Historical data
Pick an indicator to see its long-run evolution.
Unemployment rate
1990–2024Annual average unemployment rate.
Employment
About 9.2 million New Yorkers are employed, led by education and health services, professional services and finance.
Total nonfarm payroll jobs
1990–2025BLS Current Employment Statistics, annual average (FRED NYNA).
| Indicator | New York | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Employment-to-population ratio | 58.5% | 60.1% |
Unemployment
New York's unemployment rate was 4.3% in 2024, slightly above the national average.
Unemployment rate
1976–2024BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, annual average of seasonally adjusted months (FRED NYUR).
Labor Force
New York has the third-largest labor force in the country, with about 9.6 million workers.
Civilian labor force
1976–2024BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, annual average (FRED NYLF).
| Indicator | New York | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Participation rate | 61.1% | 62.6% |
| Union membership | 20.6% | 10.0% |
Occupations
Healthcare, education, office support, food service and finance are the largest occupational groups in New York.
Workers in management, business, science and arts occupations
2008–2024Census American Community Survey 1-year estimates, civilian employed 16+, C24010 (2020 not released).
| Indicator | New York | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Finance & insurance share of jobs | 8.0% | 4.2% |
Salaries in New York
The median annual wage in New York is about $58,010, one of the highest in the country, pulled up by finance and professional services.
Average weekly earnings, private sector
2007–2025BLS Current Employment Statistics, annual average (FRED SMU36000000500000011).
Average hourly earnings, private sector
2007–2025BLS Current Employment Statistics, annual average (FRED SMU36000000500000003).
| Indicator | New York | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Median annual wage | $58,010 | $48,060 |
| Minimum wage | $16.00 | $7.25 |
Remote Work
About 20% of New York workers work primarily from home — one of the highest shares in the country, concentrated in Manhattan-based office jobs.
Workers who work from home
2006–2024Census American Community Survey 1-year estimates, share of workers 16+, B08301 (2020 not released).
| Indicator | New York | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Remote workers | 20% | 14% |
| Avg. commute | 33 min | 27 min |
Workforce Participation
Labor force participation in New York is 61.1%, slightly below the national rate, partly reflecting an older population.
Labor force participation rate
1976–2024BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, annual average (FRED LBSSA36).
| Indicator | New York | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Participation rate | 61.1% | 62.6% |