Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Employment and Wages in 2024

In 2024, the Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services industry employed over 9.3 million people in the United States, reflecting a decrease of 2.5% from 2023. The annual mean wage in 2024 was $55,160, and the median wage was $42,340. Compared to the national average, the wages in this industry group were lower by 18.8%.

Industry Sub-Groups

Among the industry sub-groups, Employment Services held the largest number of jobs within the Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services industry, employing over 3.5 million people in 2024. The annual mean wage in this sub-group was $57,520, with a median wage of $40,330. There was an increase in wage variance to the national average compared to 2023, with the variance shifting from -16.6% to -15.3%, indicating industry wages outpaced national wage trends.

Services to Buildings and Dwellings accounted for a substantial employment share, with 2.3 million people employed in 2024. The annual mean wage for this sub-group was $44,050, and the median wage was $37,860. In terms of wage variance to the national average, there was an increase compared to 2023, with the variance shifting from -35.4% to -35.1%.

The sub-group of Investigation and Security Services also had considerable industry employment, with approximately 1 million people employed in 2024. The annual mean wage in this sub-group was $47,370 and the median wage was $39,570. The wage variance to the national average experienced an increase compared to 2023, with the variance shifting from -31.4% to -30.3%.

Highest Employment Occupations

When we examine the top occupations in terms of employment within the Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services industry, we find that General and Operations Managers had the highest annual mean wage in 2024, at $131,550, and a median wage of $98,270. The industry variance to the national average was -1.2%. Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel had an annual mean wage of $71,700 and a median wage of $61,460. The industry variance to the national average was -11.8%. Human Resources Specialists had an annual mean wage of $67,350 and a median wage of $59,500. The industry variance to the national average was -15.5%.

Conversely, notable occupations with lower wages within the Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services industry included Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners, with an annual mean wage of $35,170 and a median wage of $34,970. The industry variance to the national average was -6.1%. Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators had an annual mean wage of $36,630 and a median wage of $36,250. The industry variance to the national average was -18.3%. Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand had an annual mean wage of $36,780 and a median wage of $35,780. The industry variance to the national average was -11.2%.

Summary

In 2024, the Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services industry employed over 9.3 million people in the U.S., reflecting a 2.5% decline from 2023. With an annual mean wage of $55,160 and a median wage of $42,340, earnings in this sector were 18.8% below the national average. Employment Services led the industry in job count with over 3.5 million positions, followed by Services to Buildings and Dwellings and Investigation and Security Services. While executive roles like General and Operations Managers commanded higher wages—nearly on par with national norms—most positions, including Janitors, Laborers, and Assemblers, offered lower-than-average pay. Despite modest gains in wage growth relative to national trends, the industry continues to be characterized by low- to mid-wage roles and high labor intensity, particularly in support and maintenance functions.