Employment in New York’s largest counties increased in most areas between March 2024 and March 2025, according to data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Acting Regional Commissioner Mark J. Maggi stated that Rockland County saw the highest employment growth among these counties, with a 3.0 percent increase.
New York County reported the highest employment level among the state’s largest counties, with 2,479,400 jobs as of March 2025. These 18 largest counties together made up 86.4 percent of all covered employment in New York during this period. In comparison, across the United States, the biggest counties account for about 73.4 percent of total covered employment.
Average weekly wages rose in twelve out of thirteen large New York counties for which wage data was available over the year. “New York County had the largest increase (+10.6 percent),” according to BLS figures. Wage changes in other large New York counties ranged from an increase of 4.9 percent to a decrease of -2.1 percent.
Three large New York counties recorded average weekly wages above the national average of $1,589; these included New York County at $4,514 and Kings County at $1,126.
For smaller counties—those with fewer than 75,000 jobs—employment and wage levels are also tracked by BLS but not year-over-year changes. Of these smaller counties, Steuben had the highest average weekly wage at $1,772 while Yates had the lowest at $976.
Statewide analysis showed that out of all 62 New York counties: fourteen reported average weekly wages below $1,100; ten were between $1,100 and $1,199; sixteen fell between $1,200 and $1,299; twelve were from $1,300 to $1,399; and ten registered average weekly wages at or above $1,400.
The next release covering second quarter county employment and wages is scheduled for December 3, 2025.
“Employment rose in 11 of the 15 largest counties in New York with published data from March 2024 to March 2025,” said Acting Regional Commissioner Mark J. Maggi.
“New York County had the largest increase (+10.6 percent). Over-the-year wage changes for New York’s other large counties ranged from 4.9 percent to -2.1 percent.”
More details on quarterly employment and wage data can be found on the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages website.
