Table 2.
Sample of Common Occupations and Their Skill Ratings Using Confirmatory Factor Analysis
| Occupation | Verbal Skill Score | Quantitative Skill Score | Analytic Skill Score | Sample Activities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baggage Porters and Bellhops | 2 | 1.4 | 1.16 | Handle luggage or other possessions for patrons. Greet customers, patrons, or visitors. |
| Cashiers | 3 | 3.16 | 1.5 | Process sales or other transactions. Answer customer questions about goods or services. |
| Tellers | 3.66 | 3.16 | 1.5 | Verify accuracy of financial or transactional data. Execute financial transactions. Enter information into databases. |
| Agricultural/Food Science Technicians | 2.8 | 2.6 | 1.83 | Record research or operational data. Analyze chemical compounds. Test quality of materials or finished products. |
| Grounds Maintenance Workers | 1 | .6 | 2 | Operate grounds maintenance equipment. |
| Nursing and Home Health Aides | 1.4 | .6 | 2 | Encourage patients during therapeutic activities. Maintain medical records. |
| Carpenters | 1.4 | 1.8 | 2 | Review blueprints or specifications. Mark reference points on construction materials. |
| Customer Service Representatives | 3.4 | 2.4 | 2.6 | Discuss goods or services information with customers or patrons. Respond to customer problems or complaints. |
| Occupational Therapists | 3.4 | 2.4 | 3.16 | Analyze patient data to determine patient needs or treatment goals. Record patient medical histories. |
| Insurance Sales Agents | 3.6 | 2 | 3.33 | Gather information to determine customer needs. Explain financial information to customers. Sell products or services. |
| Insurance Underwriters | 3.6 | 3.4 | 3.5 | Explain regulations or procedures. Assess financial status of clients. Assess risks to business operations. |
| Secretaries | 3.8 | 2 | 3.66 | Answer telephones and email to direct inquiries or provide information. Enter information into databases. Prepare documentation for reports. |
| Librarians | 4.5 | 2.83 | 3.66 | Help patrons use library or archival resources. Search information sources to find specific data. Classify materials according to standard systems. |
| Clergy | 4.2 | .6 | 3.83 | Lead classes or community events. Counsel clients or patients regarding personal issues. Develop educational programs. |
| Social Workers | 3.6 | 2.4 | 3.83 | Counsel clients or patients on substance abuse, health, or interpersonal issues. Advocate for individual or community needs. |
| News Analysts and Reporters | 4.8 | .6 | 4 | Analyze information obtained from news sources. Edit written materials. Report news to the public. |
| Elementary/Middle School Teachers | 4.2 | 3 | 4.16 | Modify teaching methods or materials to accommodate student needs. Establish rules governing student behavior. Evaluate student work. |
| Physical Therapists | 4 | 1 | 4.33 | Develop medical treatment plans. Record patient medical histories. Analyze patient data to determine patient needs or treatment goals. |
| Budget Analysts | 4 | 4.6 | 4.5 | Analyze budgetary or accounting data. Advise others on financial matters. Verify accuracy of financial information. |
| Accountants and Auditors | 4.8 | 3.8 | 4.83 | Examine financial records or processes. Analyze business or financial data. Calculate tax information. |
| Actuaries | 4.2 | 4.4 | 4.83 | Manage financial activities. Develop organizational goals or objectives. Analyze data to identify trends or relationships among variables. |
Source: O*NET 4.0 Database (Boese et al. 2001).
Note: The skill scores are occupation-level variables representing how much each detailed occupational category utilizes cognitive skill. The scores range from 0 to 6.20 (for verbal skill utilization), .20 to 6.20 (for quantitative skill utilization), and .33 to 6.33 (for analytic skill utilization). Each score is measured using a predicted factor score from a measurement model. The observed indicators are independent skill ratings from O*NET. For more details on the measurement model, see the Appendix.