In 2023, the number of employees in high- and medium-high R&D intensive activities in the US was approximately 9.67 million. The forecast data indicates a steady annual increase in employee numbers from 2024 to 2028, starting at 9.76 million in 2024 and reaching 10.13 million by 2028. This represents a year-on-year growth of around 1% throughout this period, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 1.12% over the five years from 2024 to 2028, pointing to a consistent upward trend in R&D employment.

Future trends to watch for in this sector include:

Advancements in technology that may further drive demand for R&D professionals.
Government policies and funding initiatives that could significantly impact investment in R&D activities.
Global economic conditions influencing the US job market and potential offshoring or reshoring of R&D roles.