The millennial worker

18 Dec 2017


Minnesota’s labor force is undergoing a major shift. With baby boomers (those born between 1946 and 1964) retiring from the workforce, millennials (those born between 1981 and 1999) are replacing them. 

In fact, millennials are now the largest generation in the state workforce, accounting for 36 percent of all jobs in Minnesota. Generation X (those born between 1965 and 1980) account for 33 percent of the workforce, while baby boomer workers comprise 30 percent of the workers. 

Despite popularly held stereotypes, millennials are proving themselves to be dedicated employees in every industry. 

Some industries attract more millennials than others, however. Industries with the most millennials in Minnesota are accommodation and food services; retail trade; arts, entertainment and recreation; administrative and support services; and health care and social assistance. 

Manufacturing and construction, on the other hand, are often overlooked by millennials, even though those sectors are major industries in Minnesota. 

DEED compiled a list of the top 25 jobs for millennials in Minnesota, based on projected job growth, average annual wages and millennial share of workers. Based on those criteria, the top jobs for millennials are in fields related to STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). 

The top five jobs were software developers (applications), market research analysts and marketing specialists, computer systems analysts, software developers (systems software), and accountants and auditors. 

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