Map of Highest Median Earners by Industry in Each U.S. County

This interactive map shows the Highest Median Earners by Industry in Every U.S. County. . Each hue represents the industry that has the highest earners. Hover over the map to see the county, state, median earnings, and detailed industry earnings. Zoom in for more detail. Scroll down for more information.

High Earning Industry

Industry Census Questions: What They Reveal About Employment Trends

Industry census questions play a critical role in painting a detailed picture of a country’s economic landscape.

These questions are designed to gather specific information about a person’s employment situation, including their employer, the type of business or industry they work in, and the nature of their job responsibilities.

Typically included in national census surveys or labor force questionnaires, these items help government agencies, researchers, and policymakers understand the structure of the workforce.

Respondents are often asked to provide the name of their employer, the main product or service the business provides, and a description of their duties or job title.

This data is then classified into standard industry and occupation codes to analyze employment patterns across sectors.

The insights gathered from industry census questions are invaluable.

They help identify shifts in labor markets, track the growth or decline of specific industries, and inform economic development strategies.

For instance, a rise in technology-related jobs or a decline in manufacturing roles could influence decisions on education funding, job training programs, or infrastructure investment.

By offering a snapshot of where and how people work, industry census questions help build the foundation for policies aimed at strengthening economies and supporting workers.

Their impact goes beyond statistics, shaping decisions that affect communities, businesses, and national progress.

To learn how industrial research was established in the U.S.A. Amazon has The Making of American Industrial Research: Science and Business at GE and Bell, 1876–1926 (Studies in Economic History and Policy: USA in the Twentieth Century).

This publication shows how through industrial research - and particularly through the development of patented products and processes - large companies could begin to exert a new degree of market control by strongly influencing the rate and direction of technological change.

High Median Earners by Industry

The data for this map is from the American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau).

The industries with the highest median earnings in the United States reflect a blend of specialized expertise, advanced education, and the growing influence of technology.

It is easy to think that Healthcare, Information, or even Transportation (aviation) are the highest earners.

Nevertheless, industries like healthcare not only have surgeons, but nurses, therapists, technitians, and aides that have lower median earnings.

The highest median earners by industry are:

Management with $84,695
Utilities with $80,374
Mining with $75,923

Low Median Earners by Industry

Accomodation: $30,429
Retail: $39,398
Administrative support: $42,338

List of Industries

High	Earning Industries	Other Industries
	Manufacturing	Public Adiminstration
	Retail trade	Wholesale trade
	Construction
	Healthcare and social assistance
	Agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting
	Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
	Public Administration
	Accommodation and food services
	Educational services
	Professional, Scientific, and technical services
	Other services, except public administration
	Finance and insurance
	Utilities
	Wholesale
	Information
	Real Estate and rental and leasing
	Administrative and support and waste management services
	Management of companies and enterpraises
	Arts, entertainment, and recreation
	Transportation and warehousing

The classification of "Other" Industry includes things like Freelance work that doesn’t match a listed industry, some types of consulting, unique startups, certain arts, entertainment, or custom services.