Wisconsin’s workforce and economy are expected to continue growing significantly in the short term, according to new industry employment projections for 2023-25. The state has made a remarkable recovery from COVID-19, with employment fully restored as of the second quarter of 2023. Based on projections by the Department of Workforce Development’s state labor economists, Wisconsin is projected to create 82,867 new jobs and grow by 2.47% across all industries between 2023 and 2025, with computer and mathematical occupations growing fastest.
DWD Secretary Amy Pechacek noted that employment in the state is now higher than it was before COVID-19, and the projections indicate that this growth will continue across all industries. In response to the growing economy, workforce programs and initiatives are being advanced to connect job seekers and employers to maximize the benefits of this growth.
The leisure and hospitality industry, which experienced a sharp decline in employment during COVID-19, is expected to lead employment growth in the 2023-25 projections, growing by 5.25% or adding 15,342 jobs. DWD’s chief economist Dennis Winters highlighted the importance of leisure and hospitality activities to Wisconsin’s economy, acknowledging the challenges faced by industry employers and workers during the pandemic. The projections signal optimism for the future of this sector.
Health employment also played a critical role in Wisconsin’s economic recovery, and projections suggest that the education and health services sector will soon surpass pre-pandemic employment levels. The Healthcare Support occupational group is among the top three groups to exceed pre-pandemic levels in 2023. DWD economists collaborate with state and local partners to analyze and understand workforce development trends and challenges, developing long-term (10-year) and short-term (
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