Story and Updated Tables by Melanie Kiper | 2/17/2022
Industry and occupation data help provide information about the labor force in government programs; evaluate government programs and policies to ensure they fairly and equitably serve the needs of all groups; and enforce laws, regulations, and policies against discrimination in society.
Information on growing or declining industries and occupations help estimate changes in the economy. Labor force estimates are used in funding decisions; to ensure surveys are accurate, including surveys that provide official labor market estimates; and to understand changes in other data (Wagner-Peyser Act and Workforce Investment Act).
Specifically looking at industry and occupation by workers age 55 years and older can help gauge the labor force effects of retiring baby boomers. The effect on the overall economy and on certain occupations and industries will be substantial, creating a need for younger workers to fill the vacated jobs, many of which require relatively high levels of skills. This data is needed to help plan education and training needs.
Industry
Download table with detailed industry and age categories.
Note: Figures reflect employed workers age 16 and over. Data not shown for select smaller industry classifications without published median ages.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021 Current Population Survey. https://www.bls.gov/cps/demographics.htm
Occupation
Download table with detailed occupation and age data.
Note: Figures reflect employed workers age 16 and over. Data not shown for select smaller occupational classifications without published median ages.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021 Current Population Survey. https://www.bls.gov/cps/demographics.htm