The Biggest Industries in the United States
The modern United States is home to some of the most dynamic, fast-growing and innovative industries in the world. According to statistics, the American economy is the largest in the world with a GDP (gross domestic product) valued at over $20 trillion in 2020.
With the US leading the world’s largest industries, it’s no wonder that many of the biggest sectors in the country are incredibly important to the economy. In this article, we’re taking a look at the largest industries in the United States and how they are impacting the country’s business and employment marketplace.
The 10 Biggest Industries in the US
The United States is home to dozens of different industries, but the 10 biggest are outlined below.
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Financial Services: Financial services are by far the largest industry in the US with nearly $2 trillion in total revenue. This sector is made up of nine different industries, including banking, insurance, and investments, which provide services to clients worldwide. The US Treasury Department estimates that there are over 10,000 financial institutions in the US.
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Health Care: Health care is a vital component of the US economy and has grown to include over 7.7 million employees. Health care is a combination of hospitals, physicians’ offices, nursing homes, pharmacies and other related health care providers. In 2019, US health care spending hit a record high of over $3.8 trillion.
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Retail: Retail is a major economic force in the US and is made up of a combination of traditional retailers, online stores, and specialty companies. The retail industry is estimated to be worth over $4.8 trillion and employs over 16 million people.
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Manufacturing: The US manufacturing sector is a key component of the economy, and is estimated to be worth nearly $3 trillion. This sector is very diverse, ranging from consumer goods and apparel to chemicals and electronics. Manufacturing is a major employer in the US, employing over 12 million workers.
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Energy: The US energy sector is estimated to be worth $1.5 trillion and is one of the largest in the world. This sector includes oil and gas, coal, nuclear energy, renewables and other sources of energy. It is estimated that over 800,000 people are employed in the energy sector in the US.
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Real Estate: Real estate is one of the largest sectors in the US, estimated to be worth a whopping $40 trillion. This sector includes residential, commercial, office and retail properties. Real estate is also responsible for over 10 million jobs in the US.
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Transportation: Transportation is a major component of the US economy, with over 14 million people employed in the sector. The US transportation sector is estimated to be worth $2.3 trillion and is made up of seven different subsectors, including aviation, maritime, rail, trucking, and public transportation.
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Technology: The US technology sector is one of the fastest-growing in the world and is estimated to be worth $2.2 trillion. This sector includes computer hardware and software, as well as telecommunications, digital media, and e-commerce. Technology is also an important employer in the US, with over 8 million people employed in the sector.
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Education: The US education sector is estimated to be worth $1.4 trillion and is made up of five sectors: higher education, K-12, special education, private and adult education. This sector is also responsible for over 4 million jobs in the US.
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Construction: Construction is another major industry in the US and is estimated to be worth over $1.3 trillion. This sector includes the building of roads, bridges, and other infrastructure, and employs over 11 million people in the US.
The Impact of the Largest Industries
It’s clear that the largest industries in the US have an incredible impact on the country. They provide employment for millions of people, contribute to the nation’s GDP, and are responsible for the growth of new technologies and innovations.
The US economy is so powerful that it is often considered the most economically and politically powerful in the world. The 10 biggest industries outlined here are a major part of this and serve to strengthen the economy.
With all this in consideration, it’s clear to see why the US is one of the most influential economic forces in the world. These industries are helping to drive the US into a bright future.