The most common job in the U.S. is shared among three distinct occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Home health care and personal aides, retail workers, and fast food counter workers each employ 3.6 million people, marking a significant portion of the American workforce. Conversely, the least common job in the U.S. is that of a wood pattern maker, with only 260 people employed in this field, as reported by The Washington Post. The rising demand for home health and personal care aides correlates with the growing elderly population, making it the fastest-growing occupation across many states, according to Stacker.
Top Occupations in the U.S.
Home health care aides typically assist individuals living with disabilities or chronic illnesses, providing essential support for daily activities and health maintenance. Personal care aides often care for individuals in hospice, offering companionship and basic care. These roles are critical in an aging society, and while they do not typically require advanced degrees, those employed by home health or hospice agencies might need formal training or to pass standardized tests.
Retail salespeople and fast food counter workers, who make up a significant portion of the workforce, generally do not require formal education. Despite their prevalence, these jobs are often associated with lower wages. On average, home health aides, retail, and fast food workers earn less than $40,000 annually, compared to the average U.S. worker’s earnings of over $59,384 per year. Notably, among the top ten most common occupations, only registered nurses earn an average salary above the national average for all jobs.
Economic Implications of Common Jobs
The prevalence of low-wage jobs among the most common occupations raises significant economic concerns. The average annual income for home health aides, retail salespeople, and fast food workers is considerably lower than the national average, highlighting a disparity in wage distribution. This wage gap has implications for economic mobility and quality of life for millions of Americans.
The BLS data indicates that while the number of retail salespeople has decreased over the past decade, the average wages in this field have increased by 45%. This shift suggests a changing landscape in retail employment, possibly due to increased automation, shifts in consumer behavior, and the evolving retail environment.
State-by-State Variations
The most common occupation varies significantly by state. In 14 states, fast food and counter workers are the most common jobs. In contrast, states like Massachusetts, which has an aging population, see home health aide as the most common occupation. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that by 2030, more than a quarter of Massachusetts’s population will be 60 or older, driving demand for home health aides. Washington, D.C., stands out as the only region where the top occupation is business operations specialist, reflecting the unique economic landscape of the nation’s capital.
A decade ago, the most common occupation in the U.S. was retail salesperson, employing 4.5 million people. The shift over the past ten years, with a decrease in retail salespeople but an increase in their average wages, underscores the dynamic nature of the U.S. job market. The rise of home health and personal care aides to the top of the list highlights the growing importance of caregiving roles in an aging society. Understanding the most common occupations in the U.S. provides insight into broader economic trends and the evolving needs of the workforce. As the population ages and industries change, these trends will continue to shape the American job market.