97
Chapter 5 Types of Careers
An overall picture of the sectors that make up the U.S. job
market shows that the agriculture sector will offer little job
growth, while the goods-producing sector will offer somewhat
more. The services sector, however, currently employs the vast
majority of U.S. workers and will continue to outpace the job
growth of all other sectors combined.
As you examine the career clusters in this chapter, consider
their potential for job growth. When an occupational area is
expanding, many new workers are needed. These areas often
present the greatest employment opportunities for individuals.
Your
Reading
How can knowing about
career clusters guide
your career decisions?
5-1
The top 10 fast-
growing occupational
areas all involve posi-
tions in the services
sector.
Top 10 Areas of Largest
Employment Growth, 2006–2016
Occupational Areas Percent Job
Increase
Total Jobs
in 2016
Management, scientifi c, and
technical consulting services
77.9 1,639,000
Home health care services 55.4 1,348,000
Computer systems design and
related services
38.3 1,768,000
Offi ces of physicians 24.8 2,687,000
Employment services 18.9 4,348,000
Colleges, universities, and
professional schools, public and
private
14.5 3,933,000
General medical and surgical
hospitals, public and private
13.9 5,679,000
Limited-service eating places 13.2 4,548,000
Local government, excluding
education and hospitals
10.9 6,206,000
Elementary and secondary
schools, public and private
7.6 8,983,000
Note: Covers all wage/salary positions
U.S. Department of Labor