Fed Figures 2014 – Federal Workforce

Even though the 2.1 million people employed by the government constitute only 1.2 percent of the entire American workforce, the federal government is an oft-discussed subject among citizens and in the media alike. This issue brief is designed to shed light on several key characteristics of the federal workforce. What is the size of the federal workforce and how does it compare over time? Which government agencies are the top employers? Where are employees located, and in which fields do they predominantly work? The Partnership for Public Service analyzed federal employee data to answer these questions and more.