Hawaii’s aging population, continued dependence on tourism and need for a side hustle will drive the state’s job market over the next seven years, according to the latest employment projections by the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations’ Research and Statistics Office.
What You Need To Know
DLIR projects that health care and social assistance will account for nearly one-quarter of all new positions, making it the largest and fastest growing source of job creation through 2032
According to the forecast, the state’s hospitality sector will continue drive job growth, accounting for a projected 12% growth rate in the food services and drinking places industry and an increase of more than 10% in the accommodation industry, which is expected to create 3,750 new positions
The forecast sees approximately 83,050 job openings each year, primarily resulting from workers changing jobs or leaving the workforce; only 5% will come from actual job growth, DLIR projects
The projections are based on 2022 employment data and forecast trends through 2032.
DLIR projects that health care and social assistance will account for nearly one-quarter of all new positions, making it the largest and fastest-growing source of job creation through 2032. Overall, the sector is expected to grow by nearly 13%, with particular growth potential in social assistance.
According to the forecast, the state’s hospitality sector will continue to drive job growth, accounting for a projected 12% growth rate in the food services and drinking places industry and an increase of over 10% in the accommodation industry, which is expected to create 3,750 new positions.
Staffing continues to be a major issue within the food preparation and serving sector, with over 17,000 job openings annually.
The self-employed sector is expected to be another top-growing industry. Driven by the continued growth of the so-called gig economy, the industry is projected to reach 58,150 workers by 2032, according to DLIR.
Overall, DLIR predicts that total employment will increase by 6.1% — over 41,000 jobs — over the forecast period, ultimately hitting 712,200 by 2032.
The forecast sees approximately 83,050 job openings each year, primarily resulting from workers changing jobs or leaving the workforce; only 5% will come from actual job growth, DLIR projects.
Despite the overall employment growth projections, forecasters predict a slight decline in government sector employment due to shifting federal policies. DLIR also projects a 1.8% decline in retail trade employment because of the continuing shift toward e-commerce.
The forecast is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration via the Workforce and Labor Market Information Grants to States program and prepared for the benefit of students and jobseekers, education and training providers, job placement specialists, career counselors, program managers, policy makers and employers.
Michael Tsai covers local and state politics for Spectrum News Hawaii. He can be reached at michael.tsai@charter.com.