Career Exploration & Information

Planning for a new career is easier than you think. IWD has the resources to help any Iowan advance in their career path or find a start in a new one. The following resources provide key information on Iowa's industries, including data from IWD's Labor Market Information Division, as well as other agency resources. 

Whether you're a job seeker, employer, or any Iowan that's interested in the workforce, let us help to get you started. 

Aiding In Your Career Journey: Career Resources And Occupational Information

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IowaWORKS offices are Iowans' best resource for improving their skills and preparing for a new career.

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OCCUPATIONAL OUTLOOKS

The Occupational Outlook report provide data on occupations that are considered fast growing. For example, "hot Job" for occupations that have strong projected growth with high wages, and are in high demand;  science, technology, engineering and mathematical (STEM) occupations; and jobs that are considered "green jobs" jobs related to goods or services that benefit the environment.

Statewide reports are also available (All reports are Excel files).

Note: Iowa's Local Workforce Development Areas have been updated. New reports will be posted to this page as soon as they become available. For more information, visit this link. For information on the area definitions on current reports, visit this link.

OCCUPATIONAL PROJECTIONS

Long-term occupational projections, also known as forecasts, provide helpful information on the expected job growth. The data provided includes estimated employment, growth rate, openings, wages, education, work experience, job training, skills and more. Short-term, two-year, projections are also available for the State of Iowa and local areas. Projections/forecast data can be viewed on the Occupational Projections page.

IOWA LICENSED OCCUPATIONS

Information is also available on the occupations in Iowa that require a license, certificate or commission issued at the State level. Licensing requirements, associated fees and examination information can be viewed by visiting the Iowa Licensed Occupations page.

RELATED CAREER EXPLORATION LINKS/RESOURCES:

• IowaWORKS Offices: Your local office can assist you with your career search, including with one-on-one support, resume reviews, mock interview prep and much more.
• IowaWORKS website: Iowa's largest job bank.
• Workshops to Help Build Skills: Jumpstart your career search with a virtual IowaWORKS workshop, covering the most up-to-date topics in the workforce.
• Iowa Office of Apprenticeship: Assists job seekers and employers in exploring Registered Apprenticeship (RA) opportunities in Iowa.
• Occupational Skills Development Guide: A tool used for mapping a career path by occupation and skills required by cluster. (Excel version)
• Top Job Postings: The top job postings on Iowa's largest jobs bank (updated on a monthly basis).
• Employer Database: A tool for locating employers in Iowa.
• Vocational Rehabilitation Services: Supports Iowans with disabilities and helps them find successful employment across the workforce.
• Home Base Iowa: Assists veterans and transitioning service members find employment.