Number of Labor Unions and Similar Labor Organizations Businesses in the US (2000–2023)
As of 2023
48,661
labor unions and similar labor organizations businesses in the United States
Number of Firms Over Time
Total Employment Over Time
Key Insights
- •The labor unions and similar labor organizations industry has declined 21.5% since 2000 (from 61,974 to 48,661 firms).
- •The peak year was 2000 with 61,974 firms.
- •Recent trend (last 5 years): the industry is shrinking (-5.6%).
- •Employment: 475,821 workers in 2023 (-8.5% change since 2000).
- •Estimated 5-year survival rate: 72%.
Year-by-Year Data
| Year | Firms | Establishments | Employment | Entry Rate | Exit Rate | Net Growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 48,661 | 51,019 | 475,821 | 5.2% | 6.4% | +1.6% |
| 2022 | 49,650 | 51,737 | 471,598 | 5.6% | 5.8% | +4.3% |
| 2021 | 49,719 | 51,895 | 451,329 | 4.2% | 6.6% | -7.6% |
| 2020 | 51,171 | 53,388 | 487,588 | 4.8% | 5.5% | +0.1% |
| 2019 | 51,528 | 53,710 | 487,253 | 4.1% | 5.9% | -1.2% |
| 2018 | 52,815 | 54,857 | 493,328 | 5.0% | 5.2% | +1.4% |
| 2017 | 52,961 | 55,101 | 487,930 | 4.1% | 5.4% | -1.1% |
| 2016 | 53,580 | 55,762 | 491,935 | 4.7% | 4.7% | +1.0% |
| 2015 | 53,611 | 55,756 | 486,974 | 4.0% | 5.4% | -0.5% |
| 2014 | 54,406 | 56,592 | 489,998 | 4.7% | 4.7% | +0.6% |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Business Dynamics Statistics (BDS). Entry/exit rates refer to establishment openings and closings.