New data reveals the top ten industries working the most in America.
The research, conducted by leading law firm Schmidt & Clark, examined data on the average number of weekly hours worked in each industry in February 2024, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The industries with the highest percentage increase from the national average have been named the most overworked. Additionally, the study used the opposite methodology to name the most underworked industries.
The Industries Working the Most in the US
Mining and logging take the top spot. The industry, responsible for collecting essential minerals and materials used every day, such as cement and wood, works more hours than any other. In total, this equals 45 hours per week on average, 22.90% above the national average of 36.7 hours.
In second place is utilities, with an average of 42.1 hours per week. The industry, which provides natural gas, electricity, water, and power to Americans, works 15% more than the average citizen, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Durable goods provide the nation with tangible goods that have a long shelf life, including everything from electronics to motor vehicles. The industry is the third most overworked industry in America, with an average of 40.5 hours worked per week, 10.68% above the national average.
Table 1: The industries working the most in America
Rank | U.S. industry | Average weekly hours (February 2024) | Percentage above the national average |
1 | Mining and logging | 45 | 22.90% |
2 | Utilities | 42.1 | 15.05% |
3 | Durable goods | 40.5 | 10.68% |
4 | Manufacturing | 40 | 9.31% |
5 | Goods-producing | 39.7 | 8.4% |
6 | Nondurable goods | 39.1 | 6.85% |
7 | Construction | 38.9 | 6.31% |
8 | Transportation and warehousing | 38 | 3.85% |
9 | Financial activities | 37.5 | 2.48% |
10 | Information | 36.5 | 0.2% |
Which Industries Work the Least?
On the other hand, leisure and hospitality is the most underworked industry in America. In total, these workers log an average of 25.6 hours per week for jobs ranging from hotel management to cocktail waitressing. This is 30% less than the national average of 36.7 hours.
Retail trade follows as the second most underworked industry in America. According to the study, store workers and e-commerce retailers work an average of 29.8 hours per week, which is 18.55% below the national average.
Other services, which account for services not provided in other industries, such as laundry and pet care services, rank in third place. The industry logs an average of 32.3 hours per week, 11.72% less than the average citizen.
Table 2: The industries working the least in America
Rank | U.S. industry | Average weekly hours (February 2024) | Percentage below the national average |
1 | Leisure and hospitality | 25.6 | 30% |
2 | Retail trade | 29.8 | 18.55% |
3 | Other services | 32.3 | 11.72% |
=4 | Private education and health services | 33.3 | 8.99% |
=4 | Private service-providing | 33.3 | 8.99% |
5 | Trade, transportation, and utilities | 33.9 | 7.35% |
6 | Wholesale trade | 39.1 | 6.85% |
7 | Professional and business services | 36.4 | 0.5% |
