Professional and service occupations accounted for over half of all jobs in State and local government. Most new jobs will stem from steady demand for community and social services, health services, and protective services. For example, increased demand for services for the elderly, the mentally impaired, and children will result in steady growth in the numbers of social workers, registered nurses, and recreation workers. Job growth in protective service occupations will be stimulated by rising demand for law enforcement officers due to population increase and the events surrounding September 11, 2001, specifically the creation of the Federal Department of Homeland Security. This new department will work with local and State law enforcement to ensure the safety of the Nation and our borders. correctional officers will be in demand to oversee the increasing population of convicted offenders.

Employment of management, business, and financial occupations is projected to grow more slowly than employment in State and local government overall. The number of chief executives and general managers should remain fairly stable. Employment change occurs in rare situations, such as when a small town switches from a volunteer chief executive to a manager or paid mayor. Employment in office and administrative support occupations in State and local government is expected to decline, as the increasing use of personal computers by professionals and managers continues to reduce the need for secretaries and word processors and typists.