How big is the largest US employer?

The biggest non-governmental employer in the US is Wal-mart, having over 1 million employees. It is the largest private employer in each of 25 states.

The largest total employer in the USA is the US Government. 1.8 million people work for it, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The US Postal Service is not included in that number for some reason. Add 615,000 people.

The armed forces aren't included in that number. 1.4 million active duty, plus 1.2 million reserve and National Guard -- basically part-time.

So, that's 3.8 million people employed full time, and 1.2 million part-time. 5 million US citizens are federal employees in some regard.

There are also 3.8 million people employed by state governments, full-time (Census, 2008) and 1.4 million part-time. That's another 5 million government employees.

And there are 11 million people employed full-time by local governments, and 3.3 million part-time.

All in all, the governments of the United States employ 24 million people, of whom about 6 million are part-time. Total population is a little over 308 million. 133 million are employed.

Basically, one in six people is paid from taxes.

Next time you see an argument about the economy that hinges on reducing government spending, check how many people will be put out of work. Next time you see an argument that suggests that taxes are too high, consider what source of funding is being proposed to replace that.

I don't consider this an admirable or necessary state of affairs, but I also don't see a smooth way out of it.

How big is the largest US employer?

The biggest non-governmental employer in the US is Wal-mart, having over 1 million employees. It is the largest private employer in each of 25 states.

The largest total employer in the USA is the US Government. 1.8 million people work for it, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The US Postal Service is not included in that number for some reason. Add 615,000 people.

The armed forces aren't included in that number. 1.4 million active duty, plus 1.2 million reserve and National Guard -- basically part-time.

So, that's 3.8 million people employed full time, and 1.2 million part-time. 5 million US citizens are federal employees in some regard.

There are also 3.8 million people employed by state governments, full-time (Census, 2008) and 1.4 million part-time. That's another 5 million government employees.

And there are 11 million people employed full-time by local governments, and 3.3 million part-time.

All in all, the governments of the United States employ 24 million people, of whom about 6 million are part-time. Total population is a little over 308 million. 133 million are employed.

Basically, one in six people is paid from taxes.

Next time you see an argument about the economy that hinges on reducing government spending, check how many people will be put out of work. Next time you see an argument that suggests that taxes are too high, consider what source of funding is being proposed to replace that.

I don't consider this an admirable or necessary state of affairs, but I also don't see a smooth way out of it.