From Detroit to Hollywood, 2023 has been a historic year for organized labor in the United States. According to a report published by Barron’s, over 18 million workdays were lost to labor strikes in 2023 between January and October alone, the most in over two decades – and the year is not over yet.
Amid persistent inflation and rapid technological change, hundreds of thousands of unionized workers walked off the job this year, demanding fair pay and improved job security. Some of the largest strikes were organized by the Writers Guild of America, the SAG-AFTRA actors’ union, and United Auto Workers. (Here is a look at the 31 biggest worker strikes in American history.)
Notably, the WGA strike, which ended in September, resulted in higher pay, better benefits, and longer-term contracts for film and television writers. Similarly, in late October, the Big Three U.S. automakers reached a tentative agreement with the UAW, offering factory workers much higher wages, cost living raises, and the right to strike over plant closures.
Historically, labor unions have strengthened the American middle class. Unions were also instrumental in ending child labor and creating the 40 hour work week. And though union membership in the U.S. has declined steadily over the last four decades, the power unions still wield is not trivial.
Using 2022 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 24/7 Wall St. identified the states with the strongest labor unions. We ranked all 50 states on the share of workers who are members of an organized labor union.
Depending on the state, union membership ranges from 1.7% of the workforce to over 20%. The states with the highest union membership rates also tend to have higher-earning populations. In each of the top 10 states on this list, the median wage across all occupations exceeds the national median of $46,310, according to 2022 data from the BLS. Meanwhile, only one of the 10 states with the lowest union membership rates has a higher-than-average median annual wage.
Not surprisingly, union membership tends to be far lower in so called “right-to-work” states. In these places, workers cannot be compelled to join a union as a necessary condition of their employment. Right-to-work laws are often a draw for employers, and partially as a result, unemployment rates tend to be lower in states that have them, though there are some notable exceptions. (Here is a look at 23 American industries with the highest union membership.)
Here are the states with the highest union membership.
Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
50. South Carolina
> Workers in a labor union, 2022: 1.7% (35,000 total)
> Change in union membership, 2021-2022: +2.9% (+1,000 total)
> Median annual wage, 2022: $38,870 (5th lowest)
> Unemployment rate, 2022: 3.2%
> Right-to-work state?: Yes
Source: pawel.gaul / E+ via Getty Images
49. North Carolina
> Workers in a labor union, 2022: 2.8% (125,000 total)
> Change in union membership, 2021-2022: +15.7% (+17,000 total)
> Median annual wage, 2022: $41,810 (15th lowest)
> Unemployment rate, 2022: 3.7%
> Right-to-work state?: Yes
Source: peeterv / iStock via Getty Images
48. South Dakota
> Workers in a labor union, 2022: 3.1% (13,000 total)
> Change in union membership, 2021-2022: -18.8% (-3,000 total)
> Median annual wage, 2022: $39,870 (8th lowest)
> Unemployment rate, 2022: 2.1%
> Right-to-work state?: Yes
Source: ferrantraite / E+ via Getty Images
47. Virginia
> Workers in a labor union, 2022: 3.7% (146,000 total)
> Change in union membership, 2021-2022: -17.0% (-30,000 total)
> Median annual wage, 2022: $48,290 (13th highest)
> Unemployment rate, 2022: 2.9%
> Right-to-work state?: Yes
Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
46. Utah
> Workers in a labor union, 2022: 3.9% (60,000 total)
> Change in union membership, 2021-2022: +17.6% (+9,000 total)
> Median annual wage, 2022: $44,470 (24th lowest)
> Unemployment rate, 2022: 2.3%
> Right-to-work state?: Yes
Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
45. Texas
> Workers in a labor union, 2022: 4.1% (518,000 total)
> Change in union membership, 2021-2022: +14.1% (+64,000 total)
> Median annual wage, 2022: $43,460 (21st lowest)
> Unemployment rate, 2022: 3.9%
> Right-to-work state?: Yes
Source: f11photo / iStock via Getty Images
44. Louisiana
> Workers in a labor union, 2022: 4.2% (76,000 total)
> Change in union membership, 2021-2022: -6.2% (-5,000 total)
> Median annual wage, 2022: $38,970 (6th lowest)
> Unemployment rate, 2022: 3.7%
> Right-to-work state?: Yes
Source: SeanPavonePhoto / iStock via Getty Images
43. Georgia
> Workers in a labor union, 2022: 4.4% (200,000 total)
> Change in union membership, 2021-2022: -5.2% (-11,000 total)
> Median annual wage, 2022: $42,890 (20th lowest)
> Unemployment rate, 2022: 3.0%
> Right-to-work state?: Yes
Source: SeanPavonePhoto / iStock via Getty Images
42. Florida
> Workers in a labor union, 2022: 4.5% (414,000 total)
> Change in union membership, 2021-2022: -7.6% (-34,000 total)
> Median annual wage, 2022: $40,820 (14th lowest)
> Unemployment rate, 2022: 2.9%
> Right-to-work state?: Yes
Source: vkbhat / E+ via Getty Images
41. Idaho
> Workers in a labor union, 2022: 4.7% (39,000 total)
> Change in union membership, 2021-2022: +8.3% (+3,000 total)
> Median annual wage, 2022: $40,060 (11th lowest)
> Unemployment rate, 2022: 2.7%
> Right-to-work state?: Yes
Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
40. Arkansas
> Workers in a labor union, 2022: 4.9% (59,000 total)
> Change in union membership, 2021-2022: +28.3% (+13,000 total)
> Median annual wage, 2022: $37,270 (2nd lowest)
> Unemployment rate, 2022: 3.3%
> Right-to-work state?: Yes
Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
39. Oklahoma
> Workers in a labor union, 2022: 5.5% (88,000 total)
> Change in union membership, 2021-2022: +1.1% (+1,000 total)
> Median annual wage, 2022: $39,100 (7th lowest)
> Unemployment rate, 2022: 3.0%
> Right-to-work state?: Yes
Source: Kruck20 / iStock via Getty Images
38. Tennessee
> Workers in a labor union, 2022: 5.5% (163,000 total)
> Change in union membership, 2021-2022: +12.4% (+18,000 total)
> Median annual wage, 2022: $39,930 (10th lowest)
> Unemployment rate, 2022: 3.4%
> Right-to-work state?: Yes
Source: dszc / E+ via Getty Images
37. Arizona
> Workers in a labor union, 2022: 5.5% (169,000 total)
> Change in union membership, 2021-2022: +1.2% (+2,000 total)
> Median annual wage, 2022: $45,290 (25th highest)
> Unemployment rate, 2022: 3.8%
> Right-to-work state?: Yes
Source: benedek / iStock via Getty Images
36. Wyoming
> Workers in a labor union, 2022: 5.6% (14,000 total)
> Change in union membership, 2021-2022: +7.7% (+1,000 total)
> Median annual wage, 2022: $45,450 (23rd highest)
> Unemployment rate, 2022: 3.6%
> Right-to-work state?: Yes
35. Mississippi
> Workers in a labor union, 2022: 5.6% (62,000 total)
> Change in union membership, 2021-2022: +5.1% (+3,000 total)
> Median annual wage, 2022: $36,100 (the lowest)
> Unemployment rate, 2022: 3.9%
> Right-to-work state?: Yes
Source: DenisTangneyJr / iStock via Getty Images
34. North Dakota
> Workers in a labor union, 2022: 6.4% (23,000 total)
> Change in union membership, 2021-2022: +21.1% (+4,000 total)
> Median annual wage, 2022: $47,410 (17th highest)
> Unemployment rate, 2022: 2.1%
> Right-to-work state?: Yes
Source: Davel5957 / iStock via Getty Images
33. Nebraska
> Workers in a labor union, 2022: 6.5% (60,000 total)
> Change in union membership, 2021-2022: -1.6% (-1,000 total)
> Median annual wage, 2022: $44,100 (22nd lowest)
> Unemployment rate, 2022: 2.3%
> Right-to-work state?: Yes
Source: pawel.gaul / iStock via Getty Images
32. Colorado
> Workers in a labor union, 2022: 6.7% (178,000 total)
> Change in union membership, 2021-2022: +7.9% (+13,000 total)
> Median annual wage, 2022: $50,250 (8th highest)
> Unemployment rate, 2022: 3.0%
> Right-to-work state?: No
31. Iowa
> Workers in a labor union, 2022: 7.0% (105,000 total)
> Change in union membership, 2021-2022: +12.9% (+12,000 total)
> Median annual wage, 2022: $44,350 (23rd lowest)
> Unemployment rate, 2022: 2.7%
> Right-to-work state?: Yes
30. Wisconsin
> Workers in a labor union, 2022: 7.1% (187,000 total)
> Change in union membership, 2021-2022: -13.0% (-28,000 total)
> Median annual wage, 2022: $45,650 (21st highest)
> Unemployment rate, 2022: 2.9%
> Right-to-work state?: Yes
Source: ChrisBoswell / iStock via Getty Images
29. Alabama
> Workers in a labor union, 2022: 7.2% (149,000 total)
> Change in union membership, 2021-2022: +29.6% (+34,000 total)
> Median annual wage, 2022: $38,470 (4th lowest)
> Unemployment rate, 2022: 2.6%
> Right-to-work state?: Yes
Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
28. Indiana
> Workers in a labor union, 2022: 7.4% (223,000 total)
> Change in union membership, 2021-2022: -12.9% (-33,000 total)
> Median annual wage, 2022: $42,100 (17th lowest)
> Unemployment rate, 2022: 3.0%
> Right-to-work state?: Yes
Source: Davel5957 / iStock via Getty Images
27. Kentucky
> Workers in a labor union, 2022: 7.9% (141,000 total)
> Change in union membership, 2021-2022: +11.9% (+15,000 total)
> Median annual wage, 2022: $40,180 (12th lowest)
> Unemployment rate, 2022: 3.9%
> Right-to-work state?: Yes
Source: DenisTangneyJr / iStock via Getty Images
26. Delaware
> Workers in a labor union, 2022: 8.5% (38,000 total)
> Change in union membership, 2021-2022: -9.5% (-4,000 total)
> Median annual wage, 2022: $47,150 (19th highest)
> Unemployment rate, 2022: 4.5%
> Right-to-work state?: No
Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
25. New Mexico
> Workers in a labor union, 2022: 8.8% (71,000 total)
> Change in union membership, 2021-2022: +22.4% (+13,000 total)
> Median annual wage, 2022: $39,900 (9th lowest)
> Unemployment rate, 2022: 4.0%
> Right-to-work state?: No
24. Maine
> Workers in a labor union, 2022: 9.2% (48,000 total)
> Change in union membership, 2021-2022: -31.4% (-22,000 total)
> Median annual wage, 2022: $45,420 (24th highest)
> Unemployment rate, 2022: 3.0%
> Right-to-work state?: No
Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
23. West Virginia
> Workers in a labor union, 2022: 9.2% (64,000 total)
> Change in union membership, 2021-2022: -3.0% (-2,000 total)
> Median annual wage, 2022: $37,770 (3rd lowest)
> Unemployment rate, 2022: 3.9%
> Right-to-work state?: Yes
Source: f11photo / iStock via Getty Images
22. Missouri
> Workers in a labor union, 2022: 9.6% (257,000 total)
> Change in union membership, 2021-2022: +9.4% (+22,000 total)
> Median annual wage, 2022: $42,310 (19th lowest)
> Unemployment rate, 2022: 2.5%
> Right-to-work state?: No
Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
21. Kansas
> Workers in a labor union, 2022: 9.8% (129,000 total)
> Change in union membership, 2021-2022: +7.5% (+9,000 total)
> Median annual wage, 2022: $41,870 (16th lowest)
> Unemployment rate, 2022: 2.7%
> Right-to-work state?: Yes
Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
20. New Hampshire
> Workers in a labor union, 2022: 10.1% (70,000 total)
> Change in union membership, 2021-2022: +7.7% (+5,000 total)
> Median annual wage, 2022: $47,920 (14th highest)
> Unemployment rate, 2022: 2.5%
> Right-to-work state?: No
Source: Jon Bilous / iStock via Getty Images
19. Montana
> Workers in a labor union, 2022: 11.2% (52,000 total)
> Change in union membership, 2021-2022: +6.1% (+3,000 total)
> Median annual wage, 2022: $42,210 (18th lowest)
> Unemployment rate, 2022: 2.6%
> Right-to-work state?: No
Source: photoquest7 / iStock via Getty Images
18. Nevada
> Workers in a labor union, 2022: 11.3% (146,000 total)
> Change in union membership, 2021-2022: -4.6% (-7,000 total)
> Median annual wage, 2022: $40,810 (13th lowest)
> Unemployment rate, 2022: 5.4%
> Right-to-work state?: Yes
Source: Kruck20 / iStock via Getty Images
17. Maryland
> Workers in a labor union, 2022: 11.6% (327,000 total)
> Change in union membership, 2021-2022: +10.8% (+32,000 total)
> Median annual wage, 2022: $51,420 (6th highest)
> Unemployment rate, 2022: 3.2%
> Right-to-work state?: No
Source: DenisTangneyJr / E+ via Getty Images
16. Vermont
> Workers in a labor union, 2022: 12.1% (34,000 total)
> Change in union membership, 2021-2022: +6.3% (+2,000 total)
> Median annual wage, 2022: $47,320 (18th highest)
> Unemployment rate, 2022: 2.6%
> Right-to-work state?: No
Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
15. Massachusetts
> Workers in a labor union, 2022: 12.7% (413,000 total)
> Change in union membership, 2021-2022: +2.7% (+11,000 total)
> Median annual wage, 2022: $58,450 (the highest)
> Unemployment rate, 2022: 3.8%
> Right-to-work state?: No
Source: DenisTangneyJr / iStock via Getty Images
14. Pennsylvania
> Workers in a labor union, 2022: 12.7% (715,000 total)
> Change in union membership, 2021-2022: +3.2% (+22,000 total)
> Median annual wage, 2022: $45,790 (20th highest)
> Unemployment rate, 2022: 4.4%
> Right-to-work state?: No
Source: espiegle / iStock via Getty Images
13. Ohio
> Workers in a labor union, 2022: 12.8% (641,000 total)
> Change in union membership, 2021-2022: +7.6% (+45,000 total)
> Median annual wage, 2022: $44,750 (25th lowest)
> Unemployment rate, 2022: 4.0%
> Right-to-work state?: No
Source: franckreporter / E+ via Getty Images
12. Illinois
> Workers in a labor union, 2022: 13.1% (735,000 total)
> Change in union membership, 2021-2022: -2.3% (-17,000 total)
> Median annual wage, 2022: $47,480 (16th highest)
> Unemployment rate, 2022: 4.6%
> Right-to-work state?: No
Source: ShriramPatki / iStock via Getty Images
11. Michigan
> Workers in a labor union, 2022: 14.0% (589,000 total)
> Change in union membership, 2021-2022: +9.1% (+49,000 total)
> Median annual wage, 2022: $45,500 (22nd highest)
> Unemployment rate, 2022: 4.2%
> Right-to-work state?: No
Source: DenisTangneyJr / E+ via Getty Images
10. Connecticut
> Workers in a labor union, 2022: 14.2% (236,000 total)
> Change in union membership, 2021-2022: +5.8% (+13,000 total)
> Median annual wage, 2022: $51,780 (5th highest)
> Unemployment rate, 2022: 4.2%
> Right-to-work state?: No
Source: Davel5957 / E+ via Getty Images
9. Minnesota
> Workers in a labor union, 2022: 14.2% (382,000 total)
> Change in union membership, 2021-2022: -8.2% (-34,000 total)
> Median annual wage, 2022: $48,760 (11th highest)
> Unemployment rate, 2022: 2.7%
> Right-to-work state?: No
Source: AUDREY SCRIPP / iStock via Getty Images
8. New Jersey
> Workers in a labor union, 2022: 14.9% (619,000 total)
> Change in union membership, 2021-2022: +1.8% (+11,000 total)
> Median annual wage, 2022: $51,080 (7th highest)
> Unemployment rate, 2022: 3.7%
> Right-to-work state?: No
Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
7. Oregon
> Workers in a labor union, 2022: 15.5% (281,000 total)
> Change in union membership, 2021-2022: -11.6% (-37,000 total)
> Median annual wage, 2022: $47,770 (15th highest)
> Unemployment rate, 2022: 4.2%
> Right-to-work state?: No
Source: Jacob Boomsma / iStock via Getty Images
6. Alaska
> Workers in a labor union, 2022: 16.0% (48,000 total)
> Change in union membership, 2021-2022: +4.3% (+2,000 total)
> Median annual wage, 2022: $52,000 (4th highest)
> Unemployment rate, 2022: 4.0%
> Right-to-work state?: No
5. Rhode Island
> Workers in a labor union, 2022: 16.1% (81,000 total)
> Change in union membership, 2021-2022: +8.0% (+6,000 total)
> Median annual wage, 2022: $49,360 (10th highest)
> Unemployment rate, 2022: 3.2%
> Right-to-work state?: No
Source: JasonDoiy / iStock via Getty Images
4. California
> Workers in a labor union, 2022: 16.1% (2,617,000 total)
> Change in union membership, 2021-2022: +6.0% (+149,000 total)
> Median annual wage, 2022: $49,740 (9th highest)
> Unemployment rate, 2022: 4.2%
> Right-to-work state?: No
3. Washington
> Workers in a labor union, 2022: 18.0% (615,000 total)
> Change in union membership, 2021-2022: -2.2% (-14,000 total)
> Median annual wage, 2022: $56,320 (2nd highest)
> Unemployment rate, 2022: 4.2%
> Right-to-work state?: No
Source: Eloi_Omella / E+ via Getty Images
2. New York
> Workers in a labor union, 2022: 20.7% (1,679,000 total)
> Change in union membership, 2021-2022: -2.9% (-50,000 total)
> Median annual wage, 2022: $52,470 (3rd highest)
> Unemployment rate, 2022: 4.3%
> Right-to-work state?: No
Source: okimo / iStock via Getty Images
1. Hawaii
> Workers in a labor union, 2022: 21.9% (125,000 total)
> Change in union membership, 2021-2022: +3.3% (+4,000 total)
> Median annual wage, 2022: $48,560 (12th highest)
> Unemployment rate, 2022: 3.5%
> Right-to-work state?: No
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