Forecast: Statewide Employment to Expand by 5.6%

The state’s employment projections over the 10 year period that ends in 2024, is forecast to expand by 5.6% according to new information released today by the state Department of Labor & Industrial Relations.

The DLIR’s Research & Statistics office today released the data saying ten out of the twelve major industrial sectors will increase, with the largest numerical expansion in industries that employ the most workers.  Double digit increases are forecast in: Healthcare Support (16%); Construction and Extraction (11%); Healthcare Practitioners & Technical (11%); and Computer Mathematical (10.2%).

The smallest industry division, Natural Resources and Mining, is expected to lose workers (5.3%) primarily due to a drop in Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting. Anticipated losses at the federal level because of increased pressure to reduce the budget deficit will offset gains at the state and county levels in Government.

Industry growth rates 2014 -2024. Image credit: State of Hawaiʻi.

Industry Projections

Jobs added by the three largest industries will provide the largest numerical gains. Education and Health Services, the state’s largest industry, will add the most number of jobs with the pickup of 12,170 jobs or almost one-third of the total statewide increase.

The Trade, Transportation, and Utilities industry will follow with an increase of 6,110, while Leisure and Hospitality will expand by 5,660 positions. The Construction industry will provide the largest percentage gain (+14.3%) among all industries as the ongoing construction of the rail transit project as well as the development of residential condominium units boosts this industry upward.

Occupational Projections

Occupational Employment and Growth, State of Hawaiʻi, 2014-2024. Image credit: State of Hawaiʻi.

Occupational growth is projected for 21 of the 22 major occupational sectors through 2024. Reflecting the demands of an aging population, healthcare support occupations will outpace all occupational groups with the highest anticipated growth rate of 16%. Healthcare practitioners and technical occupations along with construction and extraction occupations will provide the next fastest growth of 11%. Food preparation and serving related occupations will generate the greatest numerical job increase (4,010), followed closely by construction and extraction occupations (3,970).

Food preparation and serving related occupations, based on the continued strength of the tourism market, will also produce the most total annual openings. This includes growth opportunities as well as replacement needs. Sales and related occupations and office and administrative support occupations are also anticipated to generate numerous job openings.

Methodology

The Employment Projections for Industries and Occupations series provides long-term industry and occupational projections for the State of Hawaiʻi and for each of the four counties. The data is generated using 2014 as the base year employment and forecasts employment to the year 2024. To access the publication, including a more detailed description of the methodology, go to the Hawaiʻi Workforce Infonet and select from the reports available online.