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Hawaiian Eye Center Medical Director Dr. Christopher Tortora speaks with a patient during an appointment in February 2018. (Photo File)<\/p>\nHawai\u2018i\u2019s health care and social assistance sector is projected to be the fastest-growing industry in the state during the next decade \u2014 and the largest contributor to job creation \u2014 based on 2022 employment data and forecast trends through 2032.<\/p>\n
Hawaiian Eye Center Medical Director Dr. Christopher Tortora speaks with a patient during an appointment in February 2018. (Photo File)<\/p>\n
That\u2019s according to the Research and Statistics Office of Hawai\u2018i Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, which released this week its latest statewide employment projections for industries and occupations.<\/p>\n
Health care jobs are forecast to grow by 12.7%, accounting for nearly one-quarter of all new jobs in the state by 2032, with particularly strong demand in social assistance services.<\/p>\n
Food services and drinking places will follow closely \u2014 driven by the strong hospitality sector in the islands \u2014 projected to see an 11.9% growth.<\/p>\n
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Hawai\u2018i\u2019s total employment is projected to grow by 6.1% during the next decade, increasing from 671,010 jobs in 2022 to 712,200 by 2032 \u2014 an addition of 41,190 jobs.<\/p>\n
Just more than 83,000 job openings each year are expected, with 55% resulting from workers changing jobs, 40% exiting the labor force and just 5% from actual job growth.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis breakdown highlights the importance of workforce replacement and job mobility in the state\u2019s labor market,\u201d the Research and Statistics Office said in a release about the new jobs projections.<\/p>\n
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Statewide job forecasts are published during even-numbered years, while county-specific projections are issued during odd-numbered years.<\/p>\n
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Other projected top growing industry highlights:<\/p>\n
The accommodation industry is forecast to increase 10.2%, while creating 3,750 positions.<\/p>\n
The self-employed sector, bolstered by the post-pandemic gig economy, is expected to reach 58,150 workers by 2032.<\/p>\n
In contrast, government and retail trade employment are projected to decline, influenced by federal policies and continuing shift toward e-commerce.<\/p>\n