Unions in the United States have recorded significant changes in recent decades. Once a pillar for American workers, the unions have reduced their influence due to a combination of economic, political and technological forces. The opposition of the employer, the rise of contract and gig-based work, globalization and developing work laws have all contributed to a steady decline in union membership. These shifts have a wide range of professions influenced von qualified shops such as carpentry and sanitary roles to roles of public sector such as education and emergency reaction.
In recent years, however, interest in organized workers has experienced a revival. The growing public support for unions, top -class organizational efforts in large companies and nationwide strikes in education, transport and entertainment have signaled the renewed dynamics. At the same time, political developments continue to form the landscape. In March 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive regulation that aimed to eliminate the collective bargaining rights for more than one million federal employees – a step that union leaders regarded as part of a broader strategy to restrict organized workers across the country.
Against this background, this report of Construction Covering, how the membership of the union has changed over time, what differences in the payment between trade union and non-union workers and where the union control is strongest at the state and urban level.
What percentage of the US workers are union members?
Only 9.9% of the American workers are union members, from 24.1% in 1979
Source: Construction cover Analysis of UnionStats data | Photo credits: construction coverage
Union membership in the United States has decreased to the lowest point in decades. In 1979 the unions made 24.1% of the American workforce. According to the figures of the US Bureau of Labor Statistics and Union stats, this proportion had dropped to only 9.9%by 2024. In absolute terms, this corresponds to a decline of around 6.7 million members – from a climax of 20.9 million in 1979 to around 14.2 million in 2024.
This contraction has redesigned the role of organized workers in the US economy. While the presence of the union is relatively strong in certain roles of the public sector and strongly union industries, a large part of the workforce now works in environments in which collective bargaining are less common. Despite their falling figures, union workers continue to see remarkable advantages-especially in relation to wages and advantages that are comparable to their non-union colleagues.
Do union workers earn more than non-union workers?
In 2024, union workers earned 17.5% more than non-union workers
Source: Construction coverage Analysis of BLS data | Photo credits: construction coverage
Despite their declining share in the workforce, union workers continue to enjoy a significant wage advantage over their non-union colleagues. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, full-time employees earned an average of $ 1,337 per week in 2024. In contrast, full-time employees earned $ 1,138 per weekly difference of approx. 17.5%. This corresponds to more than 10,000 US dollars annually in additional income for the typical union employee.
This wage premium reflects the power of collective bargaining, which bring unions into the negotiating table. Instead of relying on individual discussions with employers, organized employees are represented in contract negotiations, which often lead to better payments, more robust benefits and more occupational safety. For many workers, the representation of the union remains a key factor for greater financial stability and upward mobility.
Regional differences in union membership
Pacific and Northeasters State have the highest union rate
Source: Construction cover Analysis of UnionStats data | Photo credits: construction coverage
The union's membership quotas vary strongly in the United States. States in Pacific and northeastern regions consistently report on the highest union level, while many countries in the south and levels have lower rates.
From 2024, Hawaii led the nation with union membership of 26.6%, followed by New York (20.6%) and Alaska (17.6%). Other high -ranking states included Connecticut (16.5%), New Jersey (16.2%), Oregon (15.9%), Washington (15.9%) and Massachusetts (14.6%). These states are characterized by more union -friendly work laws, a strong representation of the public sector unions and in many cases a historical heritage of organized workers in industries such as construction, education and public administration.
In contrast, many states concentrate with the lowest union rates in the south and parts of the mountain rifle. North Carolina (2.4%), South Dakota (2.7%) and South Carolina (2.8%) had the lowest member rates of the union in the country, followed by Arkansas (3.6%), Utah (3.7%) and Arizona (3.7%). These states are all ruled on the so -called “right to work” laws that prohibit the mandatory trade union membership or the fees as an employment condition. Currently, 28 countries have issued legal provisions for the right to work, including almost all states in the south as well as parts of the middle west and the West.
These laws tend to weaken the financial stability and negotiation power of the unions, which of the view of Labor supporters reduces their effectiveness and contributes to falling membership. In the meantime, states are without a right to work to maintain a stronger representation of the union and higher member rates.
This analysis was carried out by building coverage – a publication of the construction industry. According to the entire union members, the researchers and statistical areas of the metropolises hired as a percentage of the total employment.
Here is a summary of the data for Georgia:
- Union membership rate: 3.8%
- Representation rate of the union: 4.4%
- Workers who are members of unions: 174.826
- Workers who are represented by unions: 204.138
- Total employment: 4.621.986
As a reference, you will find the statistics for the entire United States here:
- Union membership rate: 9.9%
- Representation rate of the union: 11.1%
- Workers who are members of unions: 14.245,500
- Workers who are represented by unions: 16.014.700
- Total employment: 144,543.100
