Regional Career Outlook Report Shows Data on Various Jobs, Wages, and Hiring Needs
(Kurt Metzger, Nov. 19, 2025)
Oakland County, MI – The Michigan Center for Data and analytics recently released its Regional Career Outlook reports.
These reports feature lists of in-demand occupations for each of Michigan’s 10 prosperity regions, categorized by education and training requirements, as well as the top STEM careers in each region.
These reports, coupled with additional labor force data, allow students (and parents) to understand what types of jobs will be in demand (throughout Michigan), the number of annual job openings anticipated, projected growth through 2032, and the typical hourly salary range.
Many will be making the decision whether to pursue a 4-year degree or more, an associate degree, or training toward a certificate. For this article I will be using data for Prosperity Region 10: Detroit Metro, which is comprised of Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties.
The following are the five major educational divisions, each with 3 sample occupation entries. While not exhaustive,
these lists highlight occupations that offer a favorable combination of wages, projected annual openings, and growth
potential.
Below are occupation; projected annual openings; projected growth; and hourly wage range.
High School Diploma or Equivalent and Short-Term Training (High Demand through 2032)
Animal Caretakers 700 9.1% $14–$17
Bartenders 995 3.0% $14–$29
Cargo & Freight Agents 130 6.8% $22–$28
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) (High Demand and High Wage)
Architects, Except Landscape & Naval 100 6.4% $35–$51
Architectural & Engineering Managers 500 3.1% $65–$85
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary 45 5.5% $39–$64
Postsecondary Certificate or Moderate-Term Training (High Demand and High Wage)
Aircraft Mechanics & Service Technicians 125 1.8% $29–$47
CNC Tool Programmers 100 9.5% $27–$36
Commercial Pilots 65 0.0% $45–$84
Associate Degree/Long-Term Training/Apprenticeships
Cardiovascular Technologists & Technicians 65 1.9% $24–$41
Carpenters 610 -1.4% $25–$36
Computer Network Support Specialists 70 4.0% $24–$39
Bachelor’s Degree or Higher
Accountants & Auditors 1,430 1.0% $31–$50
Architectural & Engineering Managers 500 3.1% $65–$85
Buyers & Purchasing Agents 735 3.5% $29–$49
I encourage readers to try their hand at reviewing the Career Outlook Dashboard
(https://www.michigan.gov/mcda/data-tools/michigan-regional-career-outlook-dashboard). I feel it provides a great
deal of information for persons deciding about life after high school, as well as those exploring possible career
change.
For more stories about the Census and other interesting numbers, visit the Data-Based Stories Archives on Oakland County Times. Thanks to Data Expert Kurt Metzger for this work!
