In Career Clusters, we examine which sectors of the labor market afford individuals the best route to a middle-class income. Using forecasts, we identify the most promising clusters for job seekers with a high school diploma or less, middle skills such as a certificate or Associate’s degree, and those with Bachelor’s degrees or better.

1. Career Clusters:
Forecasting Demand For High School Through
College Jobs 2008-2018
Anthony P. Carnevale and Nicole Smith
November 14, 2011

2. Overview
• This report analyzes the demand for high school
workers and projects the need for high school through
college jobs throughout 2018.
• Jobs for workers with a high school diploma or less still
exist, but are declining.
• By 2018 the demand for high skilled and middle-
skilled-workers will be greater.

3. Manufacturing
• While careers like manufacturing will decline
between 2008 and 2018, about 2 million jobs will
become available as baby boomers retire.

4. Male-dominated Careers
• Manufacturing, construction, transportation, and
hospitality are male-dominated careers with the
greatest possibility to employee high-school level
workers.

5. Demand

6. Male vs. Female Wages
• A male can earn $35K with a high school diploma in
manufacturing, and a female must have postsecondary
education to earn nearly the same salary.
• Middle-skill jobs are the minimum requirement for
females to earn a higher salary.

7. Wage Gap

8. Middle-skill Jobs
• Middle-skill jobs
require some level of
postsecondary
education and lead to
a median salary of
$45K.

9. Con’t.
• Six Career Clusters: manufacturing, marketing,
transportation, healthcare, business and hospitality.
• Fastest growing: healthcare by 21 percent and
hospitality by 12 percent.

10. Advanced Degrees
• Workers with a Bachelor’s degree
or higher have the most positive
career outlook.
• People with a B.A. will make over
$35K and average $60K.

11. Conclusion
• Obtaining postsecondary credentials lead to more
lucrative careers, especially for women.
• Throughout 2018, workforce demands will shift and
the demand for skilled workers will flourish.

12. For more information:
See the full report at: cew.georgetown.edu/CareerClusters/
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