Why Good Paying Jobs are Elusive

Good jobs, like good people, are still hard to find.  This despite the current unemployment rate of 4.9% the end of June 2016 (versus 9.5% in June 2009). 

The struggle for many is simply not having the right skills, experience and education to match jobs which are in demand.

Here are the top ten job categories in terms of earnings growth, inflation adjusted, from 2004-2014 (average annual income, 2015):

1. Physicians assistants ($99,270)
2. Occupational therapists ($81,690)
3. Financial managers (($134,330)
4. Marketing managers ($140,660)
5. Medical and health-services managers ($106,070)
6. Computer- and information-systems managers ($141,000)
7. All other computer occupations ($87,310)
8. Sales engineers ($107,160)
9. Administrative-services managers ($94,840)
10. Family and general practitioners ($192,120)

Most in the workforce don't fit these and other occupations where above average pay and benefits create higher disposable income.   

The job situation helps explain why seven in ten surveyed adults believe the U.S. is on the wrong track, according to Real Clear Politics average of eleven polling firms.  That number reflects, in part, a high level of anxiety and resentment from those with little or no formal education and training. 

A new analysis by McKinsey Global Institute shows that 81% of the U.S. population is in an income bracket with flat or declining income over the last decade.

To see where job growth is taking place take a moment to read, "The Short List of Jobs with High and Rising Pay."   It's an eye opening look at the U.S. economy and America's growing divide in the standard of living...

Click here for the article.

Job and Employment Source:  Indeed, Bureau of Labor Statistics

Have a safe and renewing summer.

Russ Bredholt, Jr.

rbredholt@strategist.com

www.strategist.com

(C) Bredholt & Co.