Employment was at 763,900 in Washington, D.C., in June 2024, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Regional Commissioner Alexandra Hall-Bovee noted that employment in Washington, D.C., increased 0.1 percent from June 2023 to June 2024. (See table 1.) Professional, scientific, and technical services accounted for the largest portion of private industry employment in Washington, D.C.

National employment increased 0.8 percent over the year, with 259 of the 355 largest U.S. counties with published data reporting gains. (Large counties are the 369 U.S. counties or county equivalents, such as Washington, D.C., with annual average employment levels of 75,000 or more in 2023.) Kings, NY, had the largest over-the-year increase in employment, with a gain of 4.0 percent. Elkhart, IN, had the largest over-the-year percentage decrease in employment (-3.0 percent).

Large county wage changes

Washington, D.C., reported an average weekly wage gain of 4.2 percent from the second quarter of 2023 to the second quarter of 2024.

Nationwide, wages increased by 4.4 percent over the year. Among the 351 largest counties in the United States with published data, 348 had over-the-year wage increases. Hamilton, IN, had the largest percentage wage increase (+33.4 percent). Essex, MA, had the largest over-the-year percentage decrease (-2.1 percent).

Large county average weekly wages

The average weekly wage of $2,283 in Washington, D.C., was above the national average of $1,390 and ranked 7^th among the largest counties nationally in the second quarter of 2024.

Among the 360 largest U.S. counties with published data, 87 reported average weekly wages above the U.S. average in the second quarter of 2024. Santa Clara, CA, had the highest average weekly wage ($3,632). Average weekly wages were below the national average in the remaining 273 counties. Hidalgo, TX, had the lowest average weekly wage ($820).

Additional statistics and other information

QCEW data for states have been included in this release in table 2. For additional information about quarterly employment and wages data, please read the Technical Note for the County Employment and Wages News Release or visit the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages website.

Employment and Wages Annual Averages Online features comprehensive information by detailed industry on establishments, employment, and wages for the nation and all states. This publication is typically published in September of the following year of the reference period or shortly after the QCEW first quarter full data update.

Information in this release will be made available to individuals with sensory impairments upon request. Voice phone: (202) 691-5200; Telecommunications Relay Service: 7-1-1.

The County Employment and Wages release for the third quarter 2024 is scheduled to be released on Wednesday, February 19, 2025. The County Employment and Wages full data update for the third quarter 2024 is scheduled to be released on Wednesday, March 5, 2025.