List of Most Common Jobs in the US

The American job market continues to reflect a deep-rooted pattern of a service-managed economy, with millions of people working in roles that power daily life, often behind the curtains. From fast food workers and cashiers to nurses and freight movers, the most common jobs in the country show what Americans not only do to live in America, but also how industries like retail, healthcare, food service, and logistics shape the national workforce. According to data visualized by Visual Capitalist and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, each state has its most common job, highlighting economic diversity in various areas. While fast food workers dominate 15 states and home health colleagues lead in others, large businesses usually require minimal formal education and offer low salaries. Understanding these roles provides a valuable insight into labor trends, wage status, and the backbone of the American economy today.

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1. Fast Food and Counter Workers

In 2024, fast food workers were the most common workers in 15 American states, including Arkansas, Georgia, Utah, and Hawaii. This role involves taking orders, serving food, and working in a fast -book restaurant environment. It is the largest job category in states with low obstacles to employment and admission to the high services sector. Nationwide, there are more than 3.5 million fast food workers who earn an average annual salary of around $ 28,000. High turnover rates and constant demands from chains like McDonald's and Chick-fil-A keep these positions widely available.

2. Retail Sales

Retail salespersons remain one of the most common businesses in the US, which topped the list in several states, including Florida and Alaska. These workers help customers choose products, answer questions, and complete their shopping. More than 3.6 million people work in retail sales, making it one of the largest employment sectors. The job usually offers an average salary of $ 30,600 annually. Despite automation and online shopping, retail is thriving in states with heavy tourism and suburban shopping culture.

3. Cashier

Cashiers are among the top three most-planned roles in the US, especially with heavy dependence on in-store retail in small cities and states. There are about 3.3 million cashiers in the country, which earns an average of $ 29,000 per year. In many rural and southern states, this role is either the most common or one closest. Cashier supermarkets are central to gas stations and drug stores, although their number may gradually decrease with the rise of self-checkout technology.

4. Home Health and Personal Care Associate

Home Health Associates has become the most common job in 10 states, including California, Maine, and West Virginia. As the age of America's population, especially in states with high elderly populated, the demand for home care has taken touched by the sky. The region has more than 3.7 million workers, making it the fastest-growing low-salaried region. The average annual salary is low, just around $ 30,000 - but the emotional and physical demands of the role are important.

5. Registered Nurse (RN)

Registered nurses represent a professional-level job that still ranks among the most common nationwide. With over 3 million RNs in the US, they dominate healthcare employment. In states with large medical networks, such as Massachusetts and Minnesota, this work is particularly common. The nurses earn an average salary of $ 81,000, and the increase in healthcare, the aging population, and the expansion of access to care remain strong.