Workforce Comparison Tool

Compare projected job growth, AI automation exposure, and median wages across US industry sectors. Data from BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 and O*NET Database 30.0.

Select Sectors to Compare

Understanding Workforce Comparisons

Comparing workforce metrics across industry sectors reveals structural differences in how AI and automation are reshaping the labor market. A sector with high growth and high AI exposure (like technology) is fundamentally different from one with declining employment and high AI exposure (like manufacturing).

Key dimensions to consider when comparing sectors:

  • Projected Growth (2024-2034): The BLS projected percentage change in total employment over the decade. Positive growth means the sector is expanding; negative means contraction is expected.
  • AI Exposure Score: The average proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation across occupations in the sector. Sectors above 50% face significant task transformation regardless of growth direction.
  • Median Annual Wage: The midpoint wage for all workers in the sector. Useful for understanding earning potential, but individual occupations within a sector can vary widely.
  • Total Employment 2024: Current sector size by number of workers. Larger sectors have more absolute job openings even at lower growth percentages.
  • Top AI-Exposed Occupation: The specific role within the sector with the highest AI exposure score, illustrating where automation pressure concentrates.

How to Use These Comparisons

For job seekers and career changers, compare the growth trajectory and AI exposure of target sectors. Sectors with strong growth and moderate AI exposure (like healthcare) offer more stability than fast-growing sectors with high AI exposure (like tech), where the nature of work may change rapidly.

For HR and workforce planners, use AI exposure scores to anticipate reskilling needs. Sectors with high exposure and high growth need training programs that evolve worker skills alongside automation, not just headcount planning.

For students and educators, compare sectors to align curricula with future demand. Sectors where growth is strong but AI exposure is moderate suggest durable skill sets that remain valuable even as AI capabilities advance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I use the workforce comparison tool?

Select two or more industry sectors or occupation categories from the dropdowns, then click "Compare Workforces" to see a side-by-side comparison of projected job growth, AI exposure risk, and median wages. You can compare up to four sectors at once.

Where does the comparison data come from?

All data comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024-2034 and O*NET Database 30.0 task analysis. Growth rates and wages are official BLS figures. AI exposure scores are derived from O*NET task-level analysis using a documented methodology.

What does the AI exposure score mean?

The AI exposure score (0-100%) represents the proportion of tasks in a given occupation or industry that are susceptible to automation by current or near-term AI systems. Higher scores indicate greater automation pressure, not necessarily job loss — many roles will transform rather than disappear.

Can I compare specific occupations instead of industries?

This tool compares industry sectors and occupation categories. For individual occupation comparisons, browse our occupation profiles which include detailed AI exposure breakdowns, wage data, and growth projections for each specific role.