Location

Federal employees work in locations across the country and around the world, supporting a wide range of missions. While many people associate federal jobs with Washington, DC, the majority of federal employees serve in regional offices, field locations, military bases, and remote duty stations throughout the United States and overseas.

This geographically distributed workforce is essential to the federal government’s ability to deliver services effectively. By placing personnel closer to the communities they serve, agencies can respond more quickly to local needs, foster stronger public engagement, and ensure operational efficiency.

Distribution of employees by location

Location by agency and state

The use of telework and remote work has evolved over time across the federal government. Initially used on a limited basis, telework and remote work expanded dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure continuity of federal government operations. In the years that followed, it became a key tool for attracting and retaining talent, supporting work-life balance, and maintaining service delivery across a geographically dispersed workforce.

More recently, government-wide directives have mandated a return to in-person work for many federal employees, leading to a noticeable reduction in the use of telework and remote work across government.

Telework and remote work over time