2. News Room

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New Job Growth Estimates: A Positive Outlook for Wisconsin's Workforce and Economy

According to the recently published short-term industry employment projections for 2023-2025, Wisconsin's workforce and economic landscape are expected to continue significant growth. The projections indicate that the state has made a remarkable recovery from COVID-19, with employment fully restored as of the second quarter of 2023.

Based on projections by DWD's state labor economists, Wisconsin will create 82,867 new jobs and grow by 2.47% across all industries between 2023 and 2025, with computer and mathematical occupations growing fastest. Additionally, projections anticipate growth in employment across industry sectors.

"The economic projections for Wisconsin continue to show broad growth and low unemployment," said DWD Secretary Amy Pechacek. "Employment is now higher than it was before COVID-19, and the projections indicate that this growth will continue across all industries. In the Year of the Worker, we're advancing workforce programs and initiatives to connect job seekers and employers to maximize the benefits of a growing economy."

The leisure and hospitality industry experienced a sharp employment decline when COVID-19 hit. However, the sector leads employment growth in the 2023-2025 projections, growing by 5.25% or 15,342 jobs.

"Leisure and hospitality activities are an important sector of Wisconsin's economy. Industry employers and workers faced substantial challenges during COVID-19," said Dennis Winters, DWD's chief economist. "These new projections highlight the expected return of this sector and signal optimism for its future."

Health employment also played a critical role in Wisconsin's economic recovery, and projections anticipate that the education and health services sector will soon surpass pre-pandemic employment levels. In addition, the Healthcare Support occupational group was among the top three groups to exceed pre-pandemic levels in 2023.

DWD economists work with state and local partners to offer analysis and understanding of workforce development trends and challenges. They develop long-term (10-year) and short-term (two-year) employment projections across Wisconsin's approximately 300 industries and 800 occupations.

Visit the WisConomy projections page for Wisconsin's industry employment projections.

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ABOUT DWD

Wisconsin's Department of Workforce Development efficiently delivers effective and inclusive services to meet Wisconsin's diverse workforce needs now and for the future. The department advocates for and invests in the protection and economic advancement of all Wisconsin workers, employers, and job seekers through six divisions – Employment and Training, Vocational Rehabilitation, Unemployment Insurance, Equal Rights, Worker's Compensation, and Administrative Services. To keep up with DWD announcements and information, sign up for news releases and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.