U.S. Employment Stats and Trends

Understanding employment numbers

When we look at jobs and employment data, it helps to know how these numbers are counted. Most government agencies use the ages of 16-64 when talking about “working-age adults.” They may also use the phrase “major worker groups” to describe much of the labor force. This is an overall grouping, that does not focus on demographic characteristics.

In the United States, about 164 to 171 million people are working either full-time or part-time. This means that the employment rate (the percentage of working-age adults) is just under 60 %, and 6 out of 10 working age adults currently have a job.

Over time employment rates go up and down. From 1948 until now, the average rate was just under 60%, with an all-time high of 64% in 2000, and a record low of 51% in 2020. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also reports that the current unemployment rate (working-age adults out of work but seeking employment) is at 4.6%, or roughly 7.8 million people are unemployed.

American Job Centers

American Job Centers are state-run employment agencies that provide free help to people looking for work.

AJCs provide:

• Updated lists of available job openings
• Resume and interview support

Every state and U.S. territory is also required to offer unemployment insurance, often called “unemployment compensation.” This support is available to workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own. These benefits are paid using employment taxes paid by employers in each state.

Additional data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the U.S. Census Bureau.