Why LMI Matters for Students
Labor market information (LMI) is a critical yet often overlooked component of academic and career planning (ACP). LMI can help students understand which jobs are most likely to be available and well-compensated. Therefore, the Wisconsin Career Readiness Standards (WCRS) include: WCRS.CAR.1.E: Use labor market information to determine how current and future job demand impacts salary and job availability.
LMI information is essential to help students consider the likelihood the jobs they are interested in will have openings and financially support the lifestyle they hope to have. However, just because a career isn’t expected to be in demand in the future doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s a career that should not be pursued. However, it will require students to think more critically about how to get the skills and connections to succeed in that career.
How Students Can Use LMI
Explore employment projections to identify in‑demand occupations that match your interests.
Compare wage ranges (entry and experienced) to create a realistic budget and savings plan tied to your career goals.
Identify 2–3 emerging or in‑demand careers in your primary and secondary interest areas.
Use job postings and employer profiles to learn specific skills and requirements of jobs that match your interests.
LMI Questions to Use in ACP Advising
Grades 6–8
- Explain the following terms: job demand, job outlook, and salary range. Have students identify a few jobs that interest them and discuss:
- Which jobs do you think have lots of job openings? Which jobs might be harder to find?
- What do you think people in these jobs earn when they start? What might they earn later? How can you find out?
- Why do you think it’s important to consider things like job demand or outlook and salary range when thinking about future career opportunities?
Grades 9–10
- Review the following terms: job demand, job outlook, and salary range. Use one or more of the recommended LMI tools to explore the jobs that are expected to be most in-demand in Wisconsin.
- Do you have an interest in any of these jobs? Why might it be a good idea to explore them further?
- Look at starting and typical pay for these jobs — how would that affect your plans for college, living, or saving?
Grades 11–12
- Explain the following terms: Employment level, projected openings, projected growth. Have students identify 2-3 careers they are interested in pursuing after high school.
- For each career, what is the current employment level and projected openings or projected growth expected in Wisconsin? What would this mean for your plans if you pursue the career?
- Review recent job ads for your chosen career: what exact qualifications, certifications, and experience do employers require? How can you start working on obtaining them before you graduate? After you graduate?
- Look at the salary range for each career. How might the salary for each job compare to the cost and time required for the education and training you’d need after high school? How might the salary range for each job fit the lifestyle you’d like to live?