Exploring the Landscape of Essential Workers in the USA: Critical Roles and Their Numbers

During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, essential workers have played an indispensable role in sustaining our society. These individuals have been pivotal in ensuring continuity and safety, but their importance extends beyond this crisis. Understanding the extent of this workforce is crucial for policymakers, businesses, and employers to recognize and support the backbone of our economy.

When not under the backdrop of global health crises, one might assume that essential workers are predominantly those in healthcare, law enforcement, and transportation. However, the reality is broader and more diverse. The government's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) within the Department of Homeland Security has compiled a comprehensive list of essential critical infrastructure workers (CCIW). This categorization includes 18 broad categories, each encompassing a vast array of workers.

The List of Essential Workers

According to the CISA, the following are the categories of essential workers:

Healthcare / Public Health
- Doctors, nurses, healthcare support personnel, and related staff. Law Enforcement / Public Safety / Other First Responders
- Police, fire, and emergency medical services (EMS) personnel. Education
- School administrators, teachers, and support staff. Food / Agriculture
- Farmers, ranchers, food manufacturing, and distribution workers. Energy
- Power plant operators, oil and gas production workers, and refinery employees. Water / Wastewater
- Water treatment and distribution workers, as well as wastewater treatment personnel. Transportation / Logistics
- Truck drivers, railroad workers, air and maritime transportation personnel, and warehouse management staff. Public Works / Infrastructure Support Services
- Utility workers, highway and street sweepers, and veteran’s administration workers. Communications / Information Technology
- Telecommunications technicians, network operators, and IT support staff. Community / Government-Based Operations / Essential Functions
- Government executives, policymakers, diplomats, emergency management personnel, and public administrators. Critical Manufacturing
- Manufacturing engineers, product design specialists, and production line workers. Hazardous Materials
- Emergency response teams, hazardous material handlers, and responders. Financial Services
- Financial advisors, bankers, tax preparers, and financial software engineers. Chemical
- Laboratory scientists, chemical engineers, and materials scientists. Defense Industrial Base
- Aerospace and defense sector employees. Commercial Facilities
- Fire and safety inspection personnel, security guards, and cleaning services staff. Residential/Shelter Facilities / Housing / Real Estate
- Residential construction and maintenance workers, real estate appraisers, and property managers. Hygiene Products and Services
- Sanitation workers, disinfection technicians, and personal safety equipment suppliers.

Each of these categories contains numerous subcategories, highlighting the intricate nature of our essential workforce. This list encapsulates a wide spectrum of occupations that are vital to maintaining the fabric of our society.

Employment Statistics

To gauge the extent of these essential workers, we can refer to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). According to the BLS, the total number of workers in these categories is significant. However, estimating the exact percentage is challenging due to the diverse nature of these roles and the dynamic changes in employment figures over time.

For example, in the category of manufacturing, which falls under the 'Critical Manufacturing' group, the BLS reports a total employment of around 12.28 million workers in 2021. Similarly, the 'Transportation and Logistics' group comprises approximately 7.10 million workers. When we aggregate these numbers, we begin to see the substantial contribution of these workers to our economy.

The Economic Status of Workers

While essential workers play a crucial role, their economic status varies significantly. According to a recent study, a significant number of middle-class Americans with college graduates and professionals earn around $120,000 for new graduates. Meanwhile, minimum wage workers typically earn $15 per hour. The goal is to eliminate minimum wage workers in the future as their financial situation does not align with the standard of living in America.

The core worker population, including professionals, engineers, and sales and marketing personnel, earns around $350,000 per year with dual incomes. Additionally, they own millions of dollars in homes and retirement accounts. Managers, directors, and vice presidents earn significantly higher, ranging from $250,000 to $1,000,000 annually.

As a leading civilization, the USA is positioning itself at the forefront of the new industry revolution, aiming to create a plethora of billionaires and giant corporations like Amazon and Apple. No other country can challenge our innovation and economic prowess.

Recognizing and supporting the essential workforce is not only ethically significant but also economically imperative. By doing so, we ensure the resilience and prosperity of our nation.