Wage & Salary Jobs by Industry

What is it and why does it matter?

This chart measures number of jobs paid through a wage or a salary, either part-time or full-time, based on workplace. These employees are counted through state unemployment insurance or federal unemployment compensation programs. Covered employees include those receiving pay on the 12th day of each month, including employees on paid sick leave, paid holiday, and paid vacation. This chart breaks down employment by industry sector. Changes in the number of jobs by industry indicate whether certain sectors are growing/shrinking and if our economy is becoming increasingly diversified.

Latest Southeast Michigan trend:

Preliminarily, growth in 2024 was limited to our region’s Private Education & Health Services (adding 11,000 jobs) and Government (adding 7,000 jobs). Private Education & Health Services also had the largest percentage growth at 3.4%. At the same time, Administrative & Waste Services had the largest numeric and percentage decline of 7,000 jobs, translating to a loss of 6%. Critical export-oriented sectors like Manufacturing, Information & Financial Activities, and Professional & Technical Services saw little change or decline. Recovery back to year 2019 levels have stalled for many sectors. In fact, the only sectors that surpassed their 2019 levels are Natural Resources, Mining, & Construction; Wholesale Trade, Transportation, & Utilities; Private Education & Health Services; and Government. This data will be updated in September 2025.

Caution

Some data are suppressed. Years with suppressed data show as "0". The sum of the suppressed data are rolled into the "Unclassified or Suppressed Employment" category.