Total US employment is projected to reach 166.5 million jobs over the 2021-2031 decade, an increase of 8.3 million jobs, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

This reflects a growth of 0.5% annually, slower than the 1.0% annual growth recorded over the 2011-21 decade.

Employment in the leisure and hospitality sector is expected to grow the fastest with 23.1% growth, up from 8.9% in 2021.

Within leisure and hospitality, BLS projects event promoters as well as agents and managers to be the fastest-growing industries, each at 3.4% annually.

This was followed by amusement parks and arcades, 3.2%, and performing arts, 3.0%.

In terms of jobs numbers, the food services and drinking places industry is expected to add 1.3 million jobs from 2021 to 2031, the largest employment increase of any industry. The growth will be driven by food preparation and serving-related occupations.

Within the food services and drinking places industry, the restaurant cooks profession is projected to add 459,900 new jobs over the decade, the second-largest employment increase of any occupation from 2021 to 2031.

Additionally, the healthcare and social assistance sector is expected to create the most jobs over the 2021-31 decade, growing in tandem with the segment of the population aged 65 and over.

BLS expects the real GDP to grow 2.1% annually from 2021 to 2031.