The following tables explain how to interpret key phrases used to describe projected changes in employment. Also explained are the terms used to describe the relationship between the number of job openings and the number of job seekers. The description of this relationship in a particular occupation is provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, in its Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition.
| Changing employment between 2008 and 2018 |
|---|
| If the statement reads: | Employment is projected to: |
|---|
| Grow much faster than average | Increase 20 percent or more |
| Grow faster than average | Increase 14 to 19 percent |
| Grow about as fast as average | Increase 7 to 13 percent |
| Grow more slowly than average | Increase 3 to 6 percent |
| Little or no change | Decrease 2 percent to increase 2 percent |
| Decline slowly or moderately | Decrease 3 to 9 percent |
| Decline rapidly | Decrease 10 percent or more |
| Opportunities and competition for jobs |
|---|
| If the statement reads: | Job openings compared with job seekers may be: |
|---|
| Very good to excellent opportunities | More numerous |
| Good or favorable opportunities | In rough balance |
| May face, or can expect, keen competition | Fewer |