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Minnesota Job Vacancy Key Findings

Job vacancies are current positions that employers want to fill. These are a measure of the demand for workers.

Knowing about job vacancies can help you target your job search.

How many job vacancies are there?

According to the most recent Minnesota Job Vacancies Survey (April — June 2011):

  • Job seekers are finding more employment opportunities compared to last year. Job vacancies in the state are up by 32 percent from one year ago, for a total of 54,670 vacancies.
  • About 54 percent of all job vacancies (approx. 30,000) are located in the Twin Cities seven-county metro area, while the remaining 14,000 are in greater Minnesota. For more information about job vacancies in a specific economic development region, explore regional findings.
  • Currently, there are 2.2 job vacancies for every 100 filled positions in the state. During this same period, there are 3.6 unemployed people for each vacancy statewide. One year ago, there were about 4.8 unemployed people for each vacancy. This decrease in the number of unemployed compared to the number of vacancies indicates that the labor market is becoming more favorable for job seekers.

Where is the greatest need for workers?

Follow the links below to find more information on occupation descriptions, average wages, education requirements, and more.

Occupation groups with the most vacancies

Sales and Related

Office and Administrative Support

Health Care Support

Transportation and Material Moving

What kind of education and experience do new jobs require?

  • Forty-two percent of reported job vacancies require post-secondary education — a vocational degree or certificate, two-year degree, bachelor's degree, or advanced degree. The remaining jobs require a high school diploma or less.
  • Thirty-five percent of jobs call for experience specifically related to the position.
  • As education and experience requirements increase, so do the wage rates offered, on average.

View Job Vacancy Survey by Occupation to find education and experience requirements for each occupation.

What will future demand be like?

Job vacancies reflect short-term market conditions, not future prospects of an occupation. To find out whether the job you are searching or training for will still be in demand over the next years, visit Growing Careers.

Source: Minnesota Job Vacancy Survey , 4th Quarter 2010, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.