Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics 2022 Data Release: Key Changes in the Top 10 Largest Employment Occupations
Today, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released its annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics for 2022. Below, we delve into the data to explore the key changes in mean annual wages and job numbers for the top 10 largest employment occupations.
1. Retail Salespersons: Holding Steady Amid Challenges
Despite the ongoing challenges in the retail sector, retail salespersons saw a 9% increase in mean annual wages, reaching $34,730. However, the number of jobs in this occupation dipped by 1%, settling at 3,640,040 in 2022.
2. Home Health and Personal Care Aides: A Growing Demand for Care
The healthcare industry continues to grow, with home health and personal care aides experiencing a 6% increase in mean annual wages ($30,930) and a 4% increase in job numbers (3,504,230) in 2022.
3. General and Operations Managers: Leading the Charge in Management Roles
General and operations managers enjoyed a 7% rise in their mean annual wages ($122,860) while also seeing a substantial 13% growth in job numbers (3,376,680) in 2022.
4. Fast Food and Counter Workers: Serving Up Higher Wages
Fast food and counter workers experienced an 8% increase in mean annual wages ($28,130) in 2022. The number of jobs in this sector also grew by 7%, reaching 3,325,050.
5. Cashiers: Stable Employment with Modest Wage Growth
Cashiers saw a 7% rise in mean annual wages ($28,730) in 2022. However, the number of jobs in this occupation experienced a slight decline of 1%, with the total number of jobs standing at 3,296,040.
6. Registered Nurses: A Pillar of the Healthcare Industry
Registered nurses enjoyed an 8% increase in mean annual wages ($89,010) in 2022, with a modest 1% growth in job numbers (3,072,700).
7. Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand: Moving Up the Ladder
In 2022, laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand, experienced a 7% increase in mean annual wages ($37,510) and an 8% growth in job numbers (2,934,050).
8. Customer Service Representatives: A Slight Uptick in Employment and Wages
Customer service representatives saw their mean annual wages grow by 5% in 2022, reaching $41,190. The number of jobs in this sector also increased by 3%, with a total of 2,879,840 positions.
9. Stockers and Order Fillers: A Booming Occupation in the Supply Chain
Stockers and order fillers experienced significant growth in 2022, with an 8% increase in mean annual wages ($35,550) and a notable 16% rise in job numbers (2,842,060).
10. Office Clerks, General: Stable Employment with Modest Wage Growth
In 2022, general office clerks experienced a 6% increase in mean annual wages ($41,140). However, the number of jobs in this occupation declined by 2%, with the total number of jobs standing at 2,517,350.
The 2022 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data sheds light on the evolving job market in the United States, highlighting the resilience and growth in various sectors. The top 10 largest employment occupations demonstrate a trend towards increased wages across the board, indicating an overall improvement in compensation for workers. While some job categories experienced a dip in employment numbers, others, such as home health and personal care aides and stockers and order fillers, exhibited remarkable growth. As the economy continues to adapt to the changing landscape, it is crucial for job seekers, employers, and policymakers to stay informed about these trends and leverage the insights to develop strategies for workforce development, job creation, and economic growth.
Utilize our Salary and Location Databases to retrieve data for 2022, or access our comprehensive Reports that provide more detailed data categorizations and insights.
