British Columbians are much more likely to find work this decade behind a cash register than they are handling a chainsaw or working in the arts, according to a new provincial labour market guide.

By 2019 there will be roughly nine openings in the sales and services sector for every opening in primary industry, the 181-page guide released today says.

There will be 229,550 jobs available in the province's sales and services sector during the decade, compared with 27,020 that are “unique to primary industry.” Just 31,560 jobs will be available in arts, culture, recreation and sport.

The guide will help students and job seekers choose career paths, according to the government's announcement.

Other sectors with the most expected openings are “trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations” and “business, finance and administration occupations.”

Andrew MacLeod is The Tyee’s Legislative Bureau Chief in Victoria. Reach him here.