Foreword by the Commissioner of Labor Statistics

Global competition, changing technology and business practices, and shifts in the demand for goods and services continue to reshape America's job market—creating a widespread need for comprehensive, up-to-date, and reliable career information.

The Bureau's Occupational Outlook Handbook—a nationally recognized source of career information—describes what workers do on the job, working conditions, the training and education needed, earnings, and expected job prospects in a wide range of occupations. Employment in the approximately 250 occupations covered in the 1996-97 Handbook accounts for about 7 out of every 8 jobs in the economy. The occupational information presented this new edition should provide valuable assistance to individuals making career decisions about their future work lives.

KATHARINE G. ABRAHAM
Commissioner
Bureau of Labor Statistics

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