Labor Day 2015: Top Jobs and Where To Apply

By LINDA BOCK (Patch Staff)

The first observance of Labor Day was likely on Sept. 5, 1882, when some 10,000 workers assembled in New York City for a parade.

That celebration inspired similar events across the country, and by 1894 more than half the states were observing a “workingmen’s holiday” on one day or another. Later that year, with Congress passing legislation and President Grover Cleveland signing the bill on June 29, the first Monday in September was designated “Labor Day.”

This national holiday is a creation of the labor movement in the late 19th century — and pays tribute to the social and economic achievements of American workers.

Who Are We Celebrating?

157 million: Number of people 16 and over in the nation’s labor force in June 2015,Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Largest Occupations

• Retail salespeople 4,562,160
• Cashiers 3,398,330
• Combined food preparation and serving workers, 3,131,390 including fast food
• Office clerks, general 2,889,970
• Registered nurses 2,687,310
• Customer service representatives 2,511,130
• Waiters and waitresses 2,445,230
• Laborers and freight, stock and material movers, hand 2,400,490
• Secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, 2,207,220 medical and executive
• Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping 2,137,730 cleaners

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupations with the Highest Employment, May 2014

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