What does this indicator measure?
This indicator measures the number of salary and wage earning jobs in 2009, their growth from 1980 to 2009, and factors effecting their growth from 1980 to today for the Syracuse, Albany, Buffalo, and Rochester Metropolitan Statistical Area’s (MSA’s). When applicable the measures are also included for the 100 Largest Metro Areas and All Metro Areas. Additionally, the total employment for the Syracuse MSA is presented from 2006 to 2011.
Employment measures the number of wage and salary jobs in a metropolitan economy. Two factors account the differences among employment growth rates in metropolitan areas. First, industries grow at different rates. A metropolitan dominated by slow-growing industries will typically see slower job growth than a metropolitan area with more fast-growing industries. “Change due to industry factors” captures the change in employment that would have occurred in a metropolitan area if the area’s industries had grown at their respective national rates (minus the overall national growth rate). Second, metropolitan areas have different internal competitive strengths. For example the same industry can add jobs in one metropolitan area, but not another; or a new industry can spring up in one metropolitan area, but not another. “Change due to local factors” captures how much these local competitive factors have hindered or accelerated employment growth.–explanation courtesy of the Brookings Institute
