Critical Industries
Explore Colorado’s critical industries with growing demand and opportunity.
Colorado’s growing industries serve as economic engines for a thriving economy. Colorado’s job recovery continues to remain above average in 2023, though growth has cooled.
Hires by Industry Sector
Colorado’s in-demand industries based on number of hires.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Center for Economic Studies, LEHD
Change in Job Growth by Industry Sector
The largest year-over-year growth rates between August 2022 – August 2023 came from Accommodation and Food Services; Health Care; Government; and Professional, Scientific, and Technical sector jobs.
Source: CDLE Office of Labor Market Information
Projected Growth Rates by Industry Sector
Projected growth rates in Colorado across all industry sectors are reported below. For occupational growth through 2032 relative to industry size, the largest four expansions are projected from Healthcare and Healthcare Support; Computer and Mathematical; Legal; and Life, Physical, and Social Sciences.
Source: CDLE Office of Labor Market Information
Projected Employment Gains by Industry
Long-term employment forecast gains by new job creation across industry sectors through 2032. Health Care and Social Assistance; Educational Services; and Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services are expected to have the greatest long-term need relative to all industries in the state.
Source: CDLE Office of Labor Market Information
Additional Resources:
- Visit the CDLE Labor Market Information Gateway for industry and occupation employment numbers, wages, and projections.
- View the Characteristics of Colorado’s Labor Force, Annual Supplement to view unemployment rates by industry.
- View Colorado’s most posted industries in 2022.
