Software engineers, computer programmers and landscape workers are occupations expected to increase rapidly over the next several years, according to the Employment Security Department’s Occupational Outlooks. 

These new online publications list the occupations that are expected to be in high demand by preparation level. The occupations in demand statewide are a solid mix of less preparation (groundskeepers, janitors and security guards) and more preparation (computer engineers/programmers, lawyers and registered nurses).

The publication gives further proof that higher education and training tend to lead to higher wages.  State workers with the lowest level of preparation (jobs that require one month or less of on-the-job training) earned an average wage of $24,230 per year. The next highest level of preparation saw wages increase by 50 percent to $36,364 per year and subsequently rise for each higher level of preparation.

The Occupational Outlooks provide wage data for demand occupations by preparation levels. They are available for the state as a whole and for each of the state’s twelve Workforce Development Areas.