There are over 300,000 potential job seekers in the Omaha area according to a labor availability survey commissioned by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development and analyzed by the Nebraska Department of Labor.  A third of potential job seekers said they were actively looking for a new job.

The majority of potential job seekers said they were currently employed. The median annual wage sought by potential job seekers was a minimum of $41,600. Potential job seekers identified salary, use of skills they already possessed, and a schedule that fit their needs as the most important factors in improving their employment situation.

“Talent engagement is key in retaining and recruiting the workforce our region needs to grow,” said Randy Thelen, senior vice president, Greater Omaha Economic Development Partnership. “The Partnership is committed to bringing high quality and high paying jobs to the region.”

Among those who reported that lack of education was an obstacle, 73 percent said they would be willing to complete a certificate or degree in order to improve their employment situation.

The survey was conducted by mail by the University of Nebraska – Lincoln Bureau of Sociological Research. Copies of each survey report can be obtained at neworks.nebraska.gov under the Labor Market Information Publications link.  Contact the Department of Labor at (402) 471-4189 or the Department of Economic Development at (402) 471-3749 for more information. You can also visit http://dol.nebraska.gov/ to find out more.