Workforce Size & Composition

The federal government is the largest single employer in the United States, comprised of over two million civilian employees who perform a wide range of jobs for the American public. Federal employees work across hundreds of agencies and occupations.

The federal civilian workforce over time

A significant share of the federal workforce is employed by the Department of War, which accounts for the largest number of civilian federal employees. The other top five largest agencies include the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Justice, and the Department of the Treasury.

Federal employees serve in a wide range of occupations that reflect the Government’s broad mission. Nurses make up the largest occupational group. Other common roles include program analysts, IT specialists, law enforcement officers, human resources professionals, scientists, and engineers.

Federal workforce by agency and occupation

Most federal employees serve in the competitive service, which means they are hired through a merit-based process that typically includes open competition, standardized qualifications, and adherence to civil service rules. This system is designed to ensure fairness and transparency in hiring and promotions. The excepted service includes positions that are exempt from some of these requirements—such as roles in intelligence agencies or certain legal and policy positions—allowing for more flexible hiring. The Senior Executive Service (SES) is the group of senior leaders who manage major programs and initiatives and serve as a bridge between political appointees and the career civil service.

Federal workforce by appointment type

In the federal government, public-sector union bargaining unit represent eligible employees in negotiations with agencies over working conditions like schedules, safety, and performance procedures. Not all federal employees are eligible to join a bargaining unit—supervisors, managers, and certain policy or national security roles are excluded by law. As a result, union representation in the federal workforce varies by agency and occupation.

Federal workforce by bargaining unit status