 15.2 | 621 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | None |
| 43-3021 | Billing and Posting Clerks | $ 19.79 | $ 41,156.00 | 24.8 | 995 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 43-3031 | Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks | $ 21.09 | $ 43,874.00 | 10.1 | 3455 | Some college, no degree | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 43-3051 | Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks | $ 24.82 | $ 51,623.00 | 11.9 | 272 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 43-3099 | Financial Clerks, All Other | $ 23.15 | $ 48,151.00 | 19.9 | 225 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 43-4031 | Court, Municipal, and License Clerks | $ 21.20 | $ 44,087.00 | 14.4 | 643 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Long-term on-the-job training |
| 43-4051 | Customer Service Representatives | $ 17.39 | $ 36,177.00 | 10.6 | 6668 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 43-4081 | Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks | $ 14.23 | $ 29,599.00 | 31.9 | 983 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 43-4111 | Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan | $ 18.22 | $ 37,891.00 | 19.6 | 789 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 43-4131 | Loan Interviewers and Clerks | $ 22.20 | $ 46,175.00 | 12.2 | 376 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 43-4151 | Order Clerks | $ 18.82 | $ 39,137.00 | 11.9 | 511 | Some college, no degree | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 43-4171 | Receptionists and Information Clerks | $ 15.64 | $ 32,529.00 | 20.2 | 2985 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 43-4181 | Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks | $ 17.77 | $ 36,953.00 | 20 | 261 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 43-4199 | Information and Record Clerks, All Other | $ 21.90 | $ 45,544.00 | 21.3 | 1701 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 43-5011 | Cargo and Freight Agents | $ 20.56 | $ 42,756.00 | 27.2 | 116 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 43-5021 | Couriers and Messengers | $ 16.32 | $ 33,950.00 | 18.4 | 252 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 43-5031 | Police, Fire, and Ambulance Dispatchers | $ 25.08 | $ 52,160.00 | 17.1 | 198 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 43-5032 | Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance | $ 21.61 | $ 44,949.00 | 16.3 | 360 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 43-5061 | Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks | $ 25.85 | $ 53,772.00 | 19.4 | 351 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 43-5071 | Shipping, Receiving, and Traffic Clerks | $ 17.84 | $ 37,098.00 | 15.7 | 1276 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 43-5111 | Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping | $ 16.94 | $ 35,235.00 | 22.9 | 102 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 43-6013 | Medical Secretaries | $ 18.18 | $ 37,820.00 | 30.5 | 1072 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 43-9061 | Office Clerks, General | $ 20.12 | $ 41,841.00 | 10.4 | 5046 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 43-9199 | Office and Administrative Support Workers, All Other | $ 19.13 | $ 39,787.00 | 14.3 | 191 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 45-2091 | Agricultural Equipment Operators | $ 16.59 | $ 34,506.00 | 46.5 | 169 | No formal educational credential | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 45-2092 | Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse | $ 15.18 | $ 31,567.00 | 33.3 | 1659 | No formal educational credential | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 45-2093 | Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals | $ 13.94 | $ 28,998.00 | 16.7 | 798 | No formal educational credential | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 45-2099 | Agricultural Workers, All Other | $ 17.46 | $ 36,307.00 | 25 | 42 | No formal educational credential | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 45-4022 | Logging Equipment Operators | $ 16.91 | $ 35,168.00 | 11.3 | 43 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 47-2022 | Stonemasons | $ 23.36 | $ 48,580.00 | 28.1 | 68 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Apprenticeship |
| 47-2031 | Carpenters | $ 24.97 | $ 51,936.00 | 21 | 2387 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Apprenticeship |
| 47-2044 | Tile and Marble Setters | $ 19.96 | $ 41,523.00 | 32 | 127 | No formal educational credential | None | Long-term on-the-job training |
| 47-2051 | Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers | $ 23.48 | $ 48,829.00 | 26.3 | 648 | No formal educational credential | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 47-2061 | Construction Laborers | $ 18.32 | $ 38,112.00 | 20.7 | 3594 | No formal educational credential | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 47-2071 | Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators | $ 23.81 | $ 49,521.00 | 22.9 | 204 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 47-2073 | Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators | $ 24.66 | $ 51,284.00 | 22.7 | 1450 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 47-2081 | Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers | $ 25.46 | $ 52,955.00 | 14.4 | 386 | No formal educational credential | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 47-2121 | Glaziers | $ 24.71 | $ 51,399.00 | 28.2 | 193 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Apprenticeship |
| 47-2131 | Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall | $ 16.37 | $ 34,055.00 | 18.6 | 77 | No formal educational credential | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 47-2132 | Insulation Workers, Mechanical | $ 21.46 | $ 44,645.00 | 25.3 | 141 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Apprenticeship |
| 47-2141 | Painters, Construction and Maintenance | $ 19.71 | $ 41,005.00 | 17.8 | 690 | No formal educational credential | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 47-2151 | Pipelayers | $ 20.92 | $ 43,507.00 | 25.7 | 133 | No formal educational credential | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 47-2152 | Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | $ 25.67 | $ 53,393.00 | 30.5 | 1581 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Apprenticeship |
| 47-2171 | Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers | $ 21.71 | $ 45,151.00 | 28.1 | 100 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Apprenticeship |
| 47-2181 | Roofers | $ 21.06 | $ 43,813.00 | 28.5 | 487 | No formal educational credential | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 47-2211 | Sheet Metal Workers | $ 23.60 | $ 49,080.00 | 24.6 | 298 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Apprenticeship |
| 47-3011 | Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters | $ 19.97 | $ 41,529.00 | 28.1 | 84 | No formal educational credential | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 47-3012 | Helpers--Carpenters | $ 16.18 | $ 33,655.00 | 25.8 | 43 | No formal educational credential | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 47-3015 | Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | $ 16.36 | $ 34,026.00 | 29 | 42 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 47-4041 | Hazardous Materials Removal Workers | $ 21.90 | $ 45,543.00 | 20 | 180 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 47-4051 | Highway Maintenance Workers | $ 22.08 | $ 45,917.00 | 13.9 | 348 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 47-4071 | Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners | $ 19.74 | $ 41,062.00 | 23 | 109 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 47-4090 | Miscellaneous Construction and Related Workers | $ 18.87 | $ 39,258.00 | 26.8 | 217 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 47-5013 | Service Unit Operators, Oil, Gas, and Mining | $ 24.50 | $ 50,950.00 | 34.2 | 379 | No formal educational credential | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 47-5071 | Roustabouts, Oil and Gas | $ 21.39 | $ 44,499.00 | 37 | 324 | No formal educational credential | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 47-5081 | Helpers--Extraction Workers | $ 18.10 | $ 37,655.00 | 31.3 | 62 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 47-5097 | Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas; and Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters | $ 24.80 | $ 51,589.00 | 11.3 | 69 | High School diploma or equivalent | Less than 5 years | Long-term on-the-job training |
| 49-2011 | Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers | $ 20.09 | $ 41,777.00 | 14.7 | 185 | Some college, no degree | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 49-2021 | Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers | $ 18.94 | $ 39,397.00 | 10.4 | 60 | Associate's degree | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 49-2092 | Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers | $ 19.35 | $ 40,242.00 | 22.3 | 89 | High School diploma or equivalent | Less than 5 years | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 49-3021 | Automotive Body and Related Repairers | $ 23.22 | $ 48,291.00 | 11.2 | 346 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Long-term on-the-job training |
| 49-3041 | Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians | $ 21.98 | $ 45,718.00 | 16.3 | 63 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Long-term on-the-job training |
| 49-3052 | Motorcycle Mechanics | $ 19.67 | $ 40,921.00 | 21.9 | 68 | Postsecondary non-degree award | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 49-3053 | Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics | $ 20.59 | $ 42,823.00 | 21.1 | 82 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 49-3091 | Bicycle Repairers | $ 16.13 | $ 33,555.00 | 28.3 | 102 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 49-9011 | Mechanical Door Repairers | $ 22.04 | $ 45,851.00 | 27 | 47 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 49-9043 | Maintenance Workers, Machinery | $ 25.57 | $ 53,177.00 | 20.4 | 45 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Long-term on-the-job training |
| 49-9052 | Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers | $ 24.27 | $ 50,476.00 | 17.7 | 284 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Long-term on-the-job training |
| 49-9071 | Maintenance and Repair Workers, General | $ 20.01 | $ 41,618.00 | 22.3 | 2822 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 49-9091 | Coin, Vending, and Amusement Machine Servicers and Repairers | $ 19.02 | $ 39,571.00 | 18.2 | 46 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 49-9098 | Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers | $ 17.56 | $ 36,520.00 | 18.4 | 154 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 49-9099 | Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, All Other | $ 21.02 | $ 43,725.00 | 19.4 | 462 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 51-2090 | Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators | $ 16.30 | $ 33,896.00 | 11.4 | 911 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 51-3011 | Bakers | $ 15.34 | $ 31,898.00 | 22.9 | 603 | No formal educational credential | None | Long-term on-the-job training |
| 51-3021 | Butchers and Meat Cutters | $ 18.35 | $ 38,171.00 | 14.1 | 297 | No formal educational credential | None | Long-term on-the-job training |
| 51-3022 | Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers | $ 17.45 | $ 36,305.00 | 18.9 | 409 | No formal educational credential | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 51-3023 | Slaughterers and Meat Packers | $ 18.25 | $ 37,969.00 | 19.9 | 247 | No formal educational credential | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 51-3092 | Food Batchmakers | $ 16.60 | $ 34,526.00 | 18.8 | 385 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 51-3093 | Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders | $ 17.82 | $ 37,068.00 | 18.1 | 71 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 51-3099 | Food Processing Workers, All Other | $ 14.77 | $ 30,715.00 | 15.6 | 144 | No formal educational credential | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 51-4041 | Machinists | $ 22.09 | $ 45,953.00 | 13.3 | 492 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Long-term on-the-job training |
| 51-4121 | Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers | $ 23.12 | $ 48,091.00 | 16.7 | 597 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 51-6052 | Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers | $ 18.50 | $ 38,472.00 | 14.1 | 41 | No formal educational credential | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 51-7011 | Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters | $ 18.83 | $ 39,164.00 | 16.7 | 296 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 51-9011 | Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders | $ 21.50 | $ 44,724.00 | 14.5 | 104 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 51-9012 | Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $ 22.51 | $ 46,828.00 | 20.4 | 264 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 51-9023 | Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $ 18.76 | $ 39,022.00 | 15.8 | 94 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 51-9071 | Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers | $ 18.12 | $ 37,695.00 | 14.1 | 60 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Long-term on-the-job training |
| 51-9083 | Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians | $ 17.13 | $ 35,629.00 | 18 | 73 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 51-9111 | Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders | $ 15.66 | $ 32,573.00 | 16.5 | 550 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 51-9198 | Helpers--Production Workers | $ 14.48 | $ 30,120.00 | 24.1 | 654 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 53-3032 | Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | $ 24.36 | $ 50,673.00 | 16.9 | 3342 | Postsecondary non-degree award | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 53-3033 | Light Truck or Delivery Services Drivers | $ 18.64 | $ 38,771.00 | 36.6 | 2819 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 53-3052 | Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity | $ 20.38 | $ 42,399.00 | 29.1 | 763 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 53-3058 | Passenger Vehicle Drivers, Except Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity | $ 17.25 | $ 35,883.00 | 30.1 | 1505 | No formal educational credential | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 53-3099 | Motor Vehicle Operators, All Other | $ 14.76 | $ 30,710.00 | 18.4 | 623 | No formal educational credential | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 53-6021 | Parking Lot Attendants | $ 13.74 | $ 28,581.00 | 17.3 | 412 | No formal educational credential | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 53-6031 | Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants | $ 14.22 | $ 29,588.00 | 15 | 336 | No formal educational credential | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 53-6098 | Aircraft Service Attendants and Transportation Workers, All Other | $ 25.18 | $ 52,375.00 | 17.4 | 204 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 53-7011 | Conveyor Operators and Tenders | $ 17.63 | $ 36,678.00 | 17.2 | 45 | No formal educational credential | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 53-7051 | Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators | $ 19.05 | $ 39,615.00 | 27.2 | 1438 | No formal educational credential | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 53-7061 | Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment | $ 14.40 | $ 29,958.00 | 18.6 | 1063 | No formal educational credential | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 53-7062 | Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | $ 16.62 | $ 34,579.00 | 33.2 | 5310 | No formal educational credential | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 53-7063 | Machine Feeders and Offbearers | $ 17.19 | $ 35,762.00 | 19.9 | 152 | No formal educational credential | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 53-7065 | Stockers and Order Fillers | $ 15.34 | $ 31,908.00 | 22.4 | 6466 | High School diploma or equivalent | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 53-7081 | Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors | $ 21.79 | $ 45,325.00 | 19.3 | 396 | No formal educational credential | None | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 53-7199 | Material Moving Workers, All Other | $ 23.00 | $ 47,838.00 | 22.4 | 81 | 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, 90.7 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.
A newer trend that has been emerging from Colorado employers puts less emphasis on four-year degrees, relative to previous years, and more value on shorter-term degrees, credentials and paid work-based learning. Based on data findings from the Bridging the Talent Gap survey, Colorado employers statewide voiced the importance of their workforce seizing additional professional development opportunities to accelerate attainment of top-ranked skills in 2021, with roughly half of employers who responded stating that apprenticeship programs (56 percent) and non-degree credentials (46 percent) take a priority when screening applications.
While 73.1 percent of Tier 1 Top Jobs require at least a four-year degree for eligibility, last year 10.8 percent of Tier 1 Top Jobs were made available to job seekers with a high school diploma or less. Jobs in this category that did require a high school diploma employed a pool of 37,910 Coloradans. In 2021 however, all potential workers seeking this subgroup of employment were required to first attain quality, non-degree short-term credentials specific to that position – including work-based learning programs, apprenticeships, attainment of accredited licenses, and/or government issued certificates.
Tier 1 Top Jobs - Projected Annual Openings by Typical Education Needed for Entry
| Education | Number of Openings | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree | 59193 | 59.49% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 24332 | 24.45% |
| Associate's degree | 4530 | 4.55% |
| Doctoral or professional degree | 3459 | 3.48% |
| Postsecondary non-degree award | 3401 | 3.42% |
| Master's degree | 2855 | 2.87% |
| Some college, no degree | 1501 | 1.51% |
| No formal educational credential | 228 | 0.23% |
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 a formal postsecondary education (attained through a college or university two- or four-year degree program) for entry into employment. For Tier 2 jobs that do call for education and/or short-term credential attainment 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. Occupations that expect a bachelor’s or graduate degree within this group 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 |
|---|---|---|
| High school diploma or equivalent | 79253 | 46.72% |
| No formal educational credential | 60533 | 35.69% |
| Postsecondary non-degree award | 17160 | 10.12% |
| Bachelor's degree | 5369 | 3.17% |
| Some college, no degree | 4267 | 2.52% |
| Associate's degree | 1956 | 1.15% |
| Master's degree | 1080 | 0.64% |
Employers’ Employment Needs
Although top jobs and other occupations can be cross-industry, there are required skills that are common across occupations. The 2021 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:
- Planning
- Detail Oriented
- Innovation
- Leadership
- Problem Solving
- Operations
- Customer Service
- Communication
- Management
- Sales
The top ten technical (i.e., hard) skills across all occupations include:
- Restaurant Operation
- Nursing
- Merchandising
- Auditing
- Finance
- Auditing
- Basic Life Support
- Agile Methodology
- Selling Techniques
- Restaurant Operation
- Warehousing
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.