Career Clusters: Forecasting Demand For High School Through

College Jobs 2008-2018 Anthony P. Carnevale and Nicole Smith

November 14, 2011

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.

Manufacturing •  While careers like manufacturing will decline

between 2008 and 2018, about 2 million jobs will become available as baby boomers retire.

Male-dominated Careers •  Manufacturing, construction, transportation, and

hospitality are male-dominated careers with the greatest possibility to employee high-school level workers.

Demand  

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.

Wage Gap

Middle-skill Jobs •  Middle-skill jobs

require some level of postsecondary education and lead to a median salary of $45K.

Con’t. •  Six Career Clusters: manufacturing, marketing,

transportation, healthcare, business and hospitality. •  Fastest growing: healthcare by 21 percent and

hospitality by 12 percent.

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.

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.

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

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