Employment rose in 5 of the 7 largest counties in Alabama from June 2022 to June 2023, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. (Large counties are those with annual average employment levels of 75,000 or more in 2022.) Regional Commissioner Victoria G. Lee noted that Tuscaloosa County and Madison County had the largest over-the-year increases in employment at 4.4 percent and 4.0 percent, respectively. (See chart 1 and table 1.)

  

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Chart 1. Over-the-year percent change in covered employment among the largest counties in Alabama, June 2023

County	Percent change, June 2023
Tuscaloosa	4.4
Madison	4.0
Baldwin	3.8
Montgomery	2.7
Mobile	1.6
Shelby	-0.4
Jefferson*
Note: An asterisk indicates data do not meet BLS or state agency disclosure standards. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

National employment increased 2.4 percent over the year, with 337 of the 360 largest U.S. counties reporting gains. Midland, TX, had the largest increase in employment (+7.0 percent). Elkhart, IN, had the largest over-the-year percentage decrease in employment (-7.7 percent).

Among the seven largest counties in Alabama, employment was highest in Jefferson County (363,300) in June 2023. Within Jefferson County’s private industry, health care and social assistance accounted for the largest employment. Together, the seven largest Alabama counties accounted for 55.8 percent of total employment within the state. Nationwide, the 360 largest counties made up 72.9 percent of total U.S. employment.

Employment and wage levels (but not over-the-year changes) are also available for the 60 counties in Alabama with employment below 75,000. Wage levels in 59 of the 60 smaller counties were below the national average of $1,332 in the second quarter of 2023. (See table 2.)

All seven large Alabama counties reported average weekly wage gains from the second quarter of 2022 to the second quarter of 2023. (See chart 2.) Tuscaloosa County had the largest gain (+5.5 percent), followed by Mobile County (+5.0 percent). Over-the-year wage gains among Alabama’s other five large counties ranged from 4.1 percent to 2.3 percent.

  

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Chart 2. Over-the-year percent change in covered average weekly wages among the largest counties in Alabama, second quarter 2023

County	Percent change, second quarter 2023
Tuscaloosa	5.5
Mobile	5.0
Montgomery	4.1
Jefferson	3.9
Madison	3.4
Baldwin	2.7
Shelby	2.3

Nationwide, wages increased by 3.2 percent over the year. Among the 360 largest counties in the United States, 332 had over-the-year wage increases. Clayton, GA, had the largest percentage wage increase (+17.2 percent). Elkhart, IN, had the largest over-the-year percentage decrease (-13.2 percent).

Madison County ($1,400) reported an average weekly wage above the national average of $1,332 in the second quarter of 2023. Average weekly wages among Alabama’s remaining six large counties ranged from $1,265 in Jefferson to $902 in Baldin.

Among the largest U.S. counties, 88 reported average weekly wages above the U.S. average in the second quarter of 2023. Santa Clara, CA, had the highest average weekly wage ($3,321). Average weekly wages were below the national average in the remaining 272 counties. Hidalgo, TX, had the lowest average weekly wage ($795).

Among the 60 smaller counties in Alabama—those with employment below 75,000—Washington ($1,687) reported an average weekly wage above the national average. Perry County ($728) reported the lowest average weekly wage in the state.

When all 67 counties in Alabama were considered, 30 reported average weekly wages of less than $900, 21 registered wages from $900 to $999, 9 had wages from $1,000 to $1,099, and 7 had average weekly wages of $1,100 or higher. (See map 1.)

QCEW data for states have been included in this release in table 3. 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 third quarter 2023 is scheduled to be released on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. (ET). The County Employment and Wages full data update for third quarter 2023 is scheduled to be released on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. (ET).