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Professional services

This sector encompasses a range of services. The real estate sector includes services related to selling or buying real estate and the building of structures combined with maintaining ownership or the leasing of such structures.  The professional, scientific and technical sector includes activities that require a high degree of training, and make specialised knowledge and skills available to users. These activities include: legal and accounting activities; activities of head offices; management consultancy activities; architectural and engineering activities; technical testing and analysis; scientific research and development; advertising and market research; and veterinary activities.

Future employment growth (in %) in professional services sector across Member States in 2016-2030

In 2016, the share of professional services in total EU employment was 6.36%.

During the period 2011-2016, the employment level of professional services in EU changed by 13.3%.

The countries with highest employment share of professional services in 2016 were:

  • Sweden 10.18%
  • United Kingdom 8.38%
  • Luxembourg 7.81%
  • Netherlands 7.66%
  • Cyprus 7.59%

The occupations with the largest numbers of people employed in professional services in 2016 in EU were:

  • Researchers & engineers 2,301,188
  • Office associate professionals 2,074,306
  • Office professionals 1,963,677
  • Legal & social professionals 1,497,974
  • Science & engineering technicians 873,386

In the period 2016-2030, employment for professional services in EU is projected to change by 23.51%. 

Occupations employed in the sector in professional services sector in EU in 2016

Employment share (%) in professional services sector across Member States in 2016

Employment in professional services sector for educational level possessed in EU by level of education

Employment in high-tech occupations in professional services sector across Member States in 2016

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