Poultry Industry Generates $799.5 Billion in Activity
The sector now supports 2.31 million U.S. jobs, adding 307,000 new positions since 2024.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Employment
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The U.S. poultry industry generated $799.5 billion in total economic activity in 2026. This sector currently supports 2.31 million jobs, an increase of 307,000 positions since 2024.
Why it matters
Understanding the scale of the poultry sector helps households recognize its broad impact on national wages and government revenue. The industry serves as a major engine for employment and fiscal contributions across the country.
The poultry industry generated $177.1 billion in total wages and contributed $74.5 billion to government revenue in 2026 based on an economic impact study. Total employment for the sector reached 2.31 million, reflecting a net gain of 307,000 jobs since 2024.
The players
John Dunham & Associates
The research firm that conducted the 2026 economic impact study of the U.S. poultry industry.
The details
The industry's $799.5 billion economic footprint is driven by its diverse production chains, which support 1.55 million chicken-related roles, 504,000 turkey jobs, and 182,000 positions in the egg market. By tracking these figures, analysts can quantify how poultry-related production cycles cycle money through the broader labor market and tax base. The 2026 data reflects updated methodology from researchers to account for shifting industry efficiencies.
Timeline
2024 served as the baseline year for the economic study comparison.
2026 was the primary data period for the economic impact analysis.
Money Landscape
The poultry sector's contribution to national economic activity continues to grow, marking a notable increase in its footprint since 2024. This trend highlights the role of domestic food production in stabilizing labor markets and government revenue streams.
The growth of the poultry industry supports over two million jobs, directly influencing local labor markets and household income stability. Monitoring these sector-wide economic reports can provide insight into regional employment health and tax contribution trends.
The takeaway
The poultry industry serves as a foundational component of the domestic economy, supporting over 2 million livelihoods. Households can monitor updates from national agricultural and employment reports to better understand how major food sectors influence regional labor trends.
Further reading
For broader trends affecting the national workforce, visit Employment.
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