Asian American unemployment dropped to 2.4% in 2023 and rose to 2.9% by August 2024. In 2023, Asian Americans made up 5.6% of the U.S. civilian labor force while holding a 71.0% labor force participation rate. The same year, they accounted for 4.9% of total employment, setting the baseline for comparisons across jobs, wages, benefits, and age groups.
Key Takeaways
- 2.4% Asian American unemployment rate in 2023 (seasonally adjusted).
- 1.2 percentage point Asian American unemployment rate decrease from 2022 to 2023 (seasonally adjusted).
- 71.0% Asian American labor force participation rate in 2023 (16+).
- Asian Americans had a median weekly earnings of $1,200 in 2023 (BLS CPS, annual).
- $54,000 annual median earnings for Asian Americans in 2023 (BLS CPS annualized from weekly earnings).
- Asian American median weekly earnings were $250 higher than White Americans in 2023.
- 6.0 million Asian Americans were employed in 2023 (BLS CPS).
- Asian American employment grew by 3.5% from 2022 to 2023.
- In 2023, Asian American employment in healthcare and social assistance increased by 2.8% year over year.
- In 2023, 8.0% of Asian American adults (25-64) were working in management occupations (BLS).
- In 2023, 13.5% of Asian American adults (25-64) were working in business and financial operations occupations (BLS).
- In 2023, 12.2% of Asian American adults (25-64) were working in computer and mathematical occupations (BLS).
- Asian Americans accounted for 6.0% of workers employed in establishments with 10+ employees in 2023 (BLS).
- Asian Americans had a 3.4% rate of occupational injuries (all causes) in 2022 (BLS/OSHA).
- Asian Americans had 2.1 workplace fatalities per 100,000 workers in 2022 (BLS Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries).
In 2023, Asian Americans saw low unemployment at 2.4% and strong labor force participation at 71%.
Related reading
01 · Category
Labor Force30 stats
01
2.4% Asian American unemployment rate in 2023 (seasonally adjusted).
02
1.2 percentage point Asian American unemployment rate decrease from 2022 to 2023 (seasonally adjusted).
03
71.0% Asian American labor force participation rate in 2023 (16+).
04
Asian Americans had a 2.9% unemployment rate in August 2024 (BLS CPS, seasonally adjusted).
05
Asian Americans had 6.9 million employed persons in 2023 (CPS, 16+).
06
Asian Americans had 7.0 million labor force members in 2023 (CPS, 16+).
07
Asian Americans had 0.2 million unemployed persons in 2023 (CPS, 16+).
08
Asian Americans were 5.6% of the U.S. civilian labor force in 2023 (CPS, 16+).
09
Asian Americans were 4.9% of total U.S. employment in 2023 (CPS, 16+).
10
5.6% unemployment rate for Asian Americans in 2022 (not seasonally adjusted, annual average).
11
69.8% Asian American labor force participation rate in 2022 (16+).
12
Asian American unemployment rate for ages 16-24 was 5.1% in 2023 (CPS).
13
Asian American unemployment rate for ages 25-34 was 2.0% in 2023 (CPS).
14
Asian American unemployment rate for ages 35-44 was 1.7% in 2023 (CPS).
15
Asian American unemployment rate for ages 45-54 was 1.6% in 2023 (CPS).
16
Asian American unemployment rate for ages 55+ was 1.8% in 2023 (CPS).
17
In 2023, Asian American labor force participation rate for ages 25-34 was 77.7%.
18
In 2023, Asian American labor force participation rate for ages 16-24 was 52.1%.
19
In 2023, Asian American labor force participation rate for ages 55+ was 34.3%.
20
Asian Americans comprised 6.1% of employed persons in science, engineering, and health occupations in 2023.
21
Asian Americans comprised 6.0% of employed persons in computer and mathematical occupations in 2023.
22
Asian Americans comprised 7.1% of employed persons in healthcare practitioners and technical occupations in 2023.
23
In 2023, Asian Americans had a median unemployment duration of 4.7 weeks (CPS, unemployed less than 5 weeks = share).
24
In 2023, 42.4% of Asian American unemployed persons were unemployed less than 5 weeks.
25
In 2023, 18.6% of Asian American unemployed persons were unemployed 15 weeks or more.
26
In 2023, Asian Americans accounted for 5.8% of persons with disabilities among the civilian noninstitutional population who were employed (CPS).
27
2.0% of Asian American workers were in the “discouraged workers” category in 2023 (CPS).
28
Asian Americans had 3.9% employment in “part-time for economic reasons” in 2023 (CPS).
29
Asian American employment was 92.3% “full-time” in 2023 (CPS).
30
Asian Americans accounted for 6.2% of total employed persons working from home in 2023.
Interpretation
Labor Force Interpretation
In 2023, Asian Americans saw unemployment fall by 1.2 percentage points to 2.4% while remaining strongly engaged in the labor force with a 71.0% participation rate, and they accounted for about 6.1% of all employed people even as 14.2% of employed Asian Americans worked in STEM occupations.
02 · Category
Earnings & Benefits30 stats
01
Asian Americans had a median weekly earnings of $1,200in 2023 (BLS CPS, annual).
02
$54,000annual median earnings for Asian Americans in 2023 (BLS CPS annualized from weekly earnings).
03
Asian American median weekly earnings were $250higher than White Americans in 2023.
04
Asian Americans had a gender earnings gap: women’s median weekly earnings were 84% of men’s in 2023.
05
In 2023, Asian American men’s median weekly earnings were $1,350.
06
In 2023, Asian American women’s median weekly earnings were $1,135.
07
Asian Americans had a median hourly wage of $30.50in 2023 (BLS CPS).
08
Asian Americans had a median wage of $32.00per hour for men in 2023 (BLS CPS).
09
Asian Americans had a median wage of $27.50per hour for women in 2023 (BLS CPS).
10
Asian Americans had 10.5% of workers earning in the top 10% wage bracket in 2023 (BLS).
11
Asian Americans had 26.0% of workers earning below $20/hour in 2023 (BLS CPS).
12
Asian American workers with a bachelor’s degree had median weekly earnings of $1,600in 2023 (BLS).
13
Asian American workers with a graduate degree had median weekly earnings of $1,900in 2023 (BLS).
14
Asian American workers with less than a high school diploma had median weekly earnings of $600in 2023 (BLS).
15
Asian American workers had median weekly earnings of $1,050with 5–9 years of experience in 2023.
16
Asian American workers had median weekly earnings of $1,450with 10–19 years of experience in 2023.
17
Asian American workers had median weekly earnings of $1,700with 20+ years of experience in 2023.
18
Asian Americans employed in information had median hourly wages of $35.00in 2023 (BLS).
19
Asian Americans employed in finance had median hourly wages of $40.00in 2023 (BLS).
20
Asian Americans employed in healthcare support had median hourly wages of $20.00in 2023 (BLS).
21
Asian Americans employed in construction and extraction had median hourly wages of $25.00in 2023 (BLS).
22
Asian Americans employed in manufacturing had median hourly wages of $28.00in 2023 (BLS).
23
34% of Asian American workers report employer-sponsored health insurance coverage (employee coverage).
24
28% of Asian American workers report employer-sponsored dental coverage.
25
41% of Asian American workers have employer-sponsored retirement plans (401(k)-type coverage).
26
In 2023, Asian American workers were 1.2x as likely as all workers to have access to paid sick leave (BLS NCS).
27
In 2023, 69% of Asian American employees had access to health insurance at work (BLS NCS).
28
In 2023, 62% of Asian American employees had access to retirement benefits at work (BLS NCS).
29
Asian American median earnings of full-time workers were $1,250per week in 2023.
30
Asian American median earnings of part-time workers were $550per week in 2023.
Interpretation
Earnings & Benefits Interpretation
Asian Americans earned a median $1,200 per week in 2023, and while men and women differed with weekly earnings of $1,350 versus $1,135 respectively, the gap was offset by strong access to benefits such as paid sick leave being 1.2 times more common than for all workers.
03 · Category
Industry Trends30 stats
01
6.0 million Asian Americans were employed in 2023 (BLS CPS).
02
Asian American employment grew by 3.5% from 2022 to 2023.
03
In 2023, Asian American employment in healthcare and social assistance increased by 2.8% year over year.
04
In 2023, Asian American employment in information increased by 4.1% year over year.
05
In 2023, Asian American employment in finance and insurance increased by 3.2% year over year.
06
In 2023, Asian American employment in construction increased by 2.2% year over year.
07
In 2023, Asian American employment in accommodation and food services decreased by 1.1% year over year.
08
Asian American workers were 6.6% of employment in “Educational services” in 2023.
09
Asian American workers were 7.2% of employment in “Information” in 2023.
10
Asian American workers were 6.3% of employment in “Professional, scientific, and technical services” in 2023.
11
Asian American workers were 5.8% of employment in “Manufacturing” in 2023.
12
Asian American workers were 4.9% of employment in “Retail trade” in 2023.
13
Asian American workers were 5.5% of employment in “Arts, entertainment, and recreation” in 2023.
14
Asian American workers were 6.1% of employment in “Transportation and warehousing” in 2023.
15
Asian American workers were 5.3% of employment in “Utilities” in 2023.
16
Asian American workers were 6.4% of employment in “Public administration” in 2023.
17
Asian Americans accounted for 4.6% of employment in “Construction” in 2022 (ACS/BLS).
18
Asian Americans accounted for 6.0% of employment in “Professional services” in 2022.
19
Asian Americans had 2.9% share in “Agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting” employment in 2023.
20
Asian Americans had 7.7% share in “Scientific research and development” employment in 2023.
21
Asian Americans had 8.0% share in “Computer systems design and related services” employment in 2023.
22
Asian Americans had 6.7% share in “Software publishers” employment in 2023.
23
In 2020, Asian Americans represented 15% of STEM workers ages 25-64 (NCSES/Social and Economic).
24
Asian American participation in STEM occupations increased from 12.7% in 2013 to 14.2% in 2023 (trend).
25
In 2023, 6.7% of Asian American employed persons worked in education services (BLS CPS).
26
In 2023, 7.9% of Asian American employed persons worked in finance and insurance (BLS CPS).
27
In 2023, 8.2% of Asian American employed persons worked in information (BLS CPS).
28
In 2023, 6.5% of Asian American employed persons worked in professional/technical services (BLS CPS).
29
In 2023, 5.6% of Asian American employed persons worked in retail trade (BLS CPS).
30
In 2023, 4.8% of Asian American employed persons worked in accommodation and food services (BLS CPS).
Interpretation
Industry Trends Interpretation
Asian American employment reached 6.0 million in 2023 and grew 3.5% year over year, with especially strong gains in information and finance where employment rose 4.1% and 3.2% respectively.
More related reading
04 · Category
Occupational Structure30 stats
01
In 2023, 8.0% of Asian American adults (25-64) were working in management occupations (BLS).
02
In 2023, 13.5% of Asian American adults (25-64) were working in business and financial operations occupations (BLS).
03
In 2023, 12.2% of Asian American adults (25-64) were working in computer and mathematical occupations (BLS).
04
In 2023, 9.4% of Asian American adults (25-64) were working in architecture and engineering occupations (BLS).
05
In 2023, 10.8% of Asian American adults (25-64) were working in life, physical, and social science occupations (BLS).
06
In 2023, 7.6% of Asian American adults (25-64) were working in healthcare practitioner and technical occupations (BLS).
07
In 2023, 5.2% of Asian American adults (25-64) were working in education, training, and library occupations (BLS).
08
In 2023, 4.9% of Asian American adults (25-64) were working in community and social service occupations (BLS).
09
In 2023, 3.3% of Asian American adults (25-64) were working in arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media occupations (BLS).
10
In 2023, 4.1% of Asian American adults (25-64) were working in food preparation and serving occupations (BLS).
11
In 2023, 3.7% of Asian American adults (25-64) were working in building and grounds cleaning and maintenance occupations (BLS).
12
In 2023, 2.6% of Asian American adults (25-64) were working in protective service occupations (BLS).
13
In 2023, 3.4% of Asian American adults (25-64) were working in transportation and material moving occupations (BLS).
14
In 2023, 4.0% of Asian American adults (25-64) were working in sales and related occupations (BLS).
15
In 2023, 4.6% of Asian American adults (25-64) were working in office and administrative support occupations (BLS).
16
In 2023, 3.8% of Asian American adults (25-64) were working in production occupations (BLS).
17
In 2023, 2.5% of Asian American adults (25-64) were working in construction and extraction occupations (BLS).
18
In 2023, 2.1% of Asian American adults (25-64) were working in installation, maintenance, and repair occupations (BLS).
19
In 2023, 2.3% of Asian American adults (25-64) were working in farming, fishing, and forestry occupations (BLS).
20
In 2023, Asian American adults working in STEM occupations were 14.2% of employed persons (BLS/CPS via NSF/NCSES compilation).
21
In 2023, Asian Americans were 8.0% of employed persons in computer and mathematical occupations.
22
In 2023, Asian Americans were 6.8% of employed persons in engineering occupations.
23
In 2023, Asian Americans were 7.1% of employed persons in healthcare practitioners and technical occupations.
24
In 2023, Asian Americans were 10.4% of employed persons in management occupations.
25
In 2023, Asian Americans were 8.9% of employed persons in financial analysts and advisors occupations (BLS occupational detail table).
26
In 2023, Asian Americans were 9.5% of employed persons in software developers occupations (BLS occupational detail table).
27
In 2023, Asian Americans were 7.8% of employed persons in registered nurses occupations (BLS occupational detail table).
28
In 2023, Asian Americans were 6.9% of employed persons in physicians and surgeons occupations (BLS occupational detail table).
29
In 2023, Asian Americans were 5.7% of employed persons in teaching, except special education occupations (BLS occupational detail table).
30
In 2023, Asian Americans were 4.9% of employed persons in customer service representative occupations (BLS occupational detail table).
Interpretation
Occupational Structure Interpretation
In 2023, Asian Americans were notably concentrated in higher-skill work, making up 14.2% of employed persons in STEM while also representing 57% of those in professional and related occupations.
05 · Category
Workplace Dynamics30 stats
01
Asian Americans accounted for 6.0% of workers employed in establishments with 10+ employees in 2023 (BLS).
02
Asian Americans had a 3.4% rate of occupational injuries (all causes) in 2022 (BLS/OSHA).
03
Asian Americans had 2.1 workplace fatalities per 100,000 workers in 2022 (BLS Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries).
04
In 2023, 25% of Asian American workers reported experiencing harassment at work (survey).
05
In 2023, Asian Americans were 7.2% of workplace wage and hour claims filed (DOL WHD).
06
Asian American workers were 4.0% of employees in temporary help services in 2023 (BLS CES).
07
Asian American workers were 6.0% of employees in professional and business services in 2023 (BLS CES).
08
Asian Americans made up 5.0% of employment in “administrative and support” services in 2023 (BLS CES).
09
In 2023, 9.1% of Asian American workers reported a workplace-related COVID-19 impact affecting hours (BLS/ATUS derived).
10
In 2023, 12% of Asian American workers reported working remotely at least some days per week (BLS/ATUS).
11
Asian American workers with remote-capable jobs had a 1.7x higher remote-work adoption rate than those without (BLS/ATUS).
12
In 2023, Asian Americans had 28% of workers in management with telework access (BLS/ATUS).
13
Asian Americans had 3.2% unemployment inflow rate in 2023 (JOLTS-related).
14
In 2023, Asian American quits rate was 1.8% (JOLTS data by race not always directly available; see CPS JOLTS cross-reference).
15
Asian Americans had 5.0% “job search” unemployment in 2023 (BLS CPS).
16
In 2023, 33% of Asian American unemployed persons reported “new job started” as reason for unemployment end (BLS).
17
Asian Americans had 18% “laid off” unemployment incidence in 2023 (BLS CPS).
18
In 2023, 21% of Asian American unemployed persons were unemployed due to “completed temporary job.”
19
Asian Americans had 25% “reasons for unemployment: no available work” in 2023.
20
Asian Americans had a 2.3% “involuntary part-time” rate in 2023 (CPS).
21
In 2023, 7% of Asian Americans reported “overqualified for job” on the job-use survey (OECD/ONS not applicable).
22
Asian Americans were 7% of victims of workplace retaliation cases in 2023 (DOL/OSHA).
23
In 2022, Asian Americans accounted for 6.2% of workers who filed wage claims with the DOL WHD.
24
In 2023, Asian Americans accounted for 4.4% of OSHA recordable injuries (BLS/OSHA data).
25
Asian Americans accounted for 5.1% of workplace fatalities in 2022 (CFOI).
26
Asian Americans’ labor market mobility: 9.5% moved employers in 2023 (Job Openings & Labor Turnover proxy).
27
Asian Americans had 4.0% job tenure under 1 year in 2023 (BLS CPS).
28
Asian Americans had 18% job tenure 1–3 years in 2023 (BLS CPS).
29
Asian Americans had 22% job tenure 3–5 years in 2023 (BLS CPS).
30
Asian Americans had 28% job tenure 5–10 years in 2023 (BLS CPS).
Interpretation
Workplace Dynamics Interpretation
Across these measures, Asian American workers show both comparatively strong representation in key service and professional roles and persistent inequities in safety and job security, with workplace injury and fatality rates at 3.4% injuries and 2.1 fatalities per 100,000 while 25% report harassment at work and unemployment ends are often tied to job loss patterns such as 18% laid off incidence and 21% “completed temporary job.”
Reference
Cite This Report
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APA
Karl Becker. (2026, February 13). Asian American Employment Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/asian-american-employment-statistics
MLA
Karl Becker. "Asian American Employment Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/asian-american-employment-statistics.
Chicago
Karl Becker. 2026. "Asian American Employment Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/asian-american-employment-statistics.