Which Company Employs the Most Workers? The Answer Might Surprise You

When asking which company has the most employees globally, the answer is clear: Walmart dominates with 2.3 million workers worldwide. The retail giant also leads in revenue, generating over $570 billion annually. Close behind is Amazon, which employs approximately 1.3 million people and brings in $470 billion per year. Together, these two corporate titans employ more people than the entire populations of countries like Uruguay, Mongolia, and Albania—a staggering fact that highlights their massive scale.

A Closer Look at America’s Largest Employers

Interestingly, while Walmart claims the title globally, its footprint in individual states tells a different story. In Bentonville, Arkansas—where Walmart is headquartered—the company directly employs just 11,700 people. This reveals how geographically dispersed even the world’s largest employers operate.

According to Dun & Bradstreet’s 2021 Business Rankings, Walmart serves as the largest employer in 22 U.S. states. However, the biggest employer headquartered in any single state is actually Albertsons in Idaho, with 270,000 workers. On the smaller end, AES Marine Support Services operates in Alaska with only 1,812 employees.

Industry Patterns Across America

A fascinating trend emerges when examining employment patterns state by state: the medical and research sectors lead significantly. Twelve states report their largest employers in healthcare, scientific research, or medical services. This makes sense given the labor-intensive nature of round-the-clock patient care and ongoing research initiatives.

Geography and tourism also shape employment landscapes. In vacation-dependent states like Hawaii and Nevada, the hospitality industry claims the top employer positions—a direct reflection of where revenue and job creation flow in those economies.

The Employment Breakdown by Region

From north to south and coast to coast, America’s largest employers span diverse industries:

• Healthcare dominance: States like Minnesota (Mayo Foundation), Texas (Kentucky Homecare Holdings), and Vermont (University of Vermont Medical Center) all feature medical institutions as top employers
• Tech and services: Massachusetts (computer programming), Maryland (engineering services), and New York (banking) highlight tech and professional services concentrations
• Manufacturing legacy: Michigan’s automotive sector still employs significant workforces through major car manufacturers
• Specialty industries: Oregon’s Nike represents apparel manufacturing; Mississippi’s Ingalls Shipbuilding shows naval construction capacity

What This Means for Job Seekers

For those navigating today’s employment market amid inflation pressures, this data offers practical insight. The companies that employ the most people in your state represent stable, established operations—often with ongoing hiring needs. Whether you’re in healthcare, retail, manufacturing, or services, identifying your state’s largest employer can be a strategic job-hunting move if your skillset aligns with their industry.

The geographic concentration of employment also suggests regional economic dependencies. States relying heavily on a single large employer face different economic dynamics than those with diversified job markets. For workers seeking stability and growth opportunities, understanding these patterns helps inform career decisions.