Average Number of Jobs in a Lifetime [2026]: How Many Jobs Does The Average Person Have?

As you navigate the evolving job landscape, understanding the average number of jobs a person holds in their lifetime can provide valuable insights into your career trajectory. You may find that your job changes are quite common and align with broader trends. Our latest analysis reveals:

• The average individual changes jobs 12 times throughout their career, based on up-to-date survey data.

• The average employee’s tenure with an employer is approximately 4.3 years.

• This average tenure shows some variation, with women averaging 3.8 years compared to men at 4.3 years.

• Men typically hold 12.5 jobs in their lifetime, while women hold around 12.1 jobs.

For more detailed insights, explore the data broken down by the following categories:
Age | Gender | Race | Education | Industry | Occupation | Miscellaneous

Job Statistics by Age

Statistically, older employees tend to remain with their employers longer. For instance, workers aged 45 to 52 have held significantly fewer jobs than those between 25 and 34.

While younger Baby Boomers held an average of 12 jobs from ages 18 to 52, many Millennials anticipate changing jobs every three years during the same period.

• The median tenure increases with age; workers aged 55 to 64 average about 9.9 years with one employer.

• In contrast, employees aged 25 to 34 have a median tenure of only 2.8 years—over three times less than their older counterparts.

• Younger Baby Boomers (born between 1957 and 1964) held an average of 12.3 jobs from ages 18 to 52.

• Estimates indicate Baby Boomers experience about 5.8 unemployment stints during this age range.

• Employees aged 25 to 34 typically hold an average of 4.5 jobs.

• Workers aged 35 to 44 average 2.9 jobs.

• Workers aged 45 to 52 average 1.9 jobs.

• Workers aged 55 to 64 show an average tenure of 9.9 years.

• In the 25 to 34 age group, the average tenure is 2.8 years.

• 91% of Millennials expect to change jobs every three years.

• 86% of professionals in their 20s express interest in changing careers.

• 10% of employees aged 55 and older have been with their employers for 12 months or less.

• In 2020, 75% of 16- to 19-year-olds were with their employers for 12 months or less.

Job Statistics by Gender

On average, men hold slightly more jobs than women and tend to stay in their positions longer. Additionally, a higher percentage of men report tenures of at least a decade compared to women.

• Men hold an average of 12.5 jobs throughout their careers.

• Women hold an average of 12.1 jobs during their lifetime.

• The median employee tenure for men stands at 4.3 years.

• The median tenure for women is 3.8 years, a slight decrease from previous years.

• 29% of male workers have been with their current employer for over 10 years, compared to 27% of female workers.

Job Statistics by Race

Research indicates that White employees generally maintain employment for longer periods than their counterparts from other racial groups. Additionally, a higher proportion of White individuals aged 55 and older are found in the workforce.

• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 29% of White individuals have been with their current employer for a decade.

• This percentage drops to 22% for Hispanics, 23% for Blacks, and 26% for Asians.

• 23% of White workers are aged 55 and older, compared to 19% for both Blacks and Asians, and 15% for Hispanics.

Job Statistics by Education

Higher education correlates with reduced unemployment stints, longer tenures, and fewer barriers to career changes. Interestingly, over half of respondents report occasionally using their college education in their current roles.

• Employees with less than a high school diploma average a tenure of 4.8 years (men) and 4.1 years (women).

• College graduates have a median tenure of 5.2 years (men) and 4.9 years (women).

• High school dropouts experience an average of 8.1 unemployment stints by age 52.

• High school graduates experience approximately 6.5 unemployment stints.

• College graduates face about 4.2 unemployment stints.

• 21% of respondents use their college major in their jobs.

• 53% report using their education only half of the time or less.

• 15% state they don’t utilize their education in their work.

• Half of Americans view educational requirements as a barrier to changing careers.

• 13% with at least a bachelor’s degree cite education as a barrier to career changes.

• 27% of those without a degree feel similarly.

Job Statistics by Industry

The leisure and hospitality sector exhibits the lowest median employee tenure, while federal employees enjoy the longest tenures, with state and public sectors falling in between.

Job Statistics by Occupation

A strong connection exists between occupation type and average tenure. For instance, food service workers have significantly shorter tenures compared to professionals in architecture, engineering, management, and legal fields.

• Employees in management and legal roles average a tenure of 5.8 years.

• Architecture and engineering professions follow closely at 5.1 years.

• Education, training, and library occupations have a median tenure of 5.0 years.

• Service occupation workers report the lowest median tenure at 2.9 years.

• Foodservice employees have a median tenure of 1.9 years.

Miscellaneous Lifetime Job Statistics

Despite a considerable interest in career changes, many employees perceive the risks of starting anew as a barrier. Notably, nearly a third of individuals have completely shifted fields since their initial jobs post-college, often motivated by salary increases.

• 54% of workers believe their employer demonstrates loyalty to them.

• Many change jobs due to limited pay raises, often around 3%.

• On average, individuals hold 12 jobs throughout their lifetime.

• 32% of respondents aged 25 to 44 have considered a career change in the past year.

• 29% have completely shifted fields since their first job.

• 39% of these individuals cited salary increases as a primary motivator for their job changes.

• 21% were interested in pursuing different fields.

• 20% aimed to enhance their opportunities for upward mobility.

• 32% have contemplated a career change recently.

• In early 2020, 22% of workers had been with their current employers for one year or less.

• 58% of U.S. adults express a desire to change careers, but many see the risks as a barrier.

• Of those interested in changing careers, 29% feel they cannot afford to start over.

• 24% are uncertain about which direction to pursue.

Average Number Of Jobs In A Lifetime Statistics FAQ

1. How many jobs does the average person have in their lifetime?

   The average individual has 12 jobs in their lifetime. Within this average, men typically have more jobs than women, with men holding an average of 12.5 jobs and women holding an average of 12.1.

   The reasons for job changes vary widely, including higher salaries, better career advancement opportunities, and interest in different fields. Additionally, many change jobs due to dissatisfaction with current management, relocation for non-work reasons, or misalignment with company culture.

   Ultimately, changing positions is a natural part of career development, and individuals should not feel obligated to remain in entry-level roles for the sake of loyalty. Gaining diverse experiences is essential for progressing to higher-level positions.

2. How many years does the average person stay at a job?

   The average individual stays at their job (specifically, with their employer) for 4.3 years. Men generally stay slightly longer than women, with a median tenure of 4.3 years for men and 4.0 years for women.

   While employees may change specific job titles during their tenure, they often remain within the same company, which is less disruptive than switching employers entirely.

   Age influences tenure length; typically, older workers tend to stay longer. For instance, only 10% of employees aged 55 and older have been with their employers for a year or less, while 75% of 16- to 19-year-olds fall into that category.

3. How long do millennials stay at a job?

   Millennials tend to stay at their jobs for about three years. 91% of Millennials expect to change jobs every three years, with the average tenure for those aged 25 to 34 at 2.8 years. This is significantly shorter than the 9.9-year average tenure for workers aged 55 to 64.

   Young Millennials are often still exploring their career paths, while older workers are usually settled in their careers. Those nearing retirement are incentivized to stay longer with their employers due to enhanced retirement benefits associated with longer tenures.

Sources:

1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Number of Jobs, Labor Market Experience, and Earnings Growth: Results From a National Longitudinal Survey.” Accessed March 30, 2021.

2. U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics. Economic News Release – Employee Tenure Summary. Accessed March 30, 2021.

3. U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics. National Longitudinal Surveys Frequently Asked Questions. Accessed March 30, 2021.

4. Indeed.com. Career Change Report: An Inside Look at Why Workers Shift Gears. Accessed March 30, 2021.

5. The Balance Careers. How Often Do People Change Jobs During a Lifetime? Accessed March 31, 2021.

6. EdX Blog. EdX Survey Finds that about 1/3 of Americans ages 25 – 44 have Completely Changed Fields Since Starting their First Job Post-College. Accessed March 31, 2021.

7. Forbes. The Barriers To Success And Upward Mobility For First-Generation Students And How To Fix The Problem. Accessed March 31, 2021.

8. EAB. 90% of Low-Income, First-Generation College Students Don’t Graduate on Time. Accessed March 31, 2021.

9. U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics. Employee Tenure Summary. Accessed March 31, 2021.

10. Forbes. The Future Of Work: Job Hopping Is the ‘New Normal’ for Millennials. Accessed March 21, 2021.

11. Huffington Post. Poll Finds 80 Percent of Workers In Their 20s Want To Change Careers. Accessed March 21, 2021.

12. The University of Phoenix. Study Shows Majority of American Workforce Is Interested in Changing Careers but Worry About Risks of Starting Over. Accessed March 31, 2021.

Author

Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.