Using Occupation Data in IMPLAN

INTRODUCTION

IMPLAN has added its occupation by industry data to the IMPLAN application and Data Library. These datasets show estimates of occupational employment, wages, hours, and core competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, education, work experience, and on-the-job training levels) for each of 800+ distinct occupations. Occupation data is available for all U.S.-based models, including models of combined regions, aggregated industry models, and customized models. 

There are two different ways of viewing the Occupation Data in the application: Regional Occupation Data and Occupation Impact Data. Regional Occupation Data shows the occupations, wages, and core competencies that are already present in the region you are studying. You can find this data in Region Details in the Occupation Data tab. Occupation Impact Data shows the details for the occupations, Wages, and core competencies that accompany your specific impact or contribution.

DETAILS

Occupation data can be used to examine study area data to gain important insights into a Region’s existing labor force, the skill requirements of various Industries, and more. The Occupation Data can also be seen in the Results of any impact or contribution analysis run within the IMPLAN application.

The data levels generally correspond to the BLS’s Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes. Major is the most aggregated, followed by Minor, Broad, and Detail. All data is based on national averages but brought to the regional level in IMPLAN by applying national level ratios to the regional industry mix. As with Employment, you may see fractional Occupations, especially for small firms where a few employees are spread across multiple Occupations.

The SOC categorizes occupations into several levels of detail, including 800+ detailed occupations which comprise 400+ broad groups, ~100 minor groups, and 23 major groups.  For example, the 2018 occupation data had the following occupation counts by level:

WHERE TO FIND OCCUPATION DATA

REGIONS OVERVIEW

The tables located in the Regions Overview provide insight into the model Region’s occupation makeup. Descriptions of the data found here are detailed in our Occupation Data - Region Details article.

IMPACTS

Distributions of occupation employment, wage, and core competencies are applied only to regional and results data. At this time, you cannot run impacts based on occupations.

RESULTS

The Occupation Impact Data shows the details for the Occupations, Wages, and Core Competencies that accompany your specific impact or contribution in the Results tab. Descriptions of the data found here are detailed in our Occupation Data article.

The Occupation Impact Tab opens the Occupation Impacts screen containing a single table detailing regional employment and wage impacts by-occupation. Use the Filters to limit results to desired Region, Group, Event, and Industry. The Filter can also be used to select a different occupation aggregation level. 

The Occupation Impact Averages tab opens the Occupation Impacts screen containing a single table detailing the average regional employment and wage impacts by-occupation. Use the Filters to limit results to desired Region, Group, Event, and Industry. The Filter can also be used to select a different occupation aggregation level. 

Core Competency opens the Competency Impacts screen containing tables for each core competency category (Ability, Knowledge, Skills, Education Required, Work Experience Required, On-the-Job Training Required). Use the Filters to limit results to desired Region, Group, Event, Industry, and occupation. The filter can also be used to select a different occupation aggregation level. 

DOWNLOADS

Core Competencies

Occupation SOC Codes

WEBINAR

Exploring Occupation Data in IMPLAN

OCCUPATION DETAILS: LINK & LEARN

Check out the recording of our December 2021 edition of IMPLAN Link & Learn - Adding Occupation Details to your Analysis!

OTHER VIDEOS

Production of IMPLAN's Occupation Data

A First Look at the 2020 Occupation Data in IMPLAN

RELATED ARTICLES

Occupation Data Details

Occupation Data Use Cases 

Occupations: Examining Potential Job Losses

Occupation Data - Region Details

Written July 24, 2020

Updated June 2 2022