The U.S. job market continues to evolve, reflecting the effects of economic shifts, technological advancements, and changing societal demands. Between 2021 and 2023, certain occupations experienced remarkable growth, while others faced steep declines. Understanding these trends can help job seekers and employers adapt to the shifting workforce landscape.

The U.S. labor market in 2023 highlighted both growth and transformation. Sectors like professional services, retail trade, and healthcare experienced significant employment shifts, driven by technological advancements and changing economic demands. Wage growth in several industries underscores the need for skilled professionals, while declining wages in some sectors reflect structural changes in employment types. As the U.S. economy evolves, these trends emphasize the importance of adaptability and skill development for both industries and workers.

In 2023, the U.S. labor market continued to show steady growth, with total employment reaching over 151.8 million jobs—a 2.7% increase from 2022. This expansion was coupled with notable wage improvements, as the mean annual wage rose by 5.8% to $65,470, and the median wage grew by 3.8% to $48,060. Examining specific occupations reveals key insights into where growth and wage increases are most pronounced and where employment has contracted.

The fields of artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics are experiencing explosive growth, redefining the technology landscape and driving significant shifts in the job market. As industries embrace digital transformation, these areas have become pivotal, offering lucrative career opportunities for those equipped with the right skills and expertise.

As we step into 2025, the career landscape continues to transform, driven by ongoing economic shifts and the lasting impacts of the pandemic. To excel in this dynamic environment, professionals must stay informed about strategies for securing promotions, negotiating competitive salaries, and succeeding in job applications while navigating the evolving trends of the new year.

In 2023, national employment totaled over 151.9 million people in the United States, reflecting an increase of 2.7% from 2022. The annual mean wage in 2023 was $65,470, and the median wage was $48,060.

In 2023, the Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting industry employed over 414 thousand people in the United States, reflecting a decrease of 2.1% from 2022. The annual mean wage in 2023 was $43,010, and the median wage was $35,640. Compared to the national average, the wages in this industry group were lower by 34.3%.

In 2023, the Utilities industry employed over 565 thousand people in the United States, reflecting an increase of 4% from 2022. The annual mean wage in 2023 was $97,250, and the median wage was $95,530. Compared to the national average, the wages in this industry group were higher by 48.5%.

In 2023, the Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction industry employed over 571 thousand people in the United States, reflecting an increase of 8.3% from 2022. The annual mean wage in 2023 was $77,020, and the median wage was $61,800. Compared to the national average, the wages in this industry group were higher by 17.6%.

In 2023, the Finance and Insurance industry employed over 6.3 million people in the United States, reflecting an increase of 1.2% from 2022. The annual mean wage in 2023 was $94,150, and the median wage was $68,020. Compared to the national average, the wages in this industry group were higher by 43.8%.

In 2023, the Real Estate and Rental and Leasing industry employed over 2.4 million people in the United States, reflecting an increase of 3.1% from 2022. The annual mean wage in 2023 was $61,630, and the median wage was $47,990. Compared to the national average, the wages in this industry group were lower by 5.9%.

In 2023, the Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation industry employed over 2.5 million people in the United States, reflecting an increase of 9.8% from 2022. The annual mean wage in 2023 was $50,550, and the median wage was $36,700. Compared to the national average, the wages in this industry group were lower by 22.8%.

In 2023, the Management of Companies and Enterprises industry employed over 2.8 million people in the United States, reflecting an increase of 3.3% from 2022. The annual mean wage in 2023 was $106,640, and the median wage was $84,440. Compared to the national average, the wages in this industry group were higher by 62.9%.

In 2023, the Information industry employed over 3 million people in the United States, reflecting an increase of 1.4% from 2022. The annual mean wage in 2023 was $108,110, and the median wage was $84,700. Compared to the national average, the wages in this industry group were higher by 65.1%.

In 2023, the Other Services (except Public Administration) industry employed over 4.3 million people in the United States, reflecting an increase of 4.5% from 2022. The annual mean wage in 2023 was $54,090, and the median wage was $42,760. Compared to the national average, the wages in this industry group were lower by 17.4%.

In 2023, the Wholesale Trade industry employed over 6 million people in the United States, reflecting an increase of 2.9% from 2022. The annual mean wage in 2023 was $71,410, and the median wage was $53,320. Compared to the national average, the wages in this industry group were higher by 9.1%.

In 2023, the Transportation and Warehousing industry employed over 7.3 million people in the United States, reflecting an increase of 1.6% from 2022. The annual mean wage in 2023 was $59,320, and the median wage was $49,180. Compared to the national average, the wages in this industry group were lower by 9.4%.

In 2023, the Construction industry employed over 7.9 million people in the United States, reflecting an increase of 3.1% from 2022. The annual mean wage in 2023 was $67,430, and the median wage was $58,500. Compared to the national average, the wages in this industry group were higher by 3%.

In 2023, the Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services industry employed over 9.5 million people in the United States, reflecting a decrease of 0.5% from 2022. The annual mean wage in 2023 was $52,650, and the median wage was $39,100. Compared to the national average, the wages in this industry group were lower by 19.6%.

In 2023, the Federal, State, and Local Government industry employed over 9.8 million people in the United States, reflecting an increase of 2% from 2022. The annual mean wage in 2023 was $74,410, and the median wage was $64,080. Compared to the national average, the wages in this industry group were higher by 13.7%.