Whether you’re negotiating salary, considering a move, or looking for new roles, job market data can provide valuable insights. It highlights demand, growth trends, and competitive salaries, which can all influence your choices.

For instance, tech job growth in Austin jumped by over 29.1% in 2023, making this city attractive for tech professionals.

With the right information, you can identify growing industries, avoid crowded markets, and take advantage of opportunities in thriving areas. Here’s how to research a city’s job market.

At Gables Search Group, we specialize in connecting professionals with opportunities in growing industries to help you achieve your career goals.

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Researching a City’s Job Market: Free Government & Official Resources

Understanding a city’s job market doesn’t have to be overwhelming. So the key lies in knowing where to look for reliable data.

Below are some trusted resources that can provide valuable insights into employment trends, wages, and workforce dynamics.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS) 

The LAUS program is your go-to for detailed unemployment data. It covers national, state, and local levels.

This resource helps you track unemployment rates, labor force participation, and trends over time.

For example, thinking about moving or are you comparing cities? The LAUS provides key insights into the economic health of any location you’re considering.

Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) 

Wondering how much you could earn in a specific role or industry? The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) has you covered.

It provides employment and wage estimates for different occupations across states and metro areas. Use it to compare salaries, check earning potential, and see if a job offer matches regional pay standards. This tool is essential for making smart career decisions.

State Labor Departments 

State labor departments, like the Texas Workforce Commission, offer powerful tools for local job data. They often have dashboards showing employment trends, regional economic data, and workforce programs.

Many also include job growth projections by sector. If you’re planning your next career move, these resources are worth checking out.

City/County Economic Development Websites 

Want insights into a specific area’s economy? Local economic development websites are packed with reports on employment trends, major company moves, and key industries.

Simply search for “[City Name] + economic development report” to find relevant and detailed data. It’s a quick way to understand what’s happening in your target location.

Census Bureau’s OnTheMap Tool 

The OnTheMap tool is an interactive way to explore workforce data. You can visualize job density, commuting patterns, and workforce demographics.

It’s perfect for seeing where jobs are concentrated in a city and how far people travel for work. This tool gives you a clear snapshot of a location’s job landscape at a glance.

Job Boards & Company Insights

Finding the right job opportunity can be much easier with the right tools. Understanding the employment landscape in a specific city also becomes simpler with the help of these resources. Below are some platforms to help you research job trends, gain company insights, and explore specific niches effectively.

Indeed/LinkedIn Job Trends 

Platforms like Indeed and LinkedIn are more than just job boards. They’re powerful tools to help you strategically plan your job search.

You can filter postings by city, job type, experience level, and even salary range. This gives you a clear picture of opportunities in your desired location.

Beyond job postings, these platforms allow you to identify trends in your industry, such as the skills most in demand. By analyzing these trends, you can refine your resume and highlight the right qualifications. You can also focus your professional development on areas that will help you stand out to employers.

Plus, with features like LinkedIn’s “Easy Apply” and networking opportunities, you can connect directly with major decision-makers in your field.

Glassdoor 

Glassdoor goes beyond job listings to give you insider knowledge about potential employers.

Want to know what it’s like to work at a company? Glassdoor offers employee reviews, detailed salary data, and even interview insights, all organized by location.

This makes it easy to compare companies and roles in your target area. It helps you find the right cultural fit and compensation that meet your expectations.

Also, Glassdoor provides employee satisfaction ratings and work-life balance reviews. With this transparency, you can make more informed decisions about where you want to work.

Niche Job Boards 

If you’re aiming to break into a specific industry, niche job boards are your secret weapon. These specialized platforms are tailored to specific industries, such as BuiltIn for tech or Media Bistro for media and communications roles. As a result, they connect job seekers directly with employers seeking their unique expertise.

They often feature curated job postings, tailored resources, and industry-specific career advice. For example, BuiltIn not only lists tech jobs but also provides insights into startup culture and company profiles within various cities.

By focusing on these platforms, you can save time, cut through the noise, and narrow down your search to find roles perfectly aligned with your career goals. Whether you’re a software engineer, a designer, or a healthcare professional, there’s likely a niche board ready to connect you with your next big opportunity.

To save more time and effort, partner with us at Gables Search Group. With a personalized approach to recruitment, we ensure the perfect match between candidates and employers.

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Networking & Professional Organizations

Networking is key to building real connections and discovering hidden career opportunities. You can use online platforms and community resources to expand your reach and level up your career.

LinkedIn Groups 

LinkedIn Groups are an incredible way to connect with professionals in your industry while staying informed about the latest trends, opportunities, and news. They act as virtual networking hubs where you can engage with like-minded individuals.

Joining city-specific groups or other niche communities tailored to your field. They open doors to meaningful discussions, exclusive insights, and job postings specific to your expertise and location.

You can also share your own knowledge, position yourself as a valuable contributor, and build visibility in your industry. Many groups include seasoned professionals who are eager to share mentorship, guidance, or valuable introductions

So don’t shy away from starting conversations or asking questions. The more you engage, the more rewarding these groups become.

Meetup.com 

Looking to take your networking offline? Meetup.com is your go-to for finding local career fairs, workshops, industry panels, and networking events.

These face-to-face interactions can be game-changers, allowing you to make authentic connections in a more personal setting. You’ll get the chance to hear from industry experts, ask questions in real time, and discover opportunities that may not be advertised elsewhere.

Plus, many events are designed to foster collaboration and growth, whether through breakout sessions, skill-building workshops, or casual networking over coffee.

Be sure to come prepared. Bring business cards, tailor your elevator pitch, and actively participate in discussions. You never know when a handshake or conversation could lead to your next big opportunity.

Chamber of Commerce 

Your local Chamber of Commerce is a hidden gem when you research your city’s job market and industry landscape. Beyond just issuing business permits, they often host networking events, seminars, and expos that can give you direct access to employers and local professionals.

Many Chambers also provide valuable resources like industry reports, employer directories, and mentorship programs. These tools can help you understand which industries are thriving in your area, identify companies that align with your goals, and even spot upcoming hiring booms.

Some Chambers even offer small business and leadership programs that are perfect for building new skills or connecting with influential leaders in your community.

Don’t overlook this powerful resource. It’s a goldmine for anyone serious about growing their career locally.

Real-Time Job Market Data & Tools

To make informed career decisions, having access to real-time job market data is a game-changer. The tools below can provide valuable insights to help you understand trends, opportunities, and challenges in your local job market.

Google Trends 

Keep your finger on the pulse of the job market. Google Trends is a fantastic, free tool to compare search interest in different job markets.

For example, try analyzing terms like “jobs in Miami vs. Atlanta” to see how often people are searching for opportunities in those areas. This can give you a solid snapshot of which locations are buzzing with activity and which might be more competitive.

Want to go deeper? Use the timeline feature to explore trends over time and identify seasonal hiring patterns. Whether you’re job hunting or advising others on market trends, this tool makes it easy to uncover insights and stay ahead of the curve.

Burning Glass Institute

For those serious about understanding a city’s job market, Burning Glass Institute is a must-have tool. This powerful platform provides city job market analysis, offering detailed insights into industries, job roles, and hiring trends in your area.

Curious about which skills are in high demand? Wondering which employers are hiring or which sectors are seeing growth?

While it’s a paid tool, the free trial of Burning Glass Institute is a great way to explore its features without commitment. If you’re looking to refine your job search strategy or position yourself better in the market, this platform can be an invaluable resource.

Google News Alerts 

For real-time updates on your local job market trends, Google News Alerts is your go-to tool. It’s simple to set up and keeps you informed about hiring surges, layoffs, and other labor market shifts in your area.

For example, set up alerts with terms like “[City Name] + hiring surge” or “[City Name] + layoffs,” and you’ll get email notifications whenever relevant news pops up.

The best part? You can tailor it to your specific interests, so you’re always aware of job opportunities in a specific city or challenges that could impact your job search.

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Industry-Specific Resources for Job Market Data

To stay ahead in the job market, it’s important to tap into resources that are tailored specifically to your industry.

Healthcare 

If you’re in the healthcare industry, staying ahead means keeping track of trends, demands, and innovations reshaping the field. Platforms like HIMSS offer valuable insights into health IT, telemedicine, and emerging technologies. These advancements are driving better patient outcomes. 

State hospital associations are also a great resource. They often share updates on workforce gaps, policy changes, and shifts in community health demands. These updates can help you identify the biggest opportunities. Whether it’s in specialized care, administrative leadership, or health tech, there’s plenty to explore. 

As the healthcare sector evolves, staying informed is crucial. It will help you position yourself as an invaluable asset in addressing the industry’s biggest challenges.

Tech 

Tech professionals thrive on staying one step ahead, and having the right resources can make all the difference. Crunchbase is perfect for exploring startup ecosystems, tracking which companies are gaining momentum, and spotting new opportunities in emerging tech hubs.

If you’re wondering if your skills are in demand, platforms like Stack Overflow offer real-time insights. You can gain insights into salary trends, marketable skills, and the latest frameworks or tools employers are looking for.

Whether you want to explore cutting-edge roles in AI, cybersecurity, or software development, these tools can help you zero in on opportunities that match your expertise and passion. The tech world moves fast—make sure you’re ready to ride the wave. 

Education 

The education sector is constantly evolving, and keeping up with changes is essential for educators who want to make an impact. From teacher shortages to curriculum overhauls, the challenges are as diverse as they are urgent.

State Departments of Education (DOE) often release reports on hiring needs, student performance trends, and policy shifts, providing insights into where educators are most needed. For example, certain states may highlight a growing demand for STEM teachers or bilingual educators.

By tapping into these updates, you can align your professional development with the areas experiencing the most growth. This ensures your skills remain relevant and impactful.

Education is at the heart of societal progress. Therefore, knowing where you’re most needed can amplify the difference you make.

FAQs – Commonly Asked Questions When Researching a City’s Job Markets

Asking great questions is a great first step. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions on how to research job opportunities in a city.

How Do I Find Entry-Level Jobs in a New City? 

To find entry-level jobs in a new city, research local companies and industries that align with your skills. Network through LinkedIn, career fairs, and social events. Use job boards and company websites, tailoring your resume for each role. Check out local resources like job centers, university career services, or industry mentorship programs.

What’s the Best Free Tool for Local Job Market Research? 

Government resources like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Glassdoor, Indeed, and Google’s job search tool are great free options for local job market research. They provide insights on employment trends, wages, industries in demand, and localized job postings.

Which Is the Most Commonly Used Source of Job Search? 

Online job boards like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Monster are popular tools for job searches, offering diverse opportunities with filters for position, location, and experience. LinkedIn stands out for combining job postings with networking features, allowing direct connections with recruiters. Personal networking and employee referrals also remain key for accessing unadvertised roles.

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