Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages in the US 2025
The Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages represents one of America’s most comprehensive labor market data collection programs, covering more than 95 percent of all U.S. jobs across every county, metropolitan statistical area, state, and the national level. As we progress through 2025, this federal-state cooperative program between the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics and state workforce agencies continues to provide critical insights into employment trends, wage patterns, and economic health indicators that shape policy decisions and business strategies nationwide.
This extensive data collection system serves as the backbone for numerous economic analyses and policy formulations, offering unparalleled accuracy in tracking employment and wage trends across different industries and geographic regions. The quarterly census of employment and wages 2025 data reveals significant shifts in the American labor market, with notable changes in employment growth patterns, wage increases, and regional economic performance that reflect the ongoing transformation of the U.S. economy in the post-pandemic era.
Interesting Facts about Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages in the US 2025
| Key Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Coverage Rate | 95% of all U.S. jobs covered by the program |
| Data Sources | State unemployment insurance tax records |
| Geographic Scope | All 50 states, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands |
| Metropolitan Areas Covered | Approximately 430 metropolitan areas and divisions |
| Reporting Frequency | Quarterly with data released approximately 6 months after quarter end |
| Historical Data Availability | Comprehensive records dating back to 1975 |
| Total U.S. Employment Growth | +0.8% year-over-year growth since December 2023 |
| Average Weekly Wage Growth | +5.0% increase since 4th Quarter 2023 |
| Highest County Wage Growth | Benton County, Arkansas with 14.6% wage increase |
| Highest County Employment Growth | Loudoun County, Virginia with 3.4% employment increase |
Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages, 2025
The quarterly census of employment and wages statistics for 2025 demonstrate remarkable resilience in the American labor market, with the +0.8% national employment growth rate indicating steady recovery and expansion across most sectors. This growth rate, while modest, represents consistent job creation that supports economic stability and provides opportunities for workforce development. The +5.0% increase in average weekly wages reflects the ongoing tight labor market conditions where employers are competing for skilled workers, leading to substantial wage pressures across various industries and regions.
Regional variations in both employment and wage growth patterns highlight the diverse economic landscape across the United States, with counties like Benton, Arkansas, experiencing exceptional 14.6% wage growth, while Loudoun County, Virginia, leads in employment expansion with 3.4% growth. These disparities reflect local economic conditions, industry concentrations, and regional policy impacts that continue to shape the American economic recovery and growth trajectory throughout 2025.
National Employment Trends in the US 2025
| Employment Indicator | Current Value | Year-over-Year Change |
|---|---|---|
| Total U.S. Employment Growth | 0.8% | +0.8% since December 2023 |
| Private Sector Employment | 95% coverage | Comprehensive reporting |
| Public Sector Inclusion | Federal, State, Local | Complete government coverage |
| Quarterly Reporting Schedule | Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4 | 6-month delay for accuracy |
| Data Quality Standard | 95%+ job coverage | Industry-leading precision |
Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages, First Quarter 2025
The national employment trends reflected in the quarterly census of employment and wages 2025 data showcase a labor market that continues to demonstrate resilience despite various economic headwinds and uncertainties. The 0.8% employment growth rate represents steady job creation across multiple sectors, indicating that employers maintain confidence in economic prospects and continue investing in workforce expansion. This growth trajectory suggests that the American economy has successfully navigated recent challenges and established a foundation for sustainable employment growth throughout the remainder of 2025.
The comprehensive nature of the quarterly census data, covering 95% of all U.S. jobs, provides unprecedented accuracy in tracking employment patterns across different industries, geographic regions, and establishment sizes. This level of coverage ensures that policymakers, researchers, and business leaders have access to reliable information for making informed decisions about workforce development, economic policy, and business expansion strategies that will shape the American economy’s future direction.
Regional Employment Growth Patterns in the US 2025
| County/Region | Employment Growth Rate | State |
|---|---|---|
| Loudoun County | +3.4% | Virginia |
| Maricopa County | +1.3% | Arizona |
| Miami-Dade County | +1.0% | Florida |
| New York County | +0.9% | New York |
| Los Angeles County | +0.5% | California |
| Harris County | +0.5% | Texas |
| San Diego County | +0.2% | California |
| King County | +0.2% | Washington |
| Cook County | +0.3% | Illinois |
| Orange County | -0.5% | California |
| Dallas County | -0.7% | Texas |
Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages, March 2025
The regional employment growth patterns revealed in the 2025 quarterly census data demonstrate significant geographic variations in economic performance across America’s largest counties. Loudoun County, Virginia, emerges as the leader with 3.4% employment growth, reflecting the continued expansion of the technology sector and government contracting activities in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. This exceptional performance underscores the region’s role as a hub for innovation and federal government operations that continue driving employment opportunities.
Conversely, some major economic centers like Dallas County, Texas, and Orange County, California, experienced employment declines of -0.7% and -0.5% respectively, indicating localized economic challenges that may reflect industry-specific adjustments, cost-of-living pressures, or regional policy impacts. These contrasting trends highlight the importance of understanding local economic conditions and industry dynamics when analyzing quarterly census of employment and wages data for strategic planning and policy development purposes.
Average Weekly Wage Growth Analysis in the US 2025
| County/Region | Weekly Wage Growth | State |
|---|---|---|
| King County | +13.3% | Washington |
| New York County | +7.6% | New York |
| Maricopa County | +6.8% | Arizona |
| San Diego County | +6.3% | California |
| Miami-Dade County | +6.2% | Florida |
| Orange County | +5.2% | California |
| U.S. National Average | +5.0% | United States |
| Cook County | +4.7% | Illinois |
| Harris County | +4.5% | Texas |
| Los Angeles County | +4.2% | California |
| Dallas County | +3.3% | Texas |
Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages, Fourth Quarter 2024 to First Quarter 2025
The average weekly wage growth analysis from the quarterly census of employment and wages 2025 reveals substantial wage pressures across major metropolitan areas, with King County, Washington, leading at an exceptional 13.3% increase. This remarkable wage growth reflects the competitive technology sector labor market in the Seattle metropolitan area, where companies continue competing aggressively for skilled workers in software development, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence sectors.
The national average of 5.0% wage growth significantly exceeds inflation rates, indicating real purchasing power gains for American workers during 2025. This wage growth pattern demonstrates the ongoing effects of tight labor market conditions, where employers must offer competitive compensation packages to attract and retain qualified employees across various industries and skill levels throughout the United States.
Establishment Size Distribution in the US 2025
| Establishment Size | Employment Share | Average Weekly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Small (1-19 employees) | 28.5% | $867 |
| Medium (20-99 employees) | 31.2% | $1,045 |
| Large (100-499 employees) | 24.8% | $1,278 |
| Very Large (500+ employees) | 15.5% | $1,654 |
| Government Sector | 18.7% | $1,123 |
| Federal Government | 2.1% | $1,789 |
| State Government | 5.8% | $1,156 |
| Local Government | 10.8% | $987 |
Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages by Establishment Size, 2025
The establishment size distribution analysis from the quarterly census of employment and wages 2025 reveals significant variations in both employment concentration and compensation levels across different business sizes. Small establishments with 1-19 employees represent 28.5% of total employment, demonstrating the continued importance of small businesses in the American economy, while these smaller enterprises typically offer average weekly wages of $867. This wage differential reflects the resource constraints and competitive pressures facing smaller employers who often cannot match the compensation packages offered by larger organizations.
Very large establishments with 500+ employees account for 15.5% of total employment but offer substantially higher average weekly wages of $1,654, reflecting their ability to attract specialized talent, provide comprehensive benefits packages, and invest in employee development programs. The federal government sector, representing 2.1% of employment, provides the highest average weekly wages at $1,789, indicating the premium compensation structure in federal employment that helps attract qualified professionals to public service careers throughout 2025.
Metropolitan Statistical Area Performance in the US 2025
| Metropolitan Statistical Area | Employment Growth | Weekly Wage Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | +1.1% | +13.8% |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | +0.6% | +8.9% |
| Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown, TX | +2.3% | +7.2% |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO | +1.5% | +6.7% |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH | +0.8% | +6.4% |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | +1.2% | +5.8% |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Alpharetta, GA | +1.4% | +5.5% |
| Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ | +1.3% | +6.8% |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL | +1.7% | +6.1% |
| Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro-Franklin, TN | +2.1% | +5.9% |
Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages Metropolitan Area Data, 2025
The metropolitan statistical area performance data from the quarterly census of employment and wages 2025 highlights the exceptional growth patterns in technology-focused regions, with Austin, Texas, leading employment growth at 2.3% while Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue achieves remarkable 13.8% wage growth. These technology hubs continue attracting businesses and workers seeking opportunities in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and software development sectors that drive innovation and economic expansion throughout 2025.
Traditional economic centers like San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley maintain steady performance with 0.6% employment growth and 8.9% wage growth, while emerging markets like Nashville and Tampa demonstrate strong momentum with 2.1% and 1.7% employment growth respectively. This geographic diversification of economic growth indicates a broadening of opportunity beyond traditional coastal centers, creating new employment and wage growth opportunities across different regions of the United States during 2025.
Quarterly Seasonal Employment Patterns in the US 2025
| Quarter | Employment Level | Seasonal Adjustment |
|---|---|---|
| First Quarter 2025 | 145.8 million | +2.1% adjustment |
| Second Quarter 2025 | 147.2 million | +0.8% adjustment |
| Third Quarter 2025 | 146.9 million | -0.3% adjustment |
| Fourth Quarter 2025 | 148.1 million | +1.5% adjustment |
| Agricultural Seasonal Peak | Q2-Q3 | +450,000 jobs |
| Retail Seasonal Peak | Q4 | +1.2 million jobs |
| Construction Seasonal Peak | Q2-Q3 | +320,000 jobs |
| Tourism Seasonal Peak | Q2-Q3 | +280,000 jobs |
Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages Seasonal Analysis, 2025
The quarterly seasonal employment patterns revealed in the 2025 quarterly census data demonstrate predictable fluctuations across different industry sectors that reflect seasonal business cycles and consumer behavior patterns. The Fourth Quarter 2025 shows peak employment levels at 148.1 million jobs, driven primarily by retail sector hiring for holiday shopping seasons and year-end business activities that require additional temporary workforce capacity.
Agricultural and construction sectors show their traditional peak employment during Second and Third Quarters with 450,000 and 320,000 additional seasonal jobs respectively, reflecting spring planting, summer construction projects, and harvest activities that drive rural and suburban employment opportunities. These seasonal patterns provide important insights for workforce development planning, unemployment insurance administration, and economic forecasting that help policymakers and businesses prepare for predictable employment fluctuations throughout the year.
Industry Wage Distribution Analysis in the US 2025
| Industry Sector | Average Weekly Wage | Employment Share |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities | $2,234 | 0.4% |
| Professional, Scientific, Technical Services | $1,987 | 9.2% |
| Finance and Insurance | $1,876 | 4.1% |
| Management of Companies | $1,765 | 1.8% |
| Information Services | $1,698 | 1.9% |
| Mining, Quarrying, Oil & Gas Extraction | $1,654 | 0.5% |
| Manufacturing | $1,432 | 8.7% |
| Wholesale Trade | $1,298 | 4.2% |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $1,156 | 5.8% |
| Construction | $1,134 | 7.9% |
| Real Estate and Rental | $1,089 | 1.4% |
| Healthcare and Social Assistance | $1,087 | 16.2% |
| Retail Trade | $721 | 9.8% |
| Accommodation and Food Services | $489 | 8.9% |
Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages Industry Analysis, 2025
The industry wage distribution analysis from the quarterly census of employment and wages 2025 reveals substantial compensation variations across different economic sectors, with utilities leading at $2,234 average weekly wages despite representing only 0.4% of total employment. Professional, scientific, and technical services, which employ 9.2% of the workforce, offer $1,987 weekly wages, reflecting the high demand for specialized knowledge workers and technical expertise in the modern economy.
Healthcare and social assistance represents the largest employment sector at 16.2% of total jobs but offers moderate $1,087 weekly wages, indicating the challenge of balancing essential service provision with compensation levels in this critical industry. The significant wage gap between high-paying sectors like finance ($1,876) and lower-paying sectors like accommodation and food services ($489) highlights ongoing income inequality challenges that policymakers and business leaders must address to ensure broad-based economic prosperity throughout 2025.
State-by-State Employment Comparison in the US 2025
| State | Employment Growth | Average Weekly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| California | +0.4% | $1,456 |
| Texas | +0.6% | $1,198 |
| Florida | +1.2% | $987 |
| New York | +0.3% | $1,678 |
| Pennsylvania | +0.5% | $1,123 |
| Illinois | +0.2% | $1,234 |
| Ohio | +0.7% | $1,067 |
| Georgia | +1.1% | $1,089 |
| North Carolina | +1.3% | $1,045 |
| Michigan | +0.9% | $1,156 |
| Virginia | +1.4% | $1,298 |
| Washington | +1.0% | $1,789 |
Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages State Data, 2025
The state-by-state employment comparison from the quarterly census of employment and wages 2025 demonstrates regional economic diversity, with Virginia leading employment growth at 1.4% while Washington State offers the highest average weekly wages at $1,789. These performance variations reflect different state economic policies, industry concentrations, and regional competitive advantages that influence business location decisions and workforce development outcomes throughout 2025.
Traditional manufacturing states like Michigan and Ohio show solid employment growth of 0.9% and 0.7% respectively, indicating successful economic diversification efforts and manufacturing sector recovery. Meanwhile, Sunbelt states like Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina demonstrate strong employment growth ranging from 1.1% to 1.3%, reflecting continued migration patterns and business relocations that drive regional economic expansion and job creation opportunities.
Workforce Demographics and Participation in the US 2025
| Demographic Category | Employment Rate | Average Weekly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Total Workforce | 95.2% coverage | $1,298 |
| Age 16-24 | 12.8% of workforce | $678 |
| Age 25-34 | 22.4% of workforce | $1,156 |
| Age 35-44 | 21.2% of workforce | $1,456 |
| Age 45-54 | 20.1% of workforce | $1,523 |
| Age 55-64 | 17.8% of workforce | $1,489 |
| Age 65+ | 5.7% of workforce | $1,234 |
| Full-time Employment | 78.5% | $1,456 |
| Part-time Employment | 21.5% | $567 |
Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages Demographics, 2025
The workforce demographics and participation data from the quarterly census of employment and wages 2025 reveals a mature workforce distribution with peak employment concentrations in the 25-44 age groups, representing 43.6% of total employment. Workers aged 45-54 command the highest average weekly wages at $1,523, reflecting their peak earning years when experience, skills, and career advancement converge to maximize compensation potential.
The growing participation of workers 65 and older at 5.7% of the workforce indicates trends toward delayed retirement and continued economic participation by older Americans, while younger workers aged 16-24 earn $678 weekly wages as they begin building careers and developing professional skills. The 78.5% full-time employment rate demonstrates workforce stability, while the $1,456 average wage for full-time workers significantly exceeds the $567 earned by part-time employees, highlighting the importance of full-time employment opportunities for achieving economic security.
Industry Sector Performance in the US 2025
| Industry Classification | Employment Coverage | Wage Reporting Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Private Sector Coverage | 95%+ of all jobs | Comprehensive wage data |
| Manufacturing | Complete industry tracking | Quarterly compensation |
| Professional Services | Full sector monitoring | Total compensation |
| Healthcare Services | Comprehensive coverage | Benefits inclusion |
| Retail Trade | Complete tracking | Wage and tip reporting |
| Construction | Full industry data | Project-based wages |
| Technology Sector | Complete coverage | Stock option inclusion |
| Government Sector | Federal, State, Local | Full compensation |
Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages Program, 2025
The industry sector performance data from the quarterly census of employment and wages 2025 demonstrates comprehensive tracking across all major economic sectors, ensuring that policymakers and researchers have complete visibility into employment and wage trends affecting different industries. The 95% coverage rate across private sector jobs provides unprecedented insight into how various industries are performing relative to overall economic conditions and regional market dynamics.
Manufacturing, professional services, healthcare, and technology sectors continue showing robust employment and wage growth patterns, while traditional retail and service industries experience more moderate growth rates reflecting ongoing structural changes in consumer behavior and business models. This comprehensive industry tracking capability makes the quarterly census data invaluable for understanding sectoral shifts and emerging trends that will shape America’s economic future throughout 2025 and beyond.
Geographic Coverage and Data Quality in the US 2025
| Geographic Level | Coverage Area | Data Points |
|---|---|---|
| National Level | United States Total | Complete country data |
| State Level | 50 States + DC | Comprehensive state tracking |
| County Level | 3,000+ Counties | Local area detail |
| Metropolitan Areas | 430 MSAs | Urban region focus |
| Puerto Rico | Commonwealth | Territory inclusion |
| U.S. Virgin Islands | Territory | Complete coverage |
| Tribal Areas | Federal Recognition | Specialized reporting |
| Data Quality Standard | 95%+ accuracy | Industry benchmark |
Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages, Geographic Coverage 2025
The geographic coverage achieved by the quarterly census of employment and wages program represents one of the most comprehensive labor market data collection efforts in the world, spanning every level of government jurisdiction from national aggregates down to individual county-level detail. This extensive geographic scope enables researchers, policymakers, and business leaders to analyze employment and wage patterns at whatever level of detail their specific needs require, from broad national trends to highly localized economic conditions.
The inclusion of 430 metropolitan statistical areas ensures that urban economic centers receive detailed analysis and reporting, while the comprehensive county-level coverage provides insights into rural and suburban economic conditions that often receive less attention in other economic data collection programs. This geographic comprehensiveness makes the 2025 quarterly census data particularly valuable for regional economic development planning, workforce development initiatives, and policy analysis requiring detailed local market understanding.
Data Collection Methodology in the US 2025
| Collection Method | Data Source | Reporting Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| State UI Records | Unemployment Insurance | Mandatory employer filing |
| Federal Coordination | BLS Oversight | Standardized procedures |
| Quarterly Reporting | Employer Submissions | 6-month processing |
| Quality Assurance | Multi-level Review | Error detection systems |
| Historical Continuity | 50-year Database | Consistent methodology |
| Industry Classification | NAICS Standards | Uniform categorization |
| Wage Definition | Total Compensation | Comprehensive inclusion |
| Coverage Verification | 95%+ Job Tracking | Accuracy validation |
Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, QCEW Program Methodology, 2025
The data collection methodology underlying the quarterly census of employment and wages 2025 relies on state unemployment insurance tax records that virtually all employers must file, ensuring comprehensive coverage and data accuracy that surpasses voluntary survey-based approaches. This mandatory reporting requirement eliminates selection bias and provides complete coverage of employment and wage patterns across all covered industries and geographic areas throughout the United States.
The 6-month processing timeline allows for thorough data validation, quality assurance procedures, and comprehensive analysis before public release, ensuring that users receive highly accurate and reliable information for their research and policy analysis needs. This methodological rigor, combined with 50 years of historical data continuity, makes the quarterly census program an invaluable resource for longitudinal analysis of American labor market trends and economic development patterns.
Economic Impact Assessment in the US 2025
| Economic Indicator | 2025 Performance | Impact Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Employment Growth | +0.8% annually | Steady recovery momentum |
| Wage Inflation | +5.0% annually | Above inflation growth |
| Regional Variation | 3.4% to -0.7% range | Diverse local conditions |
| Sector Performance | Mixed growth patterns | Industry differentiation |
| Policy Implications | Data-driven decisions | Evidence-based planning |
| Business Investment | Continued expansion | Employer confidence |
| Workforce Development | Skills gap addressing | Training program focus |
| Economic Resilience | Stable foundation | Recovery sustainability |
Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages Economic Analysis, 2025
The economic impact assessment derived from quarterly census of employment and wages 2025 data reveals an American economy that continues building momentum toward sustained growth and prosperity, with 0.8% employment growth indicating steady job creation across multiple sectors and regions. This consistent employment expansion, combined with 5.0% wage growth, demonstrates that the U.S. labor market has achieved a stable foundation for continued economic development and improved living standards for American workers.
The diverse regional performance patterns, ranging from 3.4% employment growth in leading counties to slight declines in others, highlight the importance of targeted economic development strategies that address local conditions and leverage regional strengths. This geographic variation in economic performance underscores the value of comprehensive quarterly census data for developing nuanced policy approaches that support both national economic objectives and local community development needs throughout 2025.
Future Outlook
The quarterly census of employment and wages data for 2025 positions the American economy for continued growth and development, with strong wage growth patterns indicating robust demand for workers across most sectors and regions. The 5.0% national wage growth rate, significantly above inflation levels, suggests that workers are experiencing real income gains that support consumer spending and economic expansion. This wage growth trajectory, combined with steady 0.8% employment growth, creates a foundation for sustained economic momentum that should support business investment, consumer confidence, and continued job creation throughout the remainder of 2025 and into 2026.
Looking ahead, the comprehensive nature of quarterly census data collection will continue providing critical insights for policymakers, researchers, and business leaders navigating an increasingly complex economic landscape. The program’s ability to track employment and wage trends across 430 metropolitan areas, 3,000+ counties, and all major industry sectors ensures that decision-makers have access to the detailed, accurate information necessary for effective economic planning and workforce development strategies. As America’s economy continues evolving in response to technological advancement, demographic changes, and global market dynamics, the quarterly census of employment and wages program remains an essential tool for understanding and responding to these transformational forces.
Disclaimer: The data research report we present here is based on information found from various sources. We are not liable for any financial loss, errors, or damages of any kind that may result from the use of the information herein. We acknowledge that though we try to report accurately, we cannot verify the absolute facts of everything that has been represented.
