Biggest Industries by Employment in Global in 2025

• 1. Global Commercial Real Estate

  Employment number for 2025: 14,302,588

  The current commercial real estate market is witnessing significant shifts because of various factors, including housing shortages and changes in office demand. An estimated shortfall of 6.5 million housing units in 14 major countries has increased demand for multifamily housing, pushing households towards renting rather than ownership. This trend is particularly prevalent in younger demographics and new immigrants. This reduction in owner-occupied properties is encouraging demand in certain ...

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• 2. Global Fast Food Restaurants

  Employment number for 2025: 13,295,196

  The global fast food industry has seen its fortunes rise steadily, with a projected annualized growth rate of 4.1%, increasing its revenue to an impressive $1.1 trillion over the last five years up to 2025. This success is largely due to the rise in disposable income, enabling consumers to indulge in dining out. This is supported by steady and consistent demand from emerging markets, whose unique contribution has bolstered the industry's overall performance.

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• 3. Global Hotels & Resorts

  Employment number for 2025: 11,165,321

  Over the past five years, the Global Hotels and Resorts industry has expanded. The current period started with a pandemic-low revenue level. As business and travel activities gradually resumed, industry revenue surpassed the pre-pandemic level in 2023. However, rising inflation following the pandemic and geopolitical tensions depressed the potential revenue growth. Further, stringent fatal aviation accidents and potential tariff war further deteriorate consumer confidence, inducing them to pu...

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• 4. Global Consumer Electronics Manufacturing

  Employment number for 2025: 11,124,405

  Consumer electronics producers have endured moderate volatility in recent years. Producers have somewhat benefited from shifts in consumer behavior, with the growing popularity of entertainment in audio form, like podcasts, driving demand for new audio equipment. Similarly, smart TVs have become more popular amid the fast adoption of streaming services, as many of these have streaming apps integrated into their software. Manufacturers developing products that adapt to changing consumer needs ...

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• 5. Global Auto Parts & Accessories Manufacturing

  Employment number for 2025: 9,610,000

  Global auto parts and accessories manufacturers produce a wide range of necessary inputs ranging from braking and electronic systems to airbags and alternators for motor vehicle manufacturers and aftermarkets. Manufacturers displayed uneven growth through the current period, marked by the pandemic, rampant inflation and higher interest rates across much of the world. Conversely, pent-up demand for driving and rising disposable incomes, especially in emerging economies, have driven strong grow...

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• 6. Global HR & Recruitment Services

  Employment number for 2025: 9,510,537

  HR and recruitment companies rely on a businesses' desire to outsource their recruitment process and human resource management activities. Regulation, especially for temporary employees, can hamstring providers, as this makes it more difficult to operate. More liberal labor laws in developed nations have been essential to HR and recruitment companies' growth. Large companies are now focusing on emerging markets that will undergo the same process in the future. COVID-19 temporarily put a halt ...

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• 7. Global Engineering Services

  Employment number for 2025: 8,511,208

  The Global Engineering Services industry has expanded alongside a recovery of markets worldwide, prompting new investment that has fueled projects across key markets including the United States, Europe and East Asia. The economic environment has enabled downstream industries to invest in ventures involving engineering services, with higher production levels in OECD countries translating to new facilities, factories and other structures. Despite ongoing inflationary pressures, public sector in...

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• 8. Global Plastic Product & Packaging Manufacturing

  Employment number for 2025: 7,812,343

  The global plastic parts and packaging industry continues to face potential volatility. Trade uncertainties due to tariffs, particularly involving the US, Mexico, Canada, and China, are creating cost pressures for manufacturers who must consider pricing adjustments or supply chain realignments. Shifts in petrochemical prices further complicates cost management, pushing companies to explore alternative materials to stabilize input costs. Meanwhile, e-commerce growth has driven higher dem...

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• 9. Global Tourism

  Employment number for 2025: 7,231,058

  The Global Tourism industry experienced a tumultuous journey over the five years to 2025.  The industry began to slowly recover in 2021 before surging in 2022 and 2023 as pent-up demand for travel drove robust industry performance. The industry has performed well despite recent inflation and economic uncertainty. However, the tariff war between the US and other countries has further increased uncertainty among businesses and leisure travelers, weighing on industry demand. Overall, industry re...

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• 10. Global Commercial Banks

  Employment number for 2025: 7,090,774

  The industry closely follows global economic performance since demand for loans is heavily influenced by business and consumer confidence, as well as the level of activity that requires financing. The strong global economic performance, fueled by the United States and emerging markets such as China and Southeast Asia, is expected to improve from increased aggregate private investment, which has supported loan origination. However, elevated interest rates during the period limited loan demand,...

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