This box explains how to interpret the key phrases used to describe projected changes in employment. It also explains the terms used to describe the relationship between the number of job openings and the number of jobseekers. The descriptions of this relationship in a particular occupation reflects the knowledge and judgment of economists in the Bureau’s Office of Employment Projections.

Changing employment between 1998 and 2008

If the statement reads:	Employment is projected to:
Grow much faster than average	increase 36 percent or more
Grow faster than average	increase 21 to 35 percent
Grow about as fast as average	increase 10 to 20 percent
Grow more slowly than average, or little or no change	increase 0 to 9 percent
Decline	decrease 1 percent or more

Opportunities and competition for jobs

If the statement reads:	Job openings compared to jobseekers may be:
Very good to excellent opportunities	More numerous
Good or favorable opportunities	In rough balance
May face keen competition or can expect keen competition	Fewer