
In these states, the concentrations of jobs by education level are usually similar to those nationwide. Some states-including Arizona, Georgia, Missouri, North Carolina, and Oregon-don’t show up in any of these lists. The tables and text also provide the median annual wage for occupations at each education level for comparison with the national median for all occupations ($35,080). Accompanying text gives examples of occupations with employment rates that are higher in a particular state than they are nationally. Tables in the sections that follow show data in 10 states with the highest concentrations of jobs in occupations at each level of education. However, the specific occupations within a given education level differ from one state to another. For example, high school-designated occupations make up the largest percentage of jobs in all the states, just as they do for the country as a whole. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics survey (employment data) and Employment Projections program (occupational education-level designations). Jobs by designated education level of occupations, May 2013 About 84 percent of jobs fall into three categories: high school diploma or equivalent, less education than a high school diploma, and bachelor’s degree. The chart shows the proportion of jobs nationwide in May 2013 that were in occupations at each of the education levels. This article analyzes data only by education level because it is often the first requirement that jobseekers must meet when applying for an entry-level position in an occupation. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) designates 1 of the following 8 education levels that workers typically need to enter an occupation:īLS education and training designations include on-the-job training and work experience in a related occupation, as well as education. Although the District of Columbia is a city and not a state, it is counted among the states analyzed in this article, for a total of 51. This analysis focuses on the percentage of jobs, rather than on the number, because at every education level, heavily populated states (such as Texas and Illinois) have more jobs than less populated ones (such as Rhode Island and Alaska). And the third section suggests sources for more information. The second section explains the data used for the analysis. The first section of this article describes states with high concentrations of jobs in occupations that typically require one of several levels of education. For example, some states have more jobs or higher wages in a particular industry.īut state data showing job share by education level may be both interesting and helpful for jobseekers pondering career choice and geographic location.

And job prospects vary by state for a number of reasons. The specific field in which you have your education is important, too-especially for workers with higher levels of education. Of course, broad education levels in jobs is just one way to look at employment opportunities by state.
