Let’s get to the bad news first. Service occupations — such as health care assistants, food service employees, security guards, maintenance workers and personal service providers — probably will not see big jumps in pay anytime soon.
Now the good news.These jobs, by definition, require people on-site to do them. Therefore, service positions, taken as a segment, will not be outsourced or eliminated in the foreseeable future. This is no small thing in the current employment economy, where jobs are scarce and job security is something to be treasured.
*Local market improving*
First, the basics. Colorado’s unemployment rate decreased half a percentage point last month, down from 7.8 percent in July to 7.3 percent in August. While the national rate has risen steadily to a high of 9.7 percent, Colorado’s rate is about the same as it was six months ago.
It was the second-largest unemployment rate decline among all states, as rates fell in 62 of Colorado’s 64 counties. Its rate consistently has remained about 2 points below the national average for most of the year. Experts say they’re seeing stability in Colorado’s economy, with its unemployment rate lower than 34 other states and the District of Columbia.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the outlook for many lower-paying service-type jobs is strong. One example is in the health sector. As the health care industry expands because of technological advances, and the growth and aging of the population, there will be an increased need for health care workers and their services. Employment is projected to grow much faster than average — 35 percent — ranking medical assistants among the fastest-growing occupations over the 2006 to 2016 decade.
The need will be especially acute for medical assistants who can perform both administrative and clinical duties, and who have formal training or experience, and certification. Although many medical assistants report enjoying rewarding careers, pay generally hovers in the $30,000 range.
*Get a â secure’ feeling*
Security guards, including casino gaming surveillance specialists, also see a favorable hiring outlook, stemming from increased concern about crime, vandalism and terrorism nationwide, as well as large turnover in the sector. Employment of security guards is expected to grow by 17 percent 2006 to 2016, as private security firms increasingly perform duties that were handled by police officers.
Meanwhile, employment of gaming surveillance officers is expected to grow by a whopping 34 percent, according to the BLS. Casinos will continue to hire surveillance officers, as more states follow Colorado’s lead and legalize gambling. In addition, casino security forces will employ more technically trained personnel as technology becomes increasingly important in thwarting casino cheating and theft.
Despite the expertise needed in these fields, average pay remains in the high-$20,000 range; slightly more for those in gaming security, according to labor statistics.
*Fit forecast for exercise*
Due to rapid job growth in health clubs, fitness facilities and other settings, jobs for fitness workers look healthy. The BLS predicts a 27-percent increase over the 2006 to 2016 decade, much faster than the average for all occupations. Many of these jobs tend to be part-time or seasonal.
Why does fitness have such a positive outlook? For one, aging baby boomers are concerned with staying healthy and independent. Health club membership among young adults also has grown steadily, driven by concern with physical fitness and by rising incomes.
Moreover, the reduction of physical education programs in schools, combined with parents’ growing concern about childhood obesity, has resulted in rapid increases in children’s health club membership. Finally, businesses are recognizing the benefits of health and fitness programs for their employees, and many are offering gym memberships in benefits packages.
Median earnings of fitness trainers and aerobics instructors are in the mid-$20,000s; the upper 10 percent earn more than $50,000. However, these figures do not include self-employed personal trainers, who can earn much more with experience, a solid client base and regular referrals.
_Tim Walmer is special sections editor in the Creative Services Department
at the Denver Newspaper Agency._