Job Vacancy Survey Results

Rhode Island’s private sector businesses had an estimated 8,637 job vacancies in the Summer of 2007. This represented 2.8 vacancies for every ten unemployed residents.

• Nearly two-thirds of the job openings were for full-time positions.
• Over ninety-percent of the openings were for permanent jobs.
• More than one-third of the estimated job openings were for occupations that were constantly being recruited.

Demand for workers with higher education and experience was high in 2007.

• A college degree (associate or higher) was required for 36 percent of open positions.
• Related work experience was required for nearly 60 percent of the openings.
• More than one-third of estimated vacancies were constantly being recruited.

The high demand for experience and education was reflected in the wages and benefits.

• Half the job openings started at $11.00/hour or higher.
• Three-quarters of the openings offered health insurance.
• Nearly seventy percent provided access to retirement plans.
• More than half offered tuition reimbursement.

Job vacancies were noted in over 300 occupational classifications and in all industrial sectors.

• Approximately 40 percent (3,416) of the job openings were in Health Care & Social Assistance establishments.
• Demand was high for Healthcare Practitioners, Office & Administrative workers and Food Preparation & Serving workers.

If you have any questions regarding the Rhode Island Job Vacancy Survey, or would like a hard copy of this publication, please contact LMI at (401) 462-8740 or lmi@dlt.ri.gov.