What is job market research?

Job market research is the process of collecting and analyzing data about employment trends, industries, roles, skills, salaries, and employer expectations. It helps job seekers, career changers, students, and professionals make informed decisions about where to focus their efforts.

Let’s break it down and ask the key questions that guide good job market research:

Why is job market research important?

Because the job market changes constantly, new technologies create new jobs (e.g., AI Prompt Engineers), while others become obsolete (such as typists or switchboard operators). By staying updated, you avoid training for a career that might be obsolete or oversaturated.

For example:

• In the U.S., cybersecurity jobs are expected to grow by 32% from 2022 to 2032, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
• Meanwhile, data entry keyer roles are shrinking by 24% in the same period.

What should I look for in job market research?

Here are the core elements:

• In-Demand Jobs – What industries are growing?
• Required Skills & Education – What do employers want?
• Salary Benchmarks – What I expect to earn?

• Location Trends – Where are the jobs?
• Hiring Trends – Are companies hiring full-time, freelance, or remote?
• Industry Disruption – What’s changing due to tech, laws, or global events?

Where can I find reliable job market data?

Use these sources for updated and factual information:

• BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
• LinkedIn Economic Graph
• Indeed Hiring Lab
• Glassdoor Economic Research
• World Economic Forum Future of Jobs Report

Each one tracks hiring trends, emerging skills, wage changes, and more.

What tools can I use for hands-on job market research?

If you're planning a job switch, these tools help:

• LinkedIn Jobs – See demand by region or company.
• Google Trends – Analyze search trends for specific job roles.
• Payscale or Salary.com – Salary benchmarks by job title and location.
• Jobscan – Analyze keywords from job postings to match your resume.

How do I interpret job market data?

Ask yourself:

• Are the roles increasing or declining?
• Is the salary growing over time?
• Are employers demanding new skills (e.g., Python, AI literacy)?
• Can I meet the qualifications within my timeline and budget?

How does job market research help in real life?

Imagine you're a marketing professional considering a move into UX design. With job market research, you’d learn:

• UX design jobs are growing at a 23% CAGR globally.
• Top skills include Figma, user research, and A/B testing.
• Average salaries are $95,000+ in the U.S.
• Remote roles are common, offering flexibility.
• Bootcamps and certifications can be a fast path in.
• That data helps you avoid guesswork—and act with confidence.

Final Thoughts

Job market research isn’t just for job seekers. It’s for anyone who wants to stay competitive, anticipate change, or break into a new field.