The U.S. economy lost 22 million jobs between February and April, and had only recovered 42% of them by July, according to the latest jobs report. But not all industries contracted during the pandemic. Some added thousands of employees to meet surging demand for groceries, gardening supplies, hand sanitizer, sewing machines, ventilators, video game consoles, plexiglass sneeze guards, and mortgage refinancing, among other goods and services.
Here are the 26 industries that have added the largest numbers of jobs to the economy since February:
1. Warehouse clubs and supercenters
Jobs added since February: 156.9K
2. Supermarkets and grocery stores
Jobs added since February: 95.2K
3. Building material and garden supply stores
Jobs added since February: 62.2K
4. The federal government (excluding the post office)
Jobs added since February: 48.9K
5. Couriers and express delivery services
Jobs added since February: 45.7K
6. Local messengers and delivery and private postal service
Jobs added since February: 14.3K
7. Children’s and infant’s clothing stores
Jobs added since February: 10K
8. Tax preparation services
Jobs added since February: 8.3K
9. Mortgage and nonmortgage loan brokers
Jobs added since February: 6K
10. Surgical appliances and supplies manufacturers
Jobs added since February: 5.3K
11. Internet publishing and broadcasting and web search portals
Jobs added since February: 4.2K
12. Direct life insurance carriers
Jobs added since February: 3.9K
13. Department of Defense
Jobs added since February: 3.6K
14. Farm product raw materials wholesalers (including of grains and field beans)
Jobs added since February: 3.4K
15. Animal slaughtering
Jobs added since February: 2.9K
16. Securities Brokerage
Jobs added since February: 2.8K
17. Claims adjusting
Jobs added since February: 2.8K
18. Consumer lending
Jobs added since February: 2.6K
19. Scientific research and development services
Jobs added since February: 2.4K
20. Miscellaneous computer and electronic products manufacturers
Jobs added since February: 2.2K
21. Soaps and cleaning compounds manufacturers
Jobs added since February: 1.9K
22. State hospitals
Jobs added since February: 1.7K
23. Direct property and casualty insurers
Jobs added since February: 1.7K
24. Sewing, needlework, and piece goods stores
Jobs added since February: 1.6K
25. Plastics packaging materials, film, and sheet
Jobs added since February: 1.6K
26. Investment advice
Jobs added since February: 1.6K
