Opportunity Occupations

In 2022, more than half (54.2%) of prime working-age New Yorkers (ages 25-54) did not have a four-year college degree. These workers may not qualify for high-paying, high-skill occupations, and may find it difficult to advance in their careers. However, “opportunity occupations” can be a good way forward.

For the purposes of this dashboard, an “opportunity occupation” is a job that meets the following requirements:

1. Typically requires less than a bachelor’s degree for entry.
2. Pays above the area annual median wage.
3. The occupation must be projected to experience employment growth between 2020 and 2030.

We differentiate between “fast-growing” and “slower-growing” opportunity occupations. Fast-growing opportunity occupations are those projected to grow faster than the overall growth rate for the area. Slower-growing opportunity occupations are those with projected growth rates greater than zero, but less than or equal to the overall growth rate for the area.

The dashboard below can be used to explore the data in multiple ways.

• Opportunity Occupations – a comprehensive analysis of fast-growing and slow-growing opportunity occupations in New York State and regions, displaying the growth rate, median annual wage, and typical education required for entry.
• Details – shows a selected opportunity occupation’s job description, median annual wage, the New York State growth rate, the U.S. growth rate, employment prospects, typical education required for entry, typical on the job training required for entry, and work experience required.

To learn more about how to use Tableau and download data, check out our guide Tableau Tips for the Web.

If you are having trouble accessing the data provided below because you are using assistive technology, please reach out to your local labor market analyst for assistance.

Questions regarding opportunity occupations should be directed to your local labor market analyst.

For more information concerning opportunity occupations, see the accompanying Opportunity Occupations Report.