OCCUPATIONAL DATA FAQs

What is the Occupational Outlook Report?
Annually, the Research and Labor Market Information Team of the San Diego Workforce Partnership gathers information on 30 to 35 local occupations that includes data on skills/qualifications, experience, wages and salaries, benefits, supply and demand, turnover and growth projections. Occupational data in the report is also linked to local education and training providers. The CD version of the report includes information on 70 occupations, derived from labor market studies conducted within the last two years.

What is an SOC code?
An SOC code is the Standard Occupational Classification system developed by the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics. Workers are now classified into 820 occupations. Each broad occupation includes detailed occupation(s) requiring similar job duties, skills, education, or experience.

How is the "New Job Growth Rate" derived?
The "New Job Growth Rate" is calculated by dividing the projected number of new jobs by the number of jobs estimated in the base year.

What are the highest paying jobs?
The Occupational Outlook Report provides information on the entry level of wages and a range and median for experienced level of workers. Annual earnings can be estimated by multiplying the hourly wage figures for a specific occupation by 2,080 (the number of hours a full time employee works per year).

What jobs have the most openings?
The number of openings for an occupation can be found within each occupational profile, under the heading "Occupational Size and Growth Projections." Total openings are calculated by adding the number of projected new jobs to the replacement jobs for each occupation.

What do I do if I can't find an occupation in the report?
The Occupational Outlook Report provides information on a limited number of occupations each year. While no occupations are repeated within a three-year time span, you may need to try other informational sources for some occupations such as:
State Occupational Guides - Statewide information on job duties, working conditions, and entrance requirements.
Occupational Outlook Handbook - National sources of labor information