34 Job Market Changes to be Thankful for this Year: Pay Transparency and Growth Jobs.

Last week, Americans gathered to be thankful for everything they have. But it may be tough to feel thankful when you are searching for a job opportunity or trying to choose a career path.

There are two issues we have covered in our Pro-tip Blog that should, in our view, give jobseekers, students, and career-changers reasons to be optimistic about the future. The first is a trend toward pay transparency. Another is a plethora of jobs where the federal government expects high growth in the number of positions.

Pay transparency laws have been enacted around the country.

A number of states, and municipalities within these states, have enacted pay transparency laws and regulations. Generally, pay transparency rules and laws require many private sector employers to provide salary or wage ranges to job candidates. Some require employers to include pay ranges in postings, while others require employers to inform applicants about pay ranges. The states that have pay transparency laws or regulations include at least the following:

1. California,
2. Colorado,
3. Connecticut,
4. Delaware,
5. Maryland,
6. Massachusetts,
7. Nevada,
8. New Jersey,
9. New York,
10. Ohio,
11. Oregon,
12. Pennsylvania,
13. Rhode Island, and
14. Washington State.

States have continued putting new laws on the books since we studied this issue for the blog in November, 2022, (and it is possible for state legislatures to repeal existing laws, too), so check the online pay transparency map for the latest information.

Additionally, please remember that nothing in this blog can be considered legal advice. Check with an employment attorney in your state when you have questions about your specific situation.

Market efficiency improves, according to economists, when buyers and sellers have more information about prices (wages and salaries), so the trend toward pay transparency may help level the playing field’ for jobseekers.

High-growth jobs exist at all skill levels.

Another positive job market trend is high demand for jobs at a wide range of skill levels. While you are likely to earn higher wages with more skills in your portfolio, there will be jobs available for you even if you lack a college degree or specialized technical training.

The US Department of Labor (DOL) recently issued employment projections to the year 2032 based on 2022 data—the most recent available. Job categories the Department projects to have the greatest increase in employment by 2032 include information technology, healthcare, stock work, food service, truck driving, market research, attorneys, accountants,, and senior leaders.

Salaries for the top 20 growth occupations vary widely. You’ll earn more in jobs that require higher skill levels, but you will have opportunities going forward regardless of your education and experience.

The top 20 job categories, updated by DOL on September 6, 2023, are shown below, with median salaries for the year 2022.

1.    Home health and personal care aides, $30,180

2.    Software developers, $127,260

3.    Cooks, restaurant, $34,110

4.    Stockers and order fillers, $34,220

5.    Registered nurses, $81,220

6.    Laborers, freight, stock, & material movers, $36,110

7.    General and operations managers, $98,100

8.    Medical and health services managers, $104,830

9.    Light truck drivers, $40,410

10.  Financial managers, $139,790

11.  Nurse practitioners, $121,610

12.  Market research analysts & marketing specialists, $68,230

13.  Medical assistants, $38,270

14.  Management analysts, $45,290

15.  Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers, $49,920

16.  Computer and information systems managers, $164,070

17.  SA, behavioral, mental health counselors, $49,710

18.  Accountants and auditors, $78,000

19.  Lawyers, $135,740

20.  Construction laborers, $40,750

Source: US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Table of Occupations with the Most Job Growth 2022 and Projected 2032, Updated on September 6, 2023.

While the statistics demonstrate that you will earn more when you learn more, it is important to realize that you can enter the job market without advanced training even in fields such as healthcare and logistics. And, as an increasing number of college and certificate programs cater to adult learners, you can continue your education while working. There are many reasons to be thankful, then, although you are finishing the year with a job search, or you are puzzling out your next career move.