Where Are the Job Openings and How Much Does One Make Per Hour?

Myths vs Reality

• Myth: Manufacturing Jobs Pay Well
• Myth: Most of the Openings are in Low Wage Jobs
• Reality: Manufacturing jobs average only $18.09 per hour
• Reality: Of the 6,381 listed openings above 2,437 pay < $25 per hour on average
• Reality: Of the 6,381 listed openings above 3,944 pay > $29 per hour on average
• Reality: Of the 6,381 listed openings above 2,505 pay > $32 per hour on average

Data Sources

The job openings are from the BLS JOLTs Report as of April 2021. Wage data is from the BLS Employment Report as of May 2021.

Job Openings in Thousands 

Job Openings in Thousands Detail

Average Hourly Earnings by Job Classification

There are plenty of job openings, many at good hourly rates. However, the higher the average rate, the higher the skill level required. 

Education and Health Services consists of a combination of low, average, and high paying jobs. Nurses would be on the high end and social service workers on the low end while education runs the gamut based on specialty and location.

The two highest average hourly rates, information, and financial activities respectively, have the fewest openings and require the highest skill levels.

Job Openings Hit a New Record High in Huge Struggle For Workers

This post adds details to my previous post, Job Openings Hit a New Record High in Huge Struggle For Workers

Huge Upward Wage Pressures for Both Skilled and Unskilled Labor

The struggle for workers puts a Huge Upward Wage Pressures for Both Skilled and Unskilled Labor.

Also, consider Explaining the Shortage of Skilled Workers and Why It Will Get Worse

Right now, if someone wants a job there is likely an opening somewhere, not necessarily at the hourly rate one believes they deserve.