Technological advances, automation and an aging population are driving changes to the jobs market around the United States, and here on Long Island it will be no different, according to projections from the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL).

These factors are accelerating the push away from a manufacturing-based economy and more toward a service economy. For the next five years, it appears that the demand for business and financial jobs will continue to grow, while postal worker and switchboard positions will continue to be put out to pasture.

Business services lead the way

For years we’ve been hearing that America will become more of a service economy, which largely refers to business and financial services.

In particular, business jobs with some amount of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) emphasis will be the most sought after. Computer information systems managers, market research analysts, auditors and financial advisors will all see robust job growth in the coming years.

NYSDOL projections also place specific emphasis on the Internet and computer engineering aspect of business. Software developers, network administrators and web developers can also expect healthy job prospects in the near future.

Healthcare, education and other services are also in demand

Born between the mid 1940s and the mid 1960s, baby boomers are a large chunk of the U.S. population, and as that demographic segment passes into their senior years, they will be placing a high demand on the healthcare industry.

Add to that the millions that have been added to the insurance rolls as a result of President Obama’s Affordable Care Act, and you have a recipe for great healthcare industry job prospects.

Pharmacists, physician’s assistants, RNs, LPNs, physical therapists, dental hygienists, pharmacy technicians, home health aides, nursing aides and dental/medical assistants will also see robust job prospects on Long Island.

In addition to healthcare, social and community services workers, along with those working in education, will also see a significant spike in job prospects. These jobs include: social and human service assistants, childcare workers, personal care aides, teachers for every grade and teacher’s assistants among others.

Non-outsourceable jobs are literally here to stay

Technology, transportation and the Internet may allow us to ship some jobs to other parts of the U.S. or even overseas. However, you can’t outsource for the local pizza parlor, hair salon or plumber.

The food service industry is expected to see robust job growth in the coming years, which is good news for servers, restaurant cooks, food prep and food service management workers. Retail and other personal service workers, such as hair dressers, are also expected to have a bright job market ahead.

Finally, the job prospects of maintenance and trade workers such as landscapers, carpenters and construction contractors will never be affected by the forces of globalization. These folks certainly have job security in their respective roles.

Long Island Temps is a local company that has an intimate knowledge of the Long Island job market and can help you stake out a career path. Simply contact us and we will get started on charting your course.