2024 Occupational Requirements in the United States — 2024-11-19

A sedentary strength level was required for 30.6 percent of workers in 2024, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Workers requiring sedentary strength do not lift or carry more than 10 pounds and sit for at least two-thirds of their workday. The next lowest strength level, light strength, was required for 33.3 percent of workers. Workers requiring light strength may lift or carry up to 25 pounds. (See table 1.) Specific vocational preparation (SVP) captures the minimum amount of preparation time needed to obtain the education, training, and experience required for a job. In 2024, a short demonstration lasting up to 4 hours was required for 1.7 percent of workers. Preparation time beyond a short demonstration and up through 1 month was required for 34.2 percent of workers.