Who's the Largest Employer in the World, and How Does It Shape Job Markets Across America?

When discussing the largest employer in the world, Walmart consistently claims the top position with an impressive global workforce of 2.3 million employees. The retail giant generates over $570 billion annually in revenue, making it not just the world’s largest employer but also the leading company by revenue. Trailing closely behind is Amazon, commanding approximately 1.3 million workers worldwide and pulling in $470 billion in yearly revenue. Together, these two corporations employ more people than the entire population of countries like Uruguay, Mongolia, and Albania combined—a striking testament to their scale.

The concentration of employment at these mega-corporations raises important questions for job seekers. While Walmart dominates as the global employment leader, the company operates through a vast network of locations, with significant regional variations in workforce size. Understanding where the largest employer in the world maintains its presence, and what alternatives exist in your region, can be crucial for career planning.

Global Giants vs. Regional Players: How Employers Stack Up by State

Walmart’s influence extends far beyond its Arkansas headquarters in Bentonville, where it maintains 11,700 employees. Despite being the world’s largest employer, the company ranks as the biggest employer in 22 U.S. states individually. Amazon, while ranking second globally, spreads its workforce across numerous facilities, preventing it from dominating any single state as completely as Walmart does nationally.

The research, based on Dun & Bradstreet’s 2021 Business Rankings, reveals fascinating patterns. Albertsons emerges as the largest employer headquartered within a single state, boasting 270,000 employees in Idaho. Meanwhile, AES Marine Support Services in Alaska represents the smaller end of the spectrum with 1,812 employees in Anchorage. These figures illustrate the wide spectrum of corporate employment across America’s economic landscape.

When the Largest Employer Isn’t Walmart: Regional Champions by State

Beyond Walmart’s dominant presence, numerous other companies claim the title of largest employer in their respective states. In California, Buck Holdings LP (operating as Dollar Tree) leads with 90,000 employees in the Menlo Park area. Connecticut’s largest employer is CCO Holdings Capital Corp., commanding a workforce of 96,100. Colorado features American Medical Response Inc., while North Carolina’s largest employer is Rich Square Logistics LLC with 200,000 employees—a striking number that underscores the importance of logistics in modern commerce.

The diversity of industries represented among state employers is remarkable. Arizona’s leading employer is Wok Parent LLC (a restaurant operation), while Delaware’s top employer is E.I. du Pont Nemours and Company, a historic chemicals and agricultural producer. Oregon features Nike Inc. with 12,600 employees in Beaverton, combining global brand recognition with significant regional employment impact.

The Healthcare Dominance: Why Medical and Scientific Organizations Lead in 12 States

A standout finding from the research is the prominence of healthcare, medical, and research institutions as the largest employers in 12 states. Organizations like Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (Minnesota’s largest employer with 30,000 employees), UofL Health-Louisville in Kentucky, and Ochsner Foundation Hospital in Louisiana require substantial, skilled workforces to provide round-the-clock medical care and research operations.

This pattern reflects the labor-intensive nature of healthcare services and the significant economic presence of major medical centers in their communities. These employers often extend beyond patient care, encompassing research, education, and administrative functions that require diverse professional expertise.

Tourism Hotspots: Hawaii and Nevada’s Employment Patterns

The importance of the hospitality industry becomes evident when examining tourism-dependent states. Hawaii’s largest employer is Kyo-Ya Hotels & Resorts LP with 3,276 employees in Honolulu, while Nevada’s top employer is Station Voteco LLC with 12,000 workers in Las Vegas. These employment figures reflect the critical role that the travel and hospitality industries play in these states’ economies, positioning them as vital sources of employment even compared to major retail or technology companies.

Navigating Employment Opportunities: What This Means for Your Job Search

For job seekers evaluating career options, the landscape of major employers reveals several strategic opportunities. States with diverse employer bases—beyond just retail and hospitality—offer varied career paths. Engineering services dominate Maryland through URS Federal Services International Inc., while Massachusetts features Austin Holdco Inc., a computer programming services company with 22,830 employees.

Understanding which companies anchor employment in your state can inform your job search strategy. Whether you’re considering positions with nationally recognized names like Nike in Oregon or seeking roles at specialized medical institutions in Minnesota, the research shows that every state offers significant employment opportunities with major, established organizations. In an environment where economic uncertainty makes stable employment increasingly valuable, connecting with these major employers in your region represents a practical step toward advancing your career.