If you're opening or relocating a business, state labor market information can help you determine what regions are best able to support new jobs. Or, if you're an employee looking for work, state labor market employment data can tell you which state economies offer the most jobs, and what fields and industries are growing the fastest in those states.

State labor market research is posted on government agency websites, and frequently covered by print and broadcast media, so the data is both easy to find and detailed, helping you better evaluate your chosen industry or the state where you live.

State labor market analysis and information includes:

1. The number of unemployed people in a state
2. New jobs created in a given time period
3. Average salaries and wages by state
4. The fastest growing industries and jobs in that region
5. Labor market research predicting the employment outlook for a given time period
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use state labor market data to compare job markets and economies by region

By evaluating employment figures by state, you can determine which region has the highest number of qualified workers to fill positions at your company. By locating your business in a city with a ready-made workforce, you increase your chances of attracting the most applicants, and the greatest number of candidates suited to the jobs you're offering. For job-seekers, this information can provide insight into which regions have the greatest number of jobs to offer, giving you more options to choose from, and a greater chance of securing employment.

I recommend: At Career One Stop, search for labor information by state, find out how your state's employment outlook compares to others, and find information on regional employment trends and wages. At the Vocational Information Center, search for labor market analysis and information such as the best performing cities, employment projections, and occupation projections by state.

Contact your state's labor agency for information about state labor markets

Your state's labor agency can tell you nearly anything you need to know about your local job market: the jobs expected to have the most annual openings, average wages and salaries statewide or by city, and the total number of workers statewide per industry, for example.

I recommend: Search for contact information for state labor agencies at the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics. Or, contact your state's agency directly; for instance, in Louisiana, you can visit the Louisiana Workforce Commission for Louisiana labor market information.

Hire a consultant to conduct a labor market analysis

If you can't find what you need through labor agencies or other organizations, or if you need labor market information specific to your situation, you can hire a consultant to compile the information most relevant to you.

I recommend: Allegis Group Services will conduct a customized labor market analysis for your region, to help you make better business and hiring decisions. Industrial Rehabilitation Consultants uses labor market research for worker compensation and litigation, but can perform research specific to any employment information need.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Many state labor agencies offer email alerts when new state labor market analysis information is posted online. These alerts can help you more quickly adapt to any changes within your local labor market.