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Office of Research/Department of Labor - Occasional Papers & Reports
  Office of Research Occasional Papers & Reports - State of Connecticut Last Updated: July 17, 2023
The State of Connecticut's Department of Labor Office of Research occasionally undertakes special studies and projects of importance to the State of Connecticut on topics relevant to the labor market, workforce, and the workforce development system. Listed below are the occasional papers and reports that are currently available.
2023 Releases
Connecticut’s Short-Term Employment Outlook 2022-2024 Connecticut’s Short-Term Employment Outlook 2022-2024 (pdf, 872k)

The Connecticut Economy Three Years After the 2020 Recession
This annual outlook includes a review of various data sources to help contextualize the recent economic trends and the current state of our labor force. It also contains a detailed review of shortterm employment projections through 2024 to help illustrate where we expect the state economy will add jobs. Additional areas of focus include a look at STEM occupational projections, the housing market, and the impact of COVID on the Connecticut labor force. t labor market and recent economic trends. The concluding section includes a detailed review of the CT Department of Labor’s employment projections through 2023.
2022 Releases
Connecticut’s Short-Term Employment Outlook 2021-2023 Connecticut’s Short-Term Employment Outlook 2021-2023 (pdf, 1.8M)

The Connecticut Economy Two Years After the Start of the Pandemic
In much the same way that 2020 was drastically different than 2019, 2021 proved to be drastically different than 2020. The vaccine rollout and easing COVID restrictions last year helped the economy recover from the initial effects of the pandemic. Unemployment at the state and U.S. level fell precipitously, unemployment claims fell to record lows, and job openings spiked to record highs.

Amid these positive economic signals, several economic challenges persist, including geopolitical instability, the possibility of a COVID-case increase, rising energy costs, and inflation. These variables among others, both positive and negative, will all impact the continued economic recovery as we head towards 2023.

This annual outlook includes a detailed overview of the Connecticut labor market and recent economic trends. The concluding section includes a detailed review of the CT Department of Labor’s employment projections through 2023.

2021 Releases
Connecticut’s Short-Term Employment Outlook 2020-2022 Connecticut’s Short-Term Employment Outlook 2020-2022 (pdf, 500k)

The Pandemic, The Recovery, and its Impact on Labor Markets
2020 is thankfully in the past, but its impact on society and the economy will be felt for many years to come. The pandemic isn’t over, but we are in much better shape than a year ago. Over the past year, Connecticut unemployment claims have begun to subside from record highs, a majority of the state adult population is vaccinated, and covid-mitigation economic restrictions have been lifted. Additionally, 2020 decennial census showed that the state population is higher than it was in 2010. Though much of the economic, public health, and social uncertainty has improved over the year, we still face many obvious challenges and are certainly not out of the woods yet but are getting there.

This annual outlook includes a review of various data sources to help contextualize the current state of our labor force demographics and recent economic trends. The concluding section contains short term employment projections through 2022 and help illustrate where we expect the state economy will add jobs during the recovery.

2020 Releases
Connecticut’s Short-Term Employment Outlook 2019-2021 Connecticut’s Short-Term Employment Outlook 2019-2021 (pdf, 1.1M)

The Pandemic, The Recession, and its Impact on Labor Markets
2020 will be remembered as a pivotal year in world history. For many, no other period in their lifetime has had more things change as swiftly and as drastically as they have this year. In a few short months, a pandemic swept across the globe and caused an unprecedented halt to what had been a historic period of economic expansion. As billions of people adjusted to the current reality, uncertainty due to our ever-evolving understanding of Covid-19 and its impact on public health and the economy will likely cause some drastic shifts to how our labor force operates.

This annual outlook includes a review of various data sources to help contextualize the current state of our labor force demographics and recent economic trends. The concluding section contains short term employment projections that were done in February 2020, just before the economic shutdown occurred. As a result of this, they are best utilized as indicators of where the Connecticut economy was trending and our expectations of where growth was going to occur before the global pandemic black swan event.
2019 Releases
Connecticut’s Short-Term Employment Outlook 2018-2020 Connecticut’s Short-Term Employment Outlook 2018-2020 (pdf, 699k)

What follows is the outlook for the U.S. and Connecticut economies for 2018-2020, which is prepared by the Office of Research, Connecticut Labor Department (CTDOL). After review by a panel of economists from academia, business, non-profits, and government, the U.S. and Connecticut outlooks are revised, updated, and then used as the basis for setting the assumptions for the next round of Short-Term Connecticut, Industry-Employment Forecasts.
2018 Releases
Connecticut’s Short-Term Employment Outlook 2016-2018 Connecticut’s Short-Term Employment Outlook 2017-2019 (pdf, 1.8M)

What follows is the outlook for the U.S. and Connecticut economies for 2017-2019, which is prepared by the Office of Research, Connecticut Labor Department (CTDOL). After review by a panel of economists from academia, business, non-profits, and government, the U.S. and Connecticut outlooks are revised, updated, and then used as the basis for setting the assumptions for the next round of Short-Term Connecticut, Industry-Employment Forecasts.
2017 Releases
Connecticut’s Short-Term Employment Outlook 2016-2018 Connecticut’s Short-Term Employment Outlook 2016-2018 (pdf, 1.8M)

What follows is the outlook for the U.S. and Connecticut economies for 2016 - 2018, which is prepared by the Office of Research, Connecticut Labor Department (CTDOL). After review by a panel of economists from academia, business, non-profits, and government, the U.S. and Connecticut outlooks are revised, updated, and then used as the basis for setting the assumptions for the next round of Short-Term Connecticut, Industry-Employment Forecasts.		 2016-17 Legislative Report Card ~ Connecticut Employment and Training Commission 2016-17 Legislative Report Card ~ Connecticut Employment and Training Commission (2.6M)

The report summarizes the employment and compensation experience of students who graduated from our 18 public colleges during the 2014-15 school year. The report also provides a detailed summary of employment by industry sector and college degree program for the graduates of each system of education and for each individual institution. In addition, the report presents employment and compensation experience of participants in certain Department of Labor (DOL) programs: the Jobs First Employment Services (JFES), Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA), Wagner-Peyser, and WIA Title IB programs. The latest data are for participants in the July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015 program year and summarizes entered employment, retained employment, wages and wage changes.
2016 Releases
Connecticut’s Short-Term Employment Outlook 2015-2017 Connecticut’s Short-Term Employment Outlook 2015-2017 (pdf, 2M)

What follows is the outlook for the U.S. and Connecticut economies for 2015 - 2017, which is prepared by the Office of Research, Connecticut Labor Department (CTDOL). After review by a panel of economists from academia, business, non-profits, and government, the U.S. and Connecticut outlooks are revised, updated, and then used as the basis for setting the assumptions for the next round of Short-Term Connecticut, Industry-Employment Forecasts.		 2015 Legislative Report Card ~ Connecticut Employment and Training Commission 2015 Legislative Report Card ~ Connecticut Employment and Training Commission (4M)

A comprehensive report on employment outcomes for graduates of the public college system. Provides a summary of employment and earnings experience for students who graduated from one of Connecticut’s 18 public colleges in 2013-14, as well as more detailed information on these employed graduates by industry sector, college and degree program.
2015 Releases
Connecticut’s Short-Term Employment Outlook 2014-2016 Connecticut’s Short-Term Employment Outlook 2014-2016 (pdf, 1M)

What follows is the outlook for the U.S. and Connecticut economies for 2014 - 2016, which is prepared by the Office of Research, Connecticut Labor Department (CTDOL). After review by a panel of economists from academia, business, non-profits, and government, the U.S. and Connecticut outlooks are revised, updated, and then used as the basis for setting the assumptions for the next round of Short-Term Connecticut, Industry-Employment Forecasts.		 Connecticut Job Vacancy Survey Connecticut Job Vacancy Survey (pdf, 80k)

Survey of Connecticut employers designed to estimate hiring demand and job vacancy characteristics by industry and occupation.
2014 Releases
2014 Legislative Report Card ~ Connecticut Employment and Training Commission 2014 Legislative Report Card ~ Connecticut Employment and Training Commission (pdf, 3M)

A comprehensive report on employment outcomes for graduates of the public college system. Provides a summary of employment and earnings experience for students who graduated from one of Connecticut’s 18 public colleges in 2012-13, as well as more detailed information on these employed graduates by industry sector, college and degree program.		 Current Conditions and Outlook for the U.S. and Connecticut Economies: 2013-2015 Current Conditions and Outlook for the U.S. and Connecticut Economies: 2013-2015 (pdf, 1.2M)

What follows is the outlook for the U.S. and Connecticut economies for 2013 and 2015, which is prepared by the Office of Research, Connecticut Labor Department (CTDOL). After review by a panel of economists from academia, business, non-profits, and government, the U.S. and Connecticut outlooks are revised, updated, and then used as the basis for setting the assumptions for the next round of Short-Term Connecticut, Industry-Employment Forecasts.
2013 Releases
Current Conditions and Outlook for the U.S. and Connecticut Economies: 2011-2012 Current Conditions and Outlook for the U.S. and Connecticut Economies: 2011-2013 (pdf, 1.6M)

What follows is the outlook for the U.S. and Connecticut economies for 2012 and 2013, which is prepared by the Office of Research, Connecticut Labor Department (CTDOL). After review by a panel of economists from academia, business, non-profits, and government, the U.S. and Connecticut outlooks are revised, updated, and then used as the basis for setting the assumptions for the next round of Short-Term Connecticut, Industry-Employment Forecasts.
2011 Releases
Current Conditions and Outlook for the U.S. and Connecticut Economies: 2010-2012 Current Conditions and Outlook for the U.S. and Connecticut Economies: 2010-2012 (pdf, 1.5M)

What follows is the outlook for the U.S. and Connecticut economies for 2011 and 2012, which is prepared by the Office of Research, Connecticut Labor Department (CTDOL). After review by a panel of economists from academia, business, non-profits, and government, the U.S. and Connecticut outlooks are revised, updated, and then used as the basis for setting the assumptions for the next round of Short-Term Connecticut, Industry-Employment Forecasts.		 Following Connecticut’s Unemployment Insurance Claimants Through the Recession Following Connecticut’s Unemployment Insurance Claimants Through the Recession (pdf, 115K)

The recession of the late 2000’s is the worst to hit the United States since the depression of the 1930’s. Nineteen months after the official completion of Connecticut’s recession, the unemployment rate is still stubbornly stuck around 9%. Based on data from the Current Population Survey (CPS), it is estimated about 119,000 jobs were lost in Connecticut through December 2009. Connecticut gained 24,300 jobs from January 2010, the end of Connecticut’s recession, to January 2011. However, from January 2011 to July 2011, only about 8,500 have been created. At the current level of job growth, it will take many years to employ those laid off by the recession.
2010 Releases
Current Conditions and Outlook for the U.S. and Connecticut Economies: 2009-2011 Current Conditions and Outlook for the U.S. and Connecticut Economies: 2009-2011 (pdf, 1.6M)

The outlook for the U.S. and Connecticut economies for 2009-2011 is prepared by the Office of Research, Connecticut Labor Department. After review by a panel of economists from academia, business, non-profits, and government, the U.S. and Connecticut outlooks are revised, updated, and then used as the basis for setting the assumptions for the next round of Short-Term Connecticut, Industry-Employment Forecasts.		 Higher Education: Building Connecticut’s Workforce 2008 Higher Education: Building Connecticut’s Workforce (pdf, 2.4M)

A comprehensive report on employment outcomes for graduates of the public college system. Provides a summary of employment and earnings experience for students who graduated from one of Connecticut’s 18 public colleges in 2008, as well as more detailed information on these employed graduates by industry sector, college and degree program.
2009 Releases
Current Conditions and Outlook for the U.S. and Connecticut Economies: 2008-2010 Current Conditions and Outlook for the U.S. and Connecticut Economies: 2008-2010 (pdf, 808K)

The outlook for the U.S. and Connecticut economies for 2008-2010, which is prepared by the Office of Research, Connecticut Labor Department. After review by a panel of economists from academia, business, non-profits, and government, the U.S. and Connecticut outlooks are revised, updated, and then used as the basis for setting the assumptions for the next round of Short-Term Connecticut, Industry-Employment Forecasts.		 Connecticut’s Middle-Skill Jobs Connecticut’s Middle-Skill Jobs (pdf, 342K)

Connecticut has more middle-skill jobs than low- or high-skill jobs. Over the next decade, strong growth in middle-skill jobs and wages is expected as the demand continues to rise. In Connecticut, it is projected that nearly four out of every ten job openings (new and replacement) will require only middle-skills.

Overall, the demand for middle-skills is likely to grow rapidly over the next decade and beyond – both overall and within key sectors.
Mass Layoffs and Their Impact on Earnings During Recessions and Expansions Mass Layoffs & Their Impact on Earnings During Recessions and Expansions (pdf, 217K)

This report examines the earnings losses of workers displaced due to mass layoff at different points in the business cycle using administrative records from the state of Connecticut.		 Higher Education: Building Connecticut’s Workforce 2007 Higher Education: Building Connecticut’s Workforce (pdf, 2,765K)

A comprehensive report on employment outcomes for graduates of the public college system. Provides a summary of employment and earnings experience for students who graduated from one of Connecticut’s 18 public colleges in 2007, as well as more detailed information on these employed graduates by industry sector, college and degree program.
2008 Releases
Connecticut Careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Connecticut Careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) (pdf, 1,007K)

Provides statewide data on employment, wages, and educational attainment in STEM occupations, and compares Connecticut's employment concentration in STEM industries with the U.S.		 Sustainable Dynamism_Volume 2 Sustainable Dynamism: A Regional Economic Development Strategy of Continuous Reinvention (pdf, 920K)

Volume II of a two-volume report, it lays out the background and development of the formal framework that provides the context for the implementation strategies presented in Volume I, as well as providing references, and a springboard, for further research on regional growth and development.
Current Conditions and Outlook for the U.S. and Connecticut Economies: 2007-2009 Current Conditions and Outlook for the U.S. and Connecticut Economies: 2007-2009
(pdf, 520K)

The outlook for the U.S. and Connecticut economies for 2008 and 2009, which is prepared by the Office of Research, Connecticut Labor Department. After review by a panel of economists from academia, business, non-profits, and government, the U.S. and Connecticut outlooks are revised, updated, and then used as the basis for setting the assumptions for the next round of Short-Term Connecticut, Industry-Employment Forecasts.		 Sustainable Dynamism Volume 1 Sustainable Dynamism: A Regional Economic Development Strategy of Continuous Reinvention (pdf, 1,006K)

Volume I of a two-volume report, it provides information on how the State can promote innovation and growth of companies from incubation to production. Rather than supporting a specific group of industries or products, it suggests that the State focus its support on the continuous introduction of new products and innovations, and stresses the importance of industry, universities and government working together toward that end.
Higher Education: Building Connecticut’s Workforce 2006 Higher Education: Building Connecticut’s Workforce (pdf, 3,423K)

A comprehensive report on employment outcomes for graduates of the public college system. Provides a summary of employment and earnings experience for students who graduated from one of Connecticut’s 18 public colleges in 2006, as well as more detailed information on these employed graduates by industry sector, college and degree program. 		The Effect of Mass Layoffs on Earnings of Connecticut's Older Workers The Effect of Mass Layoffs on Earnings of Connecticut's Older Workers (pdf, 423K)

This report provides detailed estimates of earnings losses of older workers (ages 40 and over) who experience mass layoffs relative to a continuously employed comparison group. The final, definitive version of this paper has been published in Research on Aging, 31/1, January, 2009, by SAGE Publications Ltd., and is available at http://roa.sagepub.com/content/vol31/issue1/
2007 Releases
Earnings Losses of Displaced Workers in Connecticut Earnings Losses of Displaced Workers in Connecticut (pdf, 209K)

This report examines the experiences of prime age workers who have lived and worked in Connecticut and who lose their jobs due to a reduction in employment at their place of work.		 A Look at Connecticut's Older Workers - October 2007 "A Look at Connecticut's Older Workers"(pdf, 586K)

This report presents facts regarding the age composition of Connecticut’s jobholders, and the industrial distribution, geographic distribution, and the wage distribution of the jobs held by older workers.
2006 Releases
Employee Benefits in Connecticut - 2006 Employee Benefits in Connecticut - 2006 (pdf, 1,098K)

This report outlines employee benefits offered to Connecticut workers by their employers, and is based on the results of a survey mailed to over 3,500 employers in the fall of 2006.		 Connecticut's Investment Employment Rising Connecticut's Investment Employment Rising (pdf, 447K)

Connecticut's investment sector comprises some of the highest paying and fastest expanding industry segments anywhere in the world. This study explains how the State's "alternative investment" niche segments, like hedge funds, are supplying the impetus for the current job growth.
Benchmarking Growth In Demand-Driven Labor Markets Benchmarking Growth In Demand-Driven Labor Markets (pdf, 817K)

Presents an assessment of Connecticut's economy and its potential for growth, given existing market forces, and provides recommendations regarding improvements in education, transportation, availability of affordable housing, and investments in industries that have a strategic advantage in the world economy.		 Connecticut’s Labor Market Dynamics: Job Creation, Destruction, and Reallocation Connecticut’s Labor Market Dynamics: Job Creation, Destruction, and Reallocation (pdf, 398K)

This report provides researchers, policy makers and other interested readers a glimpse into the dynamic underpinnings of the Connecticut and United States labor markets, from the perspective of observing the flows of job creation and destruction over time. The research reported here scratches below the surface of Connecticut’s labor market to expose the undercurrents that produce the net outcomes reported by the statistical agencies and recounted in the media.
Methodology for the Short-term Connecticut Industry Employment Forecasts Methodology for the Short-term CT Industry Employment Forecast (281K)

The Short-Term Forecasts provide current Labor Market Information on job opportunities, allow informed choices for short-term training with a goal of immediate re-employment, and they establish state-to-state comparability to facilitate job-match searches beyond the local labor market. The Short-Term Forecasts also serve as critical LMI for Workforce Investment Planning under the Workforce Investment Act.
Archived Releases
Math & Science Knowledge and Skills Math & Science Knowledge and Skills: Catalysts for Future Economic Growth Within Connecticut (pdf, 562K)

This report examines Connecticut’s math and science occupations in demand, current education issues, knowledge and skill sets required for the math and science “Jobs of the Future,” employer responses to skilled labor shortages, suggestions for curtailing labor shortages, and the 100 fastest growing occupations within the state of Connecticut from 2002-2012.		 An Impact Evaluation of Workforce Development Activities An Impact Evaluation of Workforce Development Activities (pdf, 800K)

This report presents the results of an evaluation of the effect of services provided through the public employment service program in the state of Connecticut. Since these services are focused on improving the employability and earnings of job seekers in the labor market, the evaluation focuses on their employment and earnings as program outcomes.
Connecticut's Industry Clusters Connecticut's Industry Clusters (pdf, 1,032B)

A profile of Connecticut's nine industry clusters, specific industries within each cluster, along with cluster employment, relative importance, and leading occupations.		 Connecticut Job Vacancy Survey Connecticut Job Vacancy Survey (pdf, 473K)

The Connecticut Job Vacancy Survey results provide information on the current nature of the market for workers and occupational skills in Connecticut.
Connecticut Workforce Demands and the Implications for Education Connecticut Workforce Demands and the Implications for Education (pdf, 2,765K)

The Connecticut Workforce Demands and the Implications for Education describes the major economic and workforce trends in Connecticut and their effect upon employment over the next decade - specifically focusing on labor shortages.		 Connecticut’s Evolving Economy: Choices for the Career Professional Beyond 2004 Connecticut’s Evolving Economy: Choices for the Career Professional Beyond 2004 (pdf, 425K)

This publication will serve to outline Connecticut’s fastest growing and declining industries across two distinct periods of time. The two-year (2004-2006) industrial and occupational forecast reflects the impact of economic changes, due to the events of September 11, 2001, the rise in steel and petroleum costs, and inflation on the current business cycle. The ten-year (2002-2012) forecast reflects the long-term economic trends in the state and Connecticut’s place in the macroeconomy of the United States.
2004 Higher Education: Building Connecticut’s Workforce 2004 Higher Education: Building Connecticut’s Workforce (pdf, 3,423K)

Comprehensive report on employment outcomes for graduates of the State’s public college system. The report summarizes employment and earnings experience for students who graduated from one of our 18 public colleges in 20041. The report also provides for the first time, a detailed picture of graduate employment by industry sector and college degree program from the State, system and institutional perspective.
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