Current Conditions

Your work prospects are rated FAIR because:

	Employement grew at an average rate.
	The retirement rate is above average, and the number of retiring workers contributes to job openings.
	Hourly wages ($23.23) are close to the average ($18.07), and the rate of wage growth is below average.
	The unemployment rate (2%) is close to the 2004 average (7%).

Work Prospects

How the ratings are determined.

Outlook To 2009

Your work prospects will continue to be FAIR because:

	The employment growth rate will likely be below average because of an expected decline in the residential construction industry.
	The retirement rate will likely be above average and the number of retiring workers should contribute to job openings.
	The number of job openings will likely exceed the number of job seekers. This will not be significant enough to have an impact on the work prospects.

Preparing for the Competition

	You'll be competing with experienced workers from related occupations.
	You're more likely to succeed if you have skills in new construction techniques.