Fast food workers may top the list in 15 states, especially across the South and Mountain West, but the Midwest tells a different story. While restaurant and retail gigs still dominate headlines, new data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows a shift in what powers local economies.
A new breakdown from Visual Capitalist analyzed the most common job in every U.S. state using the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics report. They excluded agriculture-related roles due to limited survey data, focusing instead on other job categories that employ the largest number of people in each state.
What Are the Most Common Jobs in the Midwest
The most common job in Iowa? Retail Sales and Cashiers. In Wisconsin and Minnesota? Home Health Aides, a reflection of an aging population and the growing demand for in-home care. Missouri leans more corporate, with Operations Managers and Specialists topping the list.
So what about Illinois?
What’s the Most Common Job in Illinois?
Unlike its neighbors, Illinois’ most common job is in freight moving. That includes warehouse workers, hand laborers, and material movers, essential roles in the logistics world, and if you’re in Rockford, this makes perfect sense. With a busy cargo airport, endless warehouse parks, and major shipping routes, freight moving keeps this region humming.
What It Says About Work in the Midwest
While fast food leads in many parts of the U.S., the Midwest reveals a more diverse employment picture. Logistics, healthcare, and customer-facing roles still rule the workforce, even as automation and tech continue to reshape how we work…