2004-201

Career Grades

Navigating Missouri’s Top Jobs

DEPARTMENT of ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

MISSOURI ECONOMIC RESEARCH & INFORMATION CENTER

October 2007

Table of Contents Navigating Missouri’s Top Jobs Education, Training and Experience Grade A Careers Grade B Careers Grade C Careers Grade D Careers Grade F Careers

1 2 3 5 7 9 11

Regional Outlook Central Region Kansas City Region Northeast Region Northwest Region Ozark Region South Central Region Southeast Region Southwest Region St. Louis Region West Central Region

13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29 31

Career Grade Methodology

33

Missouri Economic Research and Information Center

2004-2014 Career Grades

Navigating Missouri’s Top Jobs With over 800 occupations to consider, choosing a career can be challenging. Missouri Career Grades are a tool to help compare the future outlook of these occupations. To make the comparisons easier, the Missouri Career Grades report assigns letter grades to various occupations within the state based on each occupation’s outlook over the next decade. For example, occupations in the Grade A category have the best outlook while Grade F jobs have the worst outlook. Grades are based on a combination of job openings, percent growth and the average wages of an occupation. For each of these three factors, an occupation’s projected performance is compared to the average for the state or region being analyzed. The degree to which an occupation is above or below the average for the three factors is used to determine its grade. For example, an occupation that has a well-above average number of openings, a well-above average growth rate, and a well-above average wage would be assigned an A+, while an occupation with a slightly below average number of openings, an average growth rate, and a well-above average wage would score a B-. Career Grades are available for Missouri and the state’s 10 Workforce Investment Areas (WIAs). Grades assigned in each region are determined by comparing only the occupations within that region. Due to regional differences in economic makeup across the state, it is possible that an occupation can have a good outlook (and high grade) in one region, but have a poor outlook (and low grade) in another. Career Grades can assist students, job seekers, displaced workers, educators, and workforce professionals in choosing which careers have the best outlook in terms of having good growth, a large number of annual openings, and offer an above average salary for job seekers. This report highlights occupations within each grade category in Missouri and those with the best outlook for every region of the state. To further assist with the career exploration process, occupations are grouped by the education and training levels typically associated with those occupations.

1 Missouri Economic Research and Information Center

2004-2014 Career Grades

Education, Training and Experience The education and experience categories describe the most significant level of postsecondary education or training for a particular occupation based on national trends.. While many occupations could be pursued with various levels of education or training, these groupings identify typical requirements and provide an additional source of information for a career-seeker.

Now Short/Moderate-Term On-the-Job Training Occupations generally requiring short-term on-the-job training are those for which less than 1 month of training suffices. Jobs that generally require moderate-term onthe-job training are those that assume training to last at least 1 month and no more than 12 months.

Next Long-Term On-the-Job Training/Work Experience in a Related Occupation Occupations requiring long-term on-the-job training are those for which more than one year of training is needed. Jobs that generally require work experience in a workrelated occupation are assumed to require a level of skills and experience higher than that of jobs requiring long-term on-the-job training.

Associate’s Degree/Vocational Education Occupations requiring vocational education are those for which at least a few weeks or more than a year of vocational education is needed. Occupations that generally require the completion of an associate’s degree program usually require at least 2 years of fulltime academic study.

Later Bachelor’s Degree/Work Experience Occupations that require completion of a bachelor’s degree program usually require 4 or 5 years of full-time academic work. Jobs may also require work experience in addition to a bachelor’s degree or higher.

Master’s/Doctoral/Professional Degree Occupations that require the completion of a master’s degree program usually need 1 to 2 years of full-time equivalent study beyond a bachelor’s degree whereas a doctoral degree program usually requires at least 3 yeast of academic work beyond a bachelor’s degree. A professional degree usually requires at least 6 years of academic study.

Missouri Economic Research and Information Center

2

2004-2014 Career Grades

Grade A careers have the best outlook with above average growth rates, number of openings and average wages compared to all occupations in the state. Nearly 612,000 Missourians were employed in these in 2004, making up 21 percent of the state’s employment. Grade A careers earn higher than average wages regardless of required education and training, with an average of $55,088 in 2004 compared to the statewide average of $34,870.

AnnualAverageWageforGradeACareers

Grade A occupations that typically require education and training of a bachelor’s degree or graduate degree average even higher wages.

$80,593

GraduateDegree

$71,975 $62,469

Bachelor'sDegree

$58,262 $45,971

Associate'sDegree

In the next ten years, employment in Grade A occupations is projected to increase by 16.4 percent, nearly twice the state’s average growth rate of 8.5 percent.

$34,991 $45,985

LongͲTermJobTraining

$41,564 $41,367

ShortͲTermJobTraining

$24,696

OpeningsforGradeACareers GraduateDegree

Bachelor'sDegree

Associate'sDegree

LongͲTermJobTraining

ShortͲTermJobTraining

GradeA AllCareers

20,823 35,686 87,150 146,759 37,321 94,896 41,283 115,945 33,025

579,479

GradeA AllCareers

Openings in Grade A careers are projected to top 219,000 by 2014, providing employment opportunities for many Missourians. Of all Grade A openings, two-thirds will require education and training beyond high school, with nearly 40 percent requiring a bachelor’s degree, 17 percent an associate’s or vocational degree, and 10 percent a graduate degree.

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Missouri Economic Research and Information Center

2004-2014 Career Grades

Now Customer Service Representatives Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equip. Operators Sales Representatives, Technical and Scientific Products Painters, Construction and Maintenance

Next Registered Nurses Carpenters Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers Electricians

Later Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Vocational Edu. General and Operations Managers Accountants and Auditors Computer Software Engineers, Applications

Openings

Average Wage

12,406 10,690 3,481 3,046 2,655

$29,050 $53,220 $40,550 $63,690 $37,150

Openings

Average Wage

23,189 10,493 5,784 5,400 3,918

$49,690 $41,520 $30,910 $38,380 $50,250

Openings

Average Wage

10,997 9,248 8,847 7,427 4,888

$36,330 $39,510 $87,900 $54,430 $73,690

4 Missouri Economic Research and Information Center

2004-2014 Career Grades

Grade B careers have a good outlook compared to all occupations in the state. There were over 917,000 Missouri workers in 2004 that were employed in Grade B careers, making up nearly 32 percent of employment statewide. Overall, Grade B careers pay slighter higher wages than the state average, with the Grade B careers paying an average of $34,960 compared to $34,870 for all occupations.

AnnualAverageWageforGradeBCareers

In the next ten years, employment in Grade B occupations is projected to increase by 12.9 percent, faster than the state’s average growth rate of 8.5 percent.

$64,702

GraduateDegree

$71,975 $53,576

Bachelor'sDegree

Associate'sDegree

Grade B careers are projected to have more openings from 2004 to 2014 than any other grade category, with 316,000 projected openings in these careers.

$58,262 $27,558 $34,991 $42,255

LongͲTermJobTraining

$41,564 $25,614

ShortͲTermJobTraining

GradeB AllCareers

$24,696

OpeningsforGradeBCareers GraduateDegree

Bachelor'sDegree

Associate'sDegree

LongͲTermJobTraining

ShortͲTermJobTraining

GradeB AllCareers

12,525 35,686 45,960 146,759 36,781 94,896 45,603 115,945 175,523

579,479

Of all Grade B openings in Missouri, nearly 70 percent will require either short- or longterm on-the-job training, while 14 percent will require a bachelor’s degree, 12 percent an associate’s degree or vocational training, and only four percent will require a graduate degree.

5 Missouri Economic Research and Information Center

2004-2014 Career Grades

Now Retail Salespersons Janitors and Cleaners Truck Drivers, Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Maintenance and Repair Workers, General Painters, Construction and Maintenance

Next Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants Cooks, Restaurant Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics First-Line Supervisors of Office and Admin. Support Workers First-Line Supervisors of Food Prep. and Serving Workers

Later Insurance Sales Agents Teachers and Instructors, All Other Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Vocational Edu. Child, Family, and School Social Workers Management Analysts

Openings

Average Wage

46,653 15,467 10,267 8,896 2,655

$23,180 $19,050 $36,260 $32,260 $37,150

Openings

Average Wage

13,130 7,461 6,696 5,666 5,513

$19,320 $19,400 $33,310 $42,790 $28,290

Openings

Average Wage

4,767 4,547 3,735 1,844 1,773

$59,950 $23,250 $39,670 $31,820 $64,820

6 Missouri Economic Research and Information Center

2004-2014 Career Grades

Grade C careers have average growth and pay lower than average salaries compared to all occupations in the state. Nearly 454,000 Missourians were employed in these occupations in 2004, making up 16 percent of the state’s employment. Grade C careers earn lower than average wages, with an average of $25,879 in 2004 compared to the statewide average of $34,870. However, Grade C occupations that typically require education and training of a bachelor’s degree or graduate degree earn wages close to the state average for occupations with similar requirements.

AnnualAverageWageforGradeCCareers $33,989

GraduateDegree

$71,975 $57,810

Bachelor'sDegree

Associate'sDegree

$58,262 $32,790 $34,991 $38,656

LongͲTermJobTraining

$41,564

In the next ten years, $20,436 ShortͲTermJobTraining employment in Grade C $24,696 occupations is projected to increase by 8.9 percent, inline with the state’s average growth rate of 8.5 percent.

GradeC AllCareers

OpeningsforGradeCCareers GraduateDegree

Bachelor'sDegree

Associate'sDegree

LongͲTermJobTraining

ShortͲTermJobTraining

GradeC AllCareers

1,180 35,686 8,835 146,759 10,036 94,896 11,734 115,945 149,862

579,479

Openings in Grade C careers in Missouri are projected to total more than 181,000 by 2014. Of all Grade C openings, 82 percent will require short-term on-the-job training and 6 percent long-term on-the-job training. Very few will require higher education, with only 10 percent requiring a bachelor’s degree or an associate’s or vocational degree.

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Missouri Economic Research and Information Center

2004-2014 Career Grades

Now Waiters and Waitresses Combined Food Prep. and Serving Workers, Including Fast Food Child Care Workers Counter Attendants, Cafe., Food Concession, and Coffee Shop Cooks, Fast Food

Next Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists Purchasing Agents, Ex. Wholesale, Retail, and Farm Products First-Line Supervisors/Managers of Personal Service Workers

Later Computer Programmers Graphic Designers Rehabilitation Counselors Editors Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists

Openings

Average Wage

32,533 31,834 8,802 5,989 5,775

$14,770 $15,020 $16,910 $15,460 $15,220

Openings

Average Wage

2,909 2,877 1,945 1,576 1,164

$28,990 $22,290 $34,700 $46,740 $29,970

Openings

Average Wage

2,366 926 887 718 600

$59,830 $38,810 $30,020 $50,650 $31,500

8 Missouri Economic Research and Information Center

2004-2014 Career Grades

Grade D careers have below average growth and pay lower than average salaries compared to all occupations in the state. Nearly 631,000 Missourians were employed in these occupations in 2004, making up 22 percent of the state’s employment. Grade D careers had an average annual wage of $25,583 in 2004 compared to the statewide average of $34,870. In the next ten years, employment in Grade D occupations is projected to increase by 1.2 percent, much slower than the state’s average growth rate of 8.5 percent.

AnnualAverageWageforGradeDCareers $48,269

GraduateDegree

$71,975 $50,904

Bachelor'sDegree

$58,262 $31,320

Associate'sDegree

Openings in Grade D careers in Missouri are projected to total more than 189,000 by 2014.

$34,991 $36,081

LongͲTermJobTraining

$41,564 $23,562

ShortͲTermJobTraining

GradeD AllCareers

$24,696

OpeningsforGradeDCareers GraduateDegree

Bachelor'sDegree

Associate'sDegree

LongͲTermJobTraining

ShortͲTermJobTraining

GradeD AllCareers

915 35,686 3,499 146,759 8,274 94,896 11,868 115,945 164,536

579,479

Of all Grade D openings in Missouri, 82 percent will require short-term on-the-job training and 6 percent long-term on-the-job training. Very few will require higher education, with less than seven percent requiring an associate’s or vocational degree or higher.

9 Missouri Economic Research and Information Center

2004-2014 Career Grades

Now Cashiers Office Clerks, General Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand Team Assemblers Stock Clerks and Order Fillers

Next Medical Secretaries Machinists Automotive Body and Related Repairers Industrial Machinery Mechanics Fitness Trainers and Aerobics Instructors

Later Legal Support Workers, All Other Health Educators Tax Examiners, Collectors, and Revenue Agents Engineers, All Other Purchasing Managers

Openings

Average Wage

37,861 22,157 14,536 11,873 10,632

$16,660 $22,710 $22,770 $28,380 $21,330

Openings

Average Wage

1,947 1,786 1,221 1,165 1,119

$26,130 $33,030 $37,580 $38,510 $22,330

Openings

Average Wage

413 352 317 257 251

$39,950 $39,600 $44,430 $64,220 $73,530

10 Missouri Economic Research and Information Center

2004-2014 Career Grades

Grade F careers have a poor outlook with declining growth rates, few openings and lower than average wages compared to all occupations in the state. Over 263,000 Missourians were employed in these occupations in 2004, making up 9 percent of the state’s employment. Grade F careers earn lower than average wages with an average of $25,326 in 2004 compared to the statewide average of $34,870. However, Grade F occupations that require only short-term onthe-job training earn AnnualAverageWageforGradeFCareers similar to the state average for that level of $31,817 GraduateDegree training. $71,975 $32,008

In the next ten years, employment in Grade F occupations is projected to decline by 7.9 percent, compared to the state’s average growth rate of 8.5 percent.

Bachelor'sDegree

Associate'sDegree

$58,262 $29,036 $34,991 $27,914

LongͲTermJobTraining

$41,564 $24,706

ShortͲTermJobTraining

GradeF AllCareers

$24,696

OpeningsforGradeFCareers GraduateDegree

Bachelor'sDegree

Associate'sDegree

LongͲTermJobTraining

ShortͲTermJobTraining

GradeF AllCareers

243 35,686 1,315 146,759 2,484 94,896 5,457 115,945 56,533

579,479

Only 66,000 openings are projected for Grade F careers by 2014. Of all Grade D openings in Missouri, 86 percent will require short-term onthe-job training and 8 percent long-term onthe-job training. Very few will require higher education, with only six percent requiring an associate’s or vocational degree or higher.

11 Missouri Economic Research and Information Center

2004-2014 Career Grades

Now Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders Data Entry Keyers Telemarketers Billing and Posting Clerks and Machine Operators

Next Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters Gaming Dealers Butchers and Meat Cutters Radio and Television Announcers Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers

Later Reporters and Correspondents Law Clerks Conservation Scientists Museum Technicians and Conservators Archivists

Openings

Average Wage

1,875 1,843 1,788 1,751 1,733

$19,770 $28,000 $23,510 $22,890 $26,790

Openings

Average Wage

1,006 661 630 408 369

$27,380 $20,280 $25,520 $27,850 $36,900

Openings

Average Wage

380 267 264 195 37

$36,800 $28,850 $39,920 $30,730 $36,670

12 Missouri Economic Research and Information Center

2004-2014 Career Grades

2004-2014 CCareer G Grades d

Central Region

Employment in the Central Region totaled nearly 290,000 in 2004 and is projected to increase by 8.1 percent by 2014. This is just below the state average projected growth rate of 8.5 percent. The Central Region is projected to have close to 98,000 total job openings between 2004 and 2014, with 28.6 percent classified as growth openings. Job openings are identified as “Growth” or “Replacement” openings. Growth openings are new jobs that are added to the economy, while replacement openings are vacancies created by worker mobility or retirements, but are not new jobs. Grade A careers have the best outlook with above average growth rates, number of openings and average wages compared to all occupations in the region. More than 54,000 in the Central Region were employed in Grade A occupations in 2004, making up 19 percent of the region’s employment. There are just over 20,000 projected Grade A openings in the Central Region, with nearly half classified as growth openings. Grade B careers make up 49 percent of the Central Region’s employment. These careers are projected to have the most openings in the region from OpeningsbyGradeLevel 2004 to 2014, with 30 percent classified as growth openings. GradeA 48.2% 20,247 51.8% Grade C, Grade D and Grade F careers combined account for only 32 percent of employment in the Central Region. These careers have the fewest projected openings in 2004 to 2014, most of which are replacement openings.

GradeB

GradeC

69.5%

81.4%

GradeD

GradeF

18.6%

92.6%

96.6%

3.4%

30.5%

50,964

8,236

7.4%

4,997

13,522 PercentReplacementOpenings PercentGrowthOpenings TotalOpenings

13

Good Outlook CareersCCentral entral Region Re Now Sales Reps, Whlse & Manu, Except Technical and Scientific Products Customer Service Representatives Maintenance and Repair Workers, General Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Highway Maintenance Workers Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers Dental Assistants Sales Reps, Whlse & Manu, Technical and Scientific Products

Next Registered Nurses Carpenters Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Electricians Real Estate Sales Agents Structural Iron and Steel Workers First-Line Supervisors/Managers of Police and Detectives

Later General and Operations Managers Accountants and Auditors Insurance Sales Agents Computer Software Engineers, Applications Lawyers Business Operations Specialists, All Other Chief Executives Loan Officers

Openings

Average Wage

1,055 1,011 896 544 451 295 290 183

$48,290 $26,260 $28,940 $35,310 $25,460 $28,240 $25,270 $64,920

Openings

Average Wage

2,223 1,429 709 369 296 269 267 241

$49,940 $33,940 $30,560 $40,780 $38,430 $66,680 $39,750 $50,790

Openings

Average Wage

862 598 398 383 335 326 274 220

$70,280 $44,300 $63,790 $56,340 $78,360 $40,350 $111,340 $46,300

Career Grades are designed to assist in choosing which careers have the best outlook in terms of having good growth, a large number of annual openings, and an above average salary. For each of these three factors, an occupation’s projected performance is compared to the average for the state or region being analyzed. The degree to which an occupation is above or below the average for the three factors is used to determine its grade. Grades are available for Missouri and the state’s 10 WIAs. Grades assigned in each region are determined by comparing only the occupations within that geographic region. The Now/Next/Later categories describe the most significant level of postsecondary education or training for a particular occupation based on national trends. The occupations on this page were sorted by education and training level, overall career grade and the number of total openings. All occupations on this page are Grade A or Grade B.

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Missouri Economic Research and Information Center

2004-2014 Career Grades

2004-2014 CCareer G Grades d

Kansas City Region

Employment in the Kansas City Region totaled more than 555,000 in 2004 and is projected to increase by 12.0 percent by 2014. This is faster than the 8.5 percent state projected growth rate. The Kansas City Region is projected to have more than 206,000 total job openings between 2004 and 2014, with 35.9 percent classified as growth openings. Job openings are identified as “Growth” or “Replacement” openings. Growth openings are new jobs that are added to the economy, while replacement openings are vacancies created by worker mobility or retirements, but are not new jobs. Grade A careers have the best outlook with above average growth rates, number of openings and average wages compared to all occupations in the region. Nearly 127,500 in the Kansas City Region were employed in Grade A occupations in 2004, making up 23.0 percent of the region’s employment. There are over 52,000 projected Grade A openings in the Kansas City Region, with nearly 55 percent classified as growth openings. Grade B careers make up 30.5 percent of the Kansas City Region’s employment. These careers are projected to have the OpeningsbyGradeLevel most openings in the region from 2004 to 2014, with 40 54.8% 52,699 45.2% GradeA percent classified as growth openings. Grade C, Grade D and Grade F careers combined account for 46.5 percent of employment in the Kansas City Region. These careers have the fewest projected openings in 2004 to 2014, most of which are replacement openings.

GradeB

59.9%

GradeC

31.5%

68.5%

GradeD

GradeF

40.1%

86.2%

91.4%

8.6%

11,336

13.8%

62,428

45,442

34,411 PercentReplacementOpenings PercentGrowthOpenings TotalOpenings

15

Good Outlook Careers Kansas K an nsas City Region Re Now Sales Reps, Whlse & Manu, Except Technical and Scientific Products Maintenance and Repair Workers, General Truck Drivers, Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Sales Representatives, Services, All Other Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers Sales Reps, Whlse & Manu, Technical and Scientific Products Advertising Sales Agents

Next Registered Nurses Carpenters Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Fire Fighters Paralegals and Legal Assistants Managers, All Other First-Line Supers/Mgrs of Const Trades and Extraction Workers Radiologic Technologists and Technicians

Later Computer Software Engineers, Applications Business Operations Specialists, All Other Computer Systems Analysts Lawyers Management Analysts Network Systems and Data Communications Analysts Computer and Information Systems Managers Computer Software Engineers, Systems Software

Openings

Average Wage

2,511 1,955 1,829 845 521 487 469 402

$50,900 $32,740 $38,440 $44,800 $52,860 $39,840 $59,180 $46,710

Openings

Average Wage

4,539 2,430 1,005 965 885 823 723 478

$52,570 $39,490 $41,750 $35,560 $39,500 $85,440 $57,200 $46,380

Openings

Average Wage

2,128 1,940 1,581 1,319 1,012 839 768 730

$71,260 $59,590 $68,210 $106,850 $67,980 $57,650 $93,570 $71,370

Career Grades are designed to assist in choosing which careers have the best outlook in terms of having good growth, a large number of annual openings, and an above average salary. For each of these three factors, an occupation’s projected performance is compared to the average for the state or region being analyzed. The degree to which an occupation is above or below the average for the three factors is used to determine its grade. Grades are available for Missouri and the state’s 10 WIAs. Grades assigned in each region are determined by comparing only the occupations within that geographic region. The Now/Next/Later categories describe the most significant level of postsecondary education or training for a particular occupation based on national trends. The occupations on this page were sorted by education and training level, overall career grade and the number of total openings. All occupations on this page are Grade A or Grade B.

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Missouri Economic Research and Information Center

2004-2014 Career Grades

2004-2014 CCareer G Grades d

Northeast Region

Employment in the Northeast Region totaled just over 90,000 in 2004 and is projected to increase by 7.4 percent by 2014. This is below the state projected growth rate of 8.5 percent. The Northeast Region is projected to have more than 90,000 total job openings between 2004 and 2014, with 27.1 percent classified as growth openings. Job openings are identified as “Growth” or “Replacement” openings. Growth openings are new jobs that are added to the economy, while replacement openings are vacancies created by worker mobility or retirements, but are not new jobs. Grade A careers have the best outlook with above average growth rates, number of openings and average wages compared to all occupations in the region. Around 14,300 in the Northeast Region were employed in Grade A occupations in 2004, making up 15.9 percent of the region’s employment. There are just over 5,000 projected Grade A openings in the Northeast Region, with 45.3 percent classified as growth openings. Grade B careers make up 54.3 percent of the Northeast Region’s employment. These careers are projected to have the OpeningsbyGradeLevel most openings in the region from 2004 to 2014, with 28 45.3% 5,118 percent classified as growth GradeA 54.7% openings. Grade C, Grade D and Grade F careers combined account for 29.8 percent of employment in the Northeast Region. These careers have the fewest projected openings in 2004 to 2014, most of which are replacement openings.

GradeB

GradeC

GradeD

GradeF

72.0%

75.6%

24.4%

93.0%

28.0%

17,746

2,613

7.0%

97.2%replacement 2.8%growth

3,940

919

PercentReplacementOpenings PercentGrowthOpenings TotalOpenings

17

Good Outlook Careers Northeast N ortheast Region Re Now Truck Drivers, Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Sales Reps, Whlse & Manu, Except Technical and Scientific Products Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers Dental Assistants Bill and Account Collectors Sales Reps, Whlse & Manu, Technical and Scientific Products Sales Representatives, Services, All Other

Next Registered Nurses Carpenters Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses First-Line Supers/Mgrs of Const Trades and Extraction Workers Structural Iron and Steel Workers Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Cost Estimators Radiologic Technologists and Technicians

Later Accountants and Auditors General and Operations Managers Insurance Sales Agents Special Education Teachers; Pre-K, Kindergarten, and Elem. School Chief Executives Lawyers Computer Software Engineers, Applications Network and Computer Systems Administrators

Openings

Average Wage

449 245 244 104 100 97 50 36

$33,830 $35,890 $37,670 $27,530 $29,170 $23,960 $50,920 $34,880

Openings

Average Wage

570 387 324 89 70 53 50 39

$40,000 $35,320 $26,920 $55,150 $47,030 $37,690 $40,830 $39,530

Openings

Average Wage

285 254 105 184 96 66 50 37

$42,670 $81,360 $41,880 $31,160 $90,110 $94,570 $45,840 $49,950

Career Grades are designed to assist in choosing which careers have the best outlook in terms of having good growth, a large number of annual openings, and an above average salary. For each of these three factors, an occupation’s projected performance is compared to the average for the state or region being analyzed. The degree to which an occupation is above or below the average for the three factors is used to determine its grade. Grades are available for Missouri and the state’s 10 WIAs. Grades assigned in each region are determined by comparing only the occupations within that geographic region. The Now/Next/Later categories describe the most significant level of postsecondary education or training for a particular occupation based on national trends. The occupations on this page were sorted by education and training level, overall career grade and the number of total openings. All occupations on this page are Grade A or Grade B.

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Missouri Economic Research and Information Center

2004-2014 Career Grades

2004-2014 CCareer G Grades d

Northwest Region

Employment in the Northwest Region totaled nearly 106,000 in 2004 and is projected to increase by 12.2 percent by 2014. This is above the state projected growth rate of 8.5 percent. The Northwest Region is projected to have more than 40,000 total job openings between 2004 and 2014, with 35.4 percent classified as growth openings. Job openings are identified as “Growth” or “Replacement” openings. Growth openings are new jobs that are added to the economy, while replacement openings are vacancies created by worker mobility or retirements, but are not new jobs. Grade A careers have the best outlook with above average growth rates, number of openings and average wages compared to all occupations in the region. More than 17,000 in the Northwest Region were employed in Grade A occupations in 2004, making up 16.2 percent of the region’s employment. There are 7,611 projected Grade A openings in the Northwest Region, with more than half classified as growth openings. Grade B careers make up 53.5 percent of the Northwest Region’s employment. These careers are projected to have the OpeningsbyGradeLevel most openings in the region from 2004 to 2014, with 37.7 45.2% 54.8% 7,611 GradeA percent classified as growth openings. Grade C, Grade D and Grade F careers combined account for 30.2 percent of employment in the Northwest Region. These careers have the fewest projected openings in 2004 to 2014, most of which are replacement openings.

GradeB

GradeC

GradeD

GradeF

62.3%

72.6% 27.4%

88.5%

95.6% 4.4%

37.7%

22,779

2,823

11.5%

1,686

5,218 PercentReplacementOpenings PercentGrowthOpenings TotalOpenings

19

Good Outlook Careers Northwest N orthwest Region Re Now Bill and Account Collectors Sales Reps, Whlse & Manu, Except Technical and Scientific Products Maintenance and Repair Workers, General Customer Service Representatives Highway Maintenance Workers Dental Assistants Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders Food Batchmakers

Next Registered Nurses First-Line Supervisors/Mgrs of Office and Admin Support Workers First-Line Supervisors/Mgrs of Production and Operating Workers Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists Fire Fighters First-Line Supervisors/Mgrs of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators

Later Insurance Sales Agents General and Operations Managers Accountants and Auditors Chief Executives Child, Family, and School Social Workers Computer Systems Analysts Chemists Pharmacists

Openings

Average Wage

648 478 445 291 155 140 139 129

$27,750 $42,530 $32,110 $24,120 $26,340 $31,240 $28,610 $26,860

Openings

Average Wage

897 275 202 167 130 99 97 55

$45,280 $38,910 $42,220 $26,990 $31,580 $30,080 $46,230 $39,540

Openings

Average Wage

410 310 254 119 116 86 66 58

$44,590 $79,250 $44,330 $105,550 $31,290 $56,680 $62,870 $87,020

Career Grades are designed to assist in choosing which careers have the best outlook in terms of having good growth, a large number of annual openings, and an above average salary. For each of these three factors, an occupation’s projected performance is compared to the average for the state or region being analyzed. The degree to which an occupation is above or below the average for the three factors is used to determine its grade. Grades are available for Missouri and the state’s 10 WIAs. Grades assigned in each region are determined by comparing only the occupations within that geographic region. The Now/Next/Later categories describe the most significant level of postsecondary education or training for a particular occupation based on national trends. The occupations on this page were sorted by education and training level, overall career grade and the number of total openings. All occupations on this page are Grade A or Grade B.

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Missouri Economic Research and Information Center

2004-2014 Career Grades

2004-2014 CCareer G Grades d

Ozark Region

Employment in the Ozark Region totaled nearly 230,000 in 2004 and is projected to increase by 15.6 percent by 2014. This is above the state projected growth rate of 8.5 percent. The Ozark Region is projected to have more than 94,000 total job openings between 2004 and 2014, with 40.3 percent classified as growth openings. Job openings are identified as “Growth” or “Replacement” openings. Growth openings are new jobs that are added to the economy, while replacement openings are vacancies created by worker mobility or retirements, but are not new jobs. Grade A careers have the best outlook with above average growth rates, number of openings and average wages compared to all occupations in the region. More than 41,000 in the Ozark Region were employed in Grade A occupations in 2004, making up 18.1 percent of the region’s employment. There are 20,169 projected Grade A openings in the Ozark Region, with 58.3 percent classified as growth openings. Grade B careers make up 47.8 percent of the Ozark Region’s employment. These careers are projected to have the most openings in the region from 2004 to 2014, with 41.7 percent classified as growth openings.

OpeningsbyGradeLevel GradeA

41.7%

GradeB

GradeC

58.3%

58.3%

58.5% 41.5%

20,169

41.7%

48,022

8,878

15.4% 12,999 84.6% GradeD Grade C, Grade D and PercentReplacementOpenings Grade F careers combined PercentGrowthOpenings account for 34.1 percent of GradeF 89.5% 10.5% 4,008 TotalOpenings employment in the Ozark Region. These careers have the fewest projected openings in 2004 to 2014. Grade D and Grade F openings are mostly replacement openings, while Grade C openings are more evenly split.

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Good Outlook Careers Ozark Region Re Now Truck Drivers, Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Customer Service Representatives Sales Reps, Whlse & Manu, Except Technical and Scientific Products Bill and Account Collectors Dental Assistants Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Sales Reps, Whlse & Manu, Technical and Scientific Products Postal Service Mail Carriers

Next First-Line Supers/Mgrs of Office and Admin Support Workers Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Real Estate Sales Agents Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists Radiologic Technologists and Technicians Real Estate Brokers First-Line Superrs/Mgrs of Const Trades and Extraction Workers Computer Support Specialists

Later Insurance Sales Agents General and Operations Managers Accountants and Auditors Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Vocational Edu Clergy Loan Officers Chief Executives Computer Software Engineers, Applications

Openings ngs

Average Wage

1,666 1,402 1,121 532 415 336 278 261

$34,740 $25,840 $46,460 $25,020 $25,850 $35,870 $52,410 $42,060

Openings

Average Wage

625 474 343 329 254 246 240 223

$37,310 $33,680 $45,750 $31,080 $39,940 $57,400 $49,840 $36,740

Openings

Average Wage

767 738 669 523 348 299 284 219

$52,630 $83,040 $48,510 $36,990 $38,180 $48,750 $114,080 $56,030

Career Grades are designed to assist in choosing which careers have the best outlook in terms of having good growth, a large number of annual openings, and an above average salary. For each of these three factors, an occupation’s projected performance is compared to the average for the state or region being analyzed. The degree to which an occupation is above or below the average for the three factors is used to determine its grade. Grades are available for Missouri and the state’s 10 WIAs. Grades assigned in each region are determined by comparing only the occupations within that geographic region. The Now/Next/Later categories describe the most significant level of postsecondary education or training for a particular occupation based on national trends. The occupations on this page were sorted by education and training level, overall career grade and the number of total openings. All occupations on this page are Grade A or Grade B.

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Missouri Economic Research and Information Center

2004-2014 Career Grades

2004-2014 CCareer G Grades d South Central Region Employment in the South Central Region totaled nearly 72,000 in 2004 and is projected to increase by 12.6 percent by 2014. This is above the state projected growth rate of 8.5 percent. The South Central Region is projected to have more than 27,000 total job openings between 2004 and 2014, with 36.5 percent classified as growth openings. Job openings are identified as “Growth” or “Replacement” openings. Growth openings are new jobs that are added to the economy, while replacement openings are vacancies created by worker mobility or retirements, but are not new jobs. Grade A careers have the best outlook with above average growth rates, number of openings and average wages compared to all occupations in the region. More than 9,000 in the South Central Region were employed in Grade A occupations in 2004, making up 12.8 percent of the region’s employment. There are 4,059 projected Grade A openings in the South Central Region, with 53.3 percent classified as growth openings. Grade B careers make up 54.2 percent of the South Central Region’s employment. These careers are projected to have the OpeningsbyGradeLevel most openings in the region from 2004 to 2014, with 41.6 53.3% 4,059 GradeA 46.7% percent classified as growth openings. Grade C, Grade D and Grade F careers combined account for 33.1 percent of employment in the South Central Region. Most job openings in these careers are classified as replacement openings.

GradeB

GradeC

GradeD

GradeF

58.4%

73.5%

26.5%

87.4%

41.6%

16,223

2,459

12.6%

94.3%replacement 5.7%growth

4,234

788

PercentReplacementOpenings PercentGrowthOpenings TotalOpenings

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Good Outlook Careers SSouth outh Central Central Region Re Now Truck Drivers, Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Maintenance and Repair Workers, General Sales Reps, Whlse & Manu, Except Technical and Scientific Products Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators Customer Service Representatives Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Executive Secretaries and Administrative Assistants Truck Drivers, Light or Delivery Services

Next Registered Nurses Carpenters First-Line Supers/Mgrs of Production and Operating Workers First-Line Supers/Mgrs of Office and Admin Support Workers Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education Computer Support Specialists Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics Cost Estimators

Later Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Vocational Edu General and Operations Managers Accountants and Auditors Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Vocational Edu Chief Executives Special Education Teachers, Secondary School Special Education Teachers, Pre-K, Kindergarten, and Elem School Employment, Recruitment, and Placement Specialists

Openings

Average Wage

436 252 238 165 148 130 129 123

$26,620 $27,100 $38,970 $21,040 $23,340 $30,810 $28,010 $27,460

Openings

Average Wage

576 272 182 158 97 95 83 27

$46,680 $26,920 $35,460 $32,620 $21,380 $24,320 $22,240 $38,630

Openings

Average Wage

386 227 185 97 94 82 77 75

$34,170 $67,070 $46,040 $41,010 $80,050 $33,820 $34,630 $26,570

Career Grades are designed to assist in choosing which careers have the best outlook in terms of having good growth, a large number of annual openings, and an above average salary. For each of these three factors, an occupation’s projected performance is compared to the average for the state or region being analyzed. The degree to which an occupation is above or below the average for the three factors is used to determine its grade. Grades are available for Missouri and the state’s 10 WIAs. Grades assigned in each region are determined by comparing only the occupations within that geographic region. The Now/Next/Later categories describe the most significant level of postsecondary education or training for a particular occupation based on national trends. The occupations on this page were sorted by education and training level, overall career grade and the number of total openings. All occupations on this page are Grade A or Grade B.

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Missouri Economic Research and Information Center

2004-2014 Career Grades

2004-2014 CCareer G Grades d

Southeast Region

Employment in the Southeast Region was just over 150,000 in 2004 and is projected to increase by 8.4 percent by 2014. This is inline with the state projected growth rate of 8.5 percent. The Southeast Region is projected to have more than 51,000 total job openings between 2004 and 2014, with 29.6 percent classified as growth openings. Job openings are identified as “Growth” or “Replacement” openings. Growth openings are new jobs that are added to the economy, while replacement openings are vacancies created by worker mobility or retirements, but are not new jobs. Grade A careers have the best outlook with above average growth rates, number of openings and average wages compared to all occupations in the region. Nearly 30,000 in the Southeast Region were employed in Grade A occupations in 2004, making up 20 percent of the region’s employment. There are 12,074 projected Grade A openings in the Southeast Region, with 43.5 percent classified as growth openings. Grade B careers make up 48.7 percent of the Southeast Region’s employment. These careers are projected to have the OpeningsbyGradeLevel most openings in the region from 2004 to 2014, with 33.7 56.5% 43.5% 12,074 GradeA percent classified as growth openings. Grade C, Grade D and Grade F careers combined account for 31.3 percent of employment in the Southeast Region. These careers have the fewest projected openings in 2004 to 2014, most of which are replacement openings.

GradeB

GradeC

GradeD

GradeF

66.3%

81.4%

95.5%

97.0% 3.0%

18.6%

33.7%

26,079

4,810

4.5%

2,076

6,668 PercentReplacementOpenings PercentGrowthOpenings TotalOpenings

25

Good Outlook Careers SSoutheast outheast Region Re Now Retail Salespersons Truck Drivers, Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Sales Reps, Whlse & Manu, Except Technical and Scientific Products Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Customer Service Representatives Counter and Rental Clerks Food Batchmakers Driver/Sales Workers

Next Registered Nurses First-Line Supers/Mgrs of Production and Operating Workers First-Line Supers/Mgrs of Office and Admin Support Workers Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists First-Line Supers/Mgrs of Personal Service Workers First-Line Supers/Mgrs of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers Radiologic Technologists and Technicians First-Line Supers/Mgrs of Trans & Material-Moving Machine Opers

Later General and Operations Managers Accountants and Auditors Insurance Sales Agents Child, Family, and School Social Workers Chief Executives Employment, Recruitment, and Placement Specialists Special Education Teachers, Pre-K, Kindergarten, and Elem School Medical and Health Services Managers

Openings

Average Wage

2,512 1,095 620 309 300 297 291 216

$23,090 $35,760 $41,370 $45,050 $22,510 $23,430 $23,350 $22,650

Openings

Average Wage

1,383 294 280 159 147 128 84 84

$44,820 $37,770 $35,560 $29,110 $26,370 $48,430 $39,150 $43,960

Openings

Average Wage

448 284 236 189 173 143 97 89

$74,970 $45,140 $41,540 $29,460 $106,880 $26,970 $36,090 $62,720

Career Grades are designed to assist in choosing which careers have the best outlook in terms of having good growth, a large number of annual openings, and an above average salary. For each of these three factors, an occupation’s projected performance is compared to the average for the state or region being analyzed. The degree to which an occupation is above or below the average for the three factors is used to determine its grade. Grades are available for Missouri and the state’s 10 WIAs. Grades assigned in each region are determined by comparing only the occupations within that geographic region. The Now/Next/Later categories describe the most significant level of postsecondary education or training for a particular occupation based on national trends. The occupations on this page were sorted by education and training level, overall career grade and the number of total openings. All occupations on this page are Grade A or Grade B.

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Missouri Economic Research and Information Center

2004-2014 Career Grades

2004-2014 CCareer G Grades d

Southwest Region

Employment in the Southwest Region totaled nearly 125,000 in 2004 and is projected to increase by 7.3 percent by 2014. This is below the state projected growth rate of 8.5 percent. The Southwest Region is projected to have more than 41,000 total job openings between 2004 and 2014, with 26.7 percent classified as growth openings. Job openings are identified as “Growth” or “Replacement” openings. Growth openings are new jobs that are added to the economy, while replacement openings are vacancies created by worker mobility or retirements, but are not new jobs. Grade A careers have the best outlook with above average growth rates, number of openings and average wages compared to all occupations in the region. Nearly 20,000 in the Southwest Region were employed in Grade A occupations in 2004, making up 15.7 percent of the region’s employment. There are 6,793 projected Grade A openings in the Southeast Region, with 46.1 percent classified as growth openings. Grade B careers make up 50.9 percent of the Southwest Region’s employment. These careers are projected to have the OpeningsbyGradeLevel most openings in the region from 2004 to 2014, with 30.2 53.9% 46.1% 6,793 GradeA percent classified as growth openings. Grade C, Grade D and Grade F careers combined account for 33.3 percent of employment in the Southwest Region. Most of the projected job openings in these careers are replacement openings.

GradeB

GradeC

GradeD

GradeF

69.8%

81.0%

19.0%

94.8%

30.2%

22,947

3,745

5.2%

98.1%replacement 1.9%growth

6,678

1,557

PercentReplacementOpenings PercentGrowthOpenings TotalOpenings

27

Good Outlook Careers SSouthwest ou uthwest Region Re Now Truck Drivers, Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Sales Reps, Whlse & Manu, Except Technical and Scientific Products Customer Service Representatives Truck Drivers, Light or Delivery Services Bill and Account Collectors Printing Machine Operators Dental Assistants Sales Reps, Whlse & Manu, Technical and Scientific Products

Next First-Line Supers/Mgrs of Production and Operating Workers First-Line Supers/Mgrs of Office and Admin Support Workers Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists Machinists Fire Fighters Radiologic Technologists and Technicians Cost Estimators First-Line Supers/Mgrs of Trans & Material-Moving Machine Opers

Later General and Operations Managers Insurance Sales Agents Accountants and Auditors Business Operations Specialists, All Other Network Systems and Data Communications Analysts Pharmacists Network and Computer Systems Administrators Computer Software Engineers, Applications

Openings

Average Wage

1,344 500 324 214 114 112 109 108

$33,576 $41,272 $23,223 $23,379 $22,677 $32,510 $22,274 $75,592

Openings

Average Wage

284 195 127 120 110 85 74 64

$40,741 $34,727 $28,119 $25,202 $22,734 $37,052 $36,615 $45,831

Openings

Average Wage

308 268 258 73 67 66 57 52

$76,021 $55,716 $62,682 $45,855 $46,906 $85,341 $43,235 $65,834

Career Grades are designed to assist in choosing which careers have the best outlook in terms of having good growth, a large number of annual openings, and an above average salary. For each of these three factors, an occupation’s projected performance is compared to the average for the state or region being analyzed. The degree to which an occupation is above or below the average for the three factors is used to determine its grade. Grades are available for Missouri and the state’s 10 WIAs. Grades assigned in each region are determined by comparing only the occupations within that geographic region. The Now/Next/Later categories describe the most significant level of postsecondary education or training for a particular occupation based on national trends. The occupations on this page were sorted by education and training level, overall career grade and the number of total openings. All occupations on this page are Grade A or Grade B.

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Missouri Economic Research and Information Center

2004-2014 Career Grades

2004-2014 CCareer G Grades d

St. Louis Region

Employment in the St. Louis Region totaled over 1.1 million in 2004 and is projected to increase by 10.0 percent by 2014. This is above the state projected growth rate of 8.5 percent. The St. Louis Region is projected to have more than 388,000 total job openings between 2004 and 2014, with 32.3 percent classified as growth openings. Job openings are identified as “Growth” or “Replacement” openings. Growth openings are new jobs that are added to the economy, while replacement openings are vacancies created by worker mobility or retirements, but are not new jobs. Grade A careers have the best outlook with above average growth rates, number of openings and average wages compared to all occupations in the region. Over 225,000 in the St. Louis Region were employed in Grade A occupations in 2004, making up 20.4 percent of the region’s employment. There are 85,510 projected Grade A openings in the St. Louis Region, with 49.5 percent classified as growth openings. Grade B careers make up 34.3 percent of the St. Louis Region’s employment. These careers are projected to have the OpeningsbyGradeLevel most openings in the region from 2004 to 2014, with 35.3 50.5% 49.5% 85,510 GradeA percent classified as growth openings. Grade C, Grade D and Grade F careers combined account for 45.3 percent of employment in the St. Louis Region. Most of the projected job openings in these careers are replacement openings.

GradeB

64.7%

GradeC

67.7%

GradeD

GradeF

35.3%

90.9%

98.1%

1.9%

32.3%

9.1%

25,332

132,431

93,237

51,736 PercentReplacementOpenings PercentGrowthOpenings TotalOpenings

29

Good Outlook CareersSSt.t. Louis Region Re Now Sales Reps, Whlse & Manu, Except Technical and Scientific Products Truck Drivers, Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Executive Secretaries and Administrative Assistants Maintenance and Repair Workers, General Construction Laborers Sales Reps, Whlse & Manu, Technical and Scientific Products Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Sales Representatives, Services, All Other

Next Registered Nurses Carpenters Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Fire Fighters Computer Support Specialists Electricians Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters First-Line Supers/Mgrs of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers

Later Accountants and Auditors General and Operations Managers Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education Computer Software Engineers, Applications Business Operations Specialists, All Other Network Systems and Data Communications Analysts Computer Systems Analysts Network and Computer Systems Administrators

Openings enings

Average Wage

5,791 3,296 3,291 3,239 2,227 1,755 1,526 879

$60,180 $40,370 $38,440 $35,450 $38,450 $67,990 $45,450 $52,710

Openings

Average Wage

9,550 5,124 2,287 1,640 1,183 1,177 1,098 865

$49,940 $48,930 $34,660 $49,060 $40,320 $59,340 $56,770 $56,760

Openings

Average Wage

4,213 3,696 3,515 3,056 2,047 1,874 1,803 1,691

$58,890 $95,370 $40,880 $77,890 $51,580 $62,200 $67,380 $59,260

Career Grades are designed to assist in choosing which careers have the best outlook in terms of having good growth, a large number of annual openings, and an above average salary. For each of these three factors, an occupation’s projected performance is compared to the average for the state or region being analyzed. The degree to which an occupation is above or below the average for the three factors is used to determine its grade. Grades are available for Missouri and the state’s 10 WIAs. Grades assigned in each region are determined by comparing only the occupations within that geographic region. The Now/Next/Later categories describe the most significant level of postsecondary education or training for a particular occupation based on national trends. The occupations on this page were sorted by education and training level, overall career grade and the number of total openings. All occupations on this page are Grade A or Grade B.

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Missouri Economic Research and Information Center

2004-2014 Career Grades

2004-2014 CCareer G Grades d

West Central Region

Employment in the West Central Region totaled nearly 98,000 in 2004 and is projected to increase by 7.2 percent by 2014. This is below the state projected growth rate of 8.5 percent. The West Central Region is projected to have more than 32,000 total job openings between 2004 and 2014, with 26.3 percent classified as growth openings. Job openings are identified as “Growth” or “Replacement” openings. Growth openings are new jobs that are added to the economy, while replacement openings are vacancies created by worker mobility or retirements, but are not new jobs. Grade A careers have the best outlook with above average growth rates, number of openings and average wages compared to all occupations in the region. Nearly 14,000 in the West Central Region were employed in Grade A occupations in 2004, making up 14.2 percent of the region’s employment. There are 5,369 projected Grade A openings in the West Central Region, with 45.5 percent classified as growth openings. Grade B careers make up 55.7 percent of the West Central Region’s employment. These careers are projected to have the OpeningsbyGradeLevel most openings in the region from 2004 to 2014, with 27.1 45.5% 5,369 percent classified as growth GradeA 54.5% openings. Grade C, Grade D and Grade F careers combined account for 30.1 percent of employment in the West Central Region. Most of the projected job openings in these careers are replacement openings.

GradeB

GradeC

GradeD

GradeF

72.9%

79.2%

20.8%

94.5%

98.1% 1.9%

27.1%

19,699

2,891

5.5%

1,385

3,370 PercentReplacementOpenings PercentGrowthOpenings TotalOpenings

31

Good Outlook Careers West W estt Central Central Region Re Now Team Assemblers Sales Reps, Whlse & Manu, Except Technical and Scientific Products Customer Service Representatives Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Highway Maintenance Workers Bill and Account Collectors Sales Reps, Whlse & Manu, Technical and Scientific Products Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers

Next Registered Nurses Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers First-Line Supers/Mgrs of Production and Operating Workers First-Line Supers/Mgrs of Office and Admin Support Workers Fire Fighters Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists

Later General and Operations Managers Accountants and Auditors Special Education Teachers, Pre-K, Kindergarten, and Elem School Chief Executives Family and General Practitioners Computer Software Engineers, Applications Mechanical Engineers Education Teachers, Postsecondary

Openings

Average Wage

630 314 189 186 152 95 51 49

$25,190 $38,090 $24,060 $31,330 $24,140 $23,600 $49,770 $40,700

Openings

Average Wage

710 233 197 170 157 119 93 88

$51,470 $26,740 $27,560 $43,260 $36,460 $25,880 $24,290 $27,630

Openings

Average Wage

246 239 145 100 52 46 45 43

$67,290 $49,430 $31,660 $80,500 $158,820 $52,700 $69,990 $52,910

Career Grades are designed to assist in choosing which careers have the best outlook in terms of having good growth, a large number of annual openings, and an above average salary. For each of these three factors, an occupation’s projected performance is compared to the average for the state or region being analyzed. The degree to which an occupation is above or below the average for the three factors is used to determine its grade. Grades are available for Missouri and the state’s 10 WIAs. Grades assigned in each region are determined by comparing only the occupations within that geographic region. The Now/Next/Later categories describe the most significant level of postsecondary education or training for a particular occupation based on national trends. The occupations on this page were sorted by education and training level, overall career grade and the number of total openings. All occupations on this page are Grade A or Grade B.

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Missouri Economic Research and Information Center

2004-2014 Career Grades

Career Grade Methodology The Career Grade Index equally weights three variables (average wages, total openings over the 10 year period, and % change over the 10 year period). It is the combination of scores for any of the three variables that defines an occupation’s Career Grade. Order of scores within each possible combination is not specific.

Career Grade Index Key Score 2 1 0

Value Significantly Above Average Above Average Average

-1 -2

Below Average Significantly Below Average

Definition scored at least two standard deviations above mean scored between one and two standard deviations above mean scored between one standard deviation below and one standard deviation above mean scored between one and two standard deviations below mean scored at least two standard deviations below mean

Example - To be designated a Grade A+ an occupation can have a combination of the following scores: 2, 2, 2 or 2, 2, 1 or 2, 1, 2 or 1, 2, 2

Career Grade Index Career Grade Grade A+ Grade A Grade AGrade B+ Grade B Grade BGrade C+ Grade C Grade CGrade D+ Grade D Grade DGrade F+ Grade F Grade F-

Possible Combinations of Scores 2,2,2 2,2,1 2,1,1 1,1,1 2,2,0 2,1,0 1,1,0 2,0,0 1,0,0 2,2,-1 2,1,-1 1,1,-2 2,0,-1 2,2,-2 2,1,-2 1,1,-2 0,0,0 1,0,-1 2,0,-2 1,0,-2 -2,0,0 -1,0,0 2,-2,-2 2,-2,-1 2,-1,-1 1,-2,-2 1,-2,-1 1,-1,-1 -2,-2,0 -2,-1,0 -1,-1,0 -2,-1,-1 -1,-1,-1 -2,-2,-2 -2,-2,-1

Career Grades were developed for the state and for each of the 10 sub-state regions in Missouri. For the statewide Career Grades, mean scores were developed from statewide average wages, % change, and total openings. For the regional Career Grades, mean scores were developed for each region’s average wage, % change, and total openings. In other words, occupations in the South Central region of Missouri were not compared with occupations from the St. Louis region in the regional grading process.

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Missouri Economic Research and Information Center

2004-2014 Career Grades