Employment Outlook

Careers in this cluster fall into the farming, fishing, and forestry and the life, physical, and social science occupational groups used by the Bureau of Labor Statistics for occupational projections.

Farming, Fishing, and Forestry

Overall employment in farming, fishing, and forestry occupations is projected to show little or no change from 2021 to 2031; this limited growth is expected to result in about 8,400 new jobs over the decade. In addition to new jobs from growth, opportunities arise from the need to replace workers who leave their occupations permanently. About 171,700 openings each year, on average, are projected to come from growth and replacement needs.

Life, Physical, and Social Science

Overall employment in life, physical, and social science occupations is projected to grow 7 percent from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations; this increase is expected to result in about 98,700 new jobs over the decade. In addition to new jobs from growth, opportunities arise from the need to replace workers who leave their occupations permanently. About 147,900 openings each year, on average, are projected to come from growth and replacement needs.