Every U.S. State’s Most Common Job, 25 Years Apart

Key Takeaways

• Retail Sales (39 states) & Cashiers (7) were the most common jobs by state in 1998.
• In 2024, it’s Fast Food Worker (15 states) and Retail Sales (11)
• All state counts include D.C. and the following U.S. territories: Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands

Less Cashiers, More Health Aides

• Cashiers have been steadily replaced by digital payment systems and self-serve kiosks
• Its now the most common job in only two states
• Home Health Aides are a new popular job category, the most common in 10 states, reflecting an aging population.