CBP data indicates that no other industry had more establishments with fewer than 5 employees in the U.S. than “professional, scientific and technical services” businesses.
The following table shows the top 10 industries in terms of total establishments with fewer than 5 employees in the U.S. in 2016.
Top 10 Industries with fewer than 5 employees in the U.S. (2016)
| Industry | Total Establishments |
|---|---|
| Professional, scientific and technical services businesses | 636,041 |
| Retail trade businesses | 466,165 |
| Construction businesses | 457,376 |
| Health care and social assistance businesses | 414,737 |
| Real estate, rental and leasing businesses | 289,526 |
| Finance and insurance businesses | 284,195 |
| Administrative, support, waste management and remediation services businesses | 243,271 |
| Accommodation and food services businesses | 215,493 |
| Wholesale trade businesses | 214,451 |
| Transportation and warehousing businesses | 133,823 |