The Human Resources field has changed dramatically in the last decade, but there is still a demand for HR professionals. HR professionals are becoming less focused on administrative work and more focused on being involved in the strategic planning of an organization. The demand for educated and experienced HR professionals is increasing.
If you plan to earn a degree in Human Resource Management or a related field, you should learn what the research says about outlook and job demand.
Read: 10 Best Deals on Online MBA and Online Master’s in Human Resources Management Degrees
Bureau of Labor Statistics Job Outlook Research
The Federal government’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) surveys current employees, organizations and students to project several different key points. These are entered into the BLS Occupational Handbook. The BLS researches:
- Average earnings
- educational requirements
- job outlook
The Occupational Handbook is the most reliable source of information to find what the outlook in a field is.
The most current handbook covers how the field will change between the years of 2016 and 2026. According to the BLS, about 38,900 jobs will be created during that 10-year span. This is reported growth of around 7 percent, which is ‘as fast as average’ for all fields. Growth is expected to be much higher in Human Resource Management, where the BLS reports there will be 9 percent growth.
Outlook By Region
There are a number of factors in the HR field that can affect what the outlook is for specific applicants. While there is a need for HR professionals in every region of the country, some regions have more headquarters and businesses than others. One thing that sheds a positive light on the field is that there is a need for professionals with HR experience in every industry.
Are you studying for a general education in HR? Are you a graduate student pursuing a business degree in Human Resource Management? You should take the time to look at employment by state. According to Occupational Employment Statistics, for specialists with a generalized knowledge, states with the highest level of employment include:
- California
- Texas
- Florida
- New York
- Pennsylvania
For managers with more specialized knowledge, the highest levels are in:
- California
- New York
- Illinois
- Texas
- Massachusetts.
Educational Level
Experience in a field can help you attract attention while searching for a position. However, education has become a huge focus. Many recruiters are putting education before experience when hiring HR specialists. Both education and experience are stressed for a majority of HRM jobs.
If you’re for HR specialist roles, the outlook is best when you have a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. While some organizations hire applicants with an Associate’s degree or less, a 4-year degree is desired. Prospective managers will enjoy the best job prospects if they have a Master’s degree and/or certification.
Projections through the Bureau of Labor Statistics are based on employment statistics and enrollment information provided by colleges. The information is not 100 percent spot-on. But it is useful to reference when making future career decisions. While Human Resources is not a field that is growing faster than any other field in the nation, it is still one that shows the potential for a lot of growth and change.