Tuesday, August 19, 2014

July's Employment Situation release from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics showed that job opportunities were increasing across the country. More recently, the agency revealed its regional employment data, tracking the states in which most of those gains occurred. According to BLS data, just eight states had declining unemployment over the month, but 38 dropped their rates in the last year.

More jobs for Americans

Although reductions to unemployment rates were small in July, the rise in the actual number of jobs was more promising. Employment increased in 36 states and in Washington, D.C., over the month. Texas once again gained the largest number of jobs, adding 46,600 to its workforce. California and Nevada were the next top job creators, increasing employment by 27,700 and 17,900, respectively. By percentage, Montana grew the most, expanding 0.7 percent. Arizona, Kentucky, Missouri, New Mexico and Utah each increased employment 0.5 percent.

Throughout the year, the picture was different, and the U.S. overall saw largest increases in employment and substantial reductions to unemployment. Alaska was the only state to lose workers since July 2013, with every other state and Washington, D.C., gaining employees. North Dakota, which showed no significant employment change in the last month, added 4.4 percent to its workforce over the year, the most of any state. Nevada and Utah were close behind, gaining 3.8 percent and 3.6 percent, respectively.

Unemployment rates drop
 Despite its over-the-month performance stagnating, North Dakota's 12-month job increases led it to have the lowest unemployment rate in the U.S., at just 2.8 percent. Mississippi's 8 percent unemployment was the highest in the nation, one of just eight states - plus Washington, D.C. - that had rates above the national average. Most states had unemployment unchanged from June, but seven saw rising rates. Over the year, however, unemployment dropped in 29 states and Washington, D.C. Illinois' 2.4 percent decrease was the largest in the country.

- See more at: http://mrinetwork.com/resources/article-archive/articles/employment-rose-in-36-states-and-dc-in-july/#sthash.k5boDdxh.dpuf

Food scientists and technologists: Number of People in Profession 10,790 Changing Employment (2008-2018) Employment is projected to grow faster than average (increase 14 - 19%). Job Opportunities & Competition Good or favorable job opportunities. Job openings compared with job seekers may be in rough balance. Food scientists and technologists hold about 13,400 jobs. A large number of these people also hold faculty positions in colleges and universities. Manufacturing companies hold about 20 percent of the total number of food scientists and technologist, working mainly in food and pharmaceutical manufacturing. Another 15 percent work in educational institutions. About 7 percent work in the Federal Government, mostly in the US Department of Agriculture. Still other food scientists and technologists work in wholesale distributors and research and development laboratories. Employment of food scientists and technologists is projected to grow 16 percent in the next decade, which is faster than average for all occupations. The desire to increase the quality and quantity of food produced for a growing population will spur job growth for food scientists and technologists. Research will also be done to examine the effects of food production on the environment and the health effects of certain foods. The demand food scientists and technologists will stem from the need food safety measures and new food products. The recent increase in public awareness in regards to health, diet, food safety and biosecurity is also expected to spur a growth in the food science and technology industry. As biotechnology and nanotechnology continue to advance, so will the demand for food scientists and technologists, as they apply these technologies to monitoring and testing food safety. All fields of food science and technology should expect good opportunities. Very good opportunities are expected for students with a bachelors degree in this major. Although positions teaching at colleges and in basic research are limited, those with a masters or Ph.D. degree in food science or technology will experience good opportunities During periods of economic recession, employment of food scientists and technologists is relatively stable. Because food is a staple item for humans, layoffs are less likely among food scientists than in some other occupation. Earnings and Salary for Food Scientists and Technologists The median annual wages of food scientists and technologists is $59,630. The highest 10 percent earn more than $103,160, while the lowest 10 percent earns less than $34,530. The middle 50 percent earn between $44,190 and $79,920. Annual Salary for Food Scientists and Technologists On average, Food Scientists and Technologists earn $59,630 per year. 10%25%75%90%$34,530/yr$44,190/yr$79,920/yr$103,160/yr Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook