Telework Prevalence by Occupation
Here's a quick post utilizing 2024 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics' (BLS) Occupational Requirements Survey (ORS). The graphic below shows the prevalence of telework by occupation, highlighting the significant differences between occupations that are typically able to work from home, and those that are not.
Note that where the estimate is less than 0.5%, I've used the value of 0.5% in the chart. The data reveal significant differences in telework capabilities across different occupations. Computer and mathematical workers have the highest ability to work remotely at 66.9%, followed closely by legal (63.1%) and business/financial operations (60.6%). This aligns with the nature of these jobs, which primarily involve digital tools and computer-based work. In contrast, many essential hands-on occupations show minimal telework potential (less than 0.5%), including food preparation, construction, production, and transportation jobs. Healthcare practitioners, despite their highly skilled nature, have very limited telework ability (3.2%) due to the inherent requirement for in-person patient care. The data highlights how occupational characteristics and job requirements fundamentally shape the feasibility of remote work, potentially influencing workforce resilience during situations that require social distancing or remote operations.
About the Data
The ORS is conducted by the BLS and collects detailed information about the physical demands, environmental conditions, education and training requirements, and mental requirements of jobs across the American economy. The survey was developed in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) to assist in disability claims processing and research, though its data is valuable for many other purposes.