Library Guides: Career Research & Resources: Occupation & location research

Occupational Outlook Handbook and Related Sites

Occupational Outlook Handbook
Profiles hundreds of occupations and describes What They Do, Work Environment, How to Become One, Pay, and more.
CareerOneStop
Provides career, training, & job information from the U.S. Department of Labor.
O*Net
More detailed than the Occupational Outlook Handbook, a related database called O*NET collects data from experts and workers in almost 1000 occupations. Describes the day to day aspects that distinguish particular jobs along with the mix of knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Projections Central
Contains state level occupational projections.
Small Business Administration
Since its founding on July 30, 1953, the U.S. Small Business Administration has delivered millions of loans, loan guarantees, contracts, counseling sessions and other forms of assistance to small businesses.

Key youth workforce indicators for 100 largest U.S. metro areas
Interactive menus along with a downloadable report.
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Metropolitan rankings differ slightly in the report from the web-based interactive. The report rankings are based on pooled 2010-2011 data. The web-based rankings use 2012 data, and are meant to bring the analysis of the report (conducted over a longer period of time) more up-to-date.

Best Places
Interactive tools based on Sperling Best Places studies which are regularly quoted in major publications.
CNNMoney Cost of Living Calculator
Compare two cities at a time to see percentage differences.
PayScale
Both employers and individuals use PayScale.
Salary.com
Interactive salary calculators and other important negotiation information.