FCS Industry Statistics

In 2024, the AAFCS embarked on a project to map the breadth of the Family and Consumer Sciences industry. The goal of the project is to identify the enrollment and graduation rates of FCS post-secondary students and by comparing graduation rates in FCS with overall rates for a given career path, develop estimates of the economic contributions of the FCS industry on the overall U.S. Economy.

One challenge faced in developing the data included below was the range of terminology used to refer to Family and Consumer Sciences. Home Economics is still widely used around the world and in areas of the United States as well as Human Ecology, Human Sciences, and Health and Human Sciences. These terms should be seen as representative of the whole of Family and Consumer Sciences, where each serve as supporting areas of focus and a transition to new applications of Family and Consumer Sciences research and skill sets. 

The data included below was collected from:

• FAEIS, the Food and Agricultural Education Information System, https://faeis.cals.vt.edu/data-center/ 
• National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP), https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/cipcode/Default.aspx?y=56 
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, https://www.bls.gov/ 
• Industry reports developed by IBISWorld, https://services.ibisworld.com/ 
• USDA, NIFA, Program Areas, https://www.nifa.usda.gov/offices/division-family-consumer-sciences 
• Research and data from research and impact studies submitted by FCS Professionals
  
  • Quick Guide to Extension Impacts: FCS, https://extension.usu.edu/news_sections/impacts/archive/fcs 
  • AAFCS Case Studies, https://www.aafcs.org/resources/advocacy/tools/case-studies
  • FCS Extension Impacts, Ohio State University, https://fcs.osu.edu/about/fcs-extension-impacts 
  • Family and Consumer Sciences Impact, Illinois Extension, https://extension.illinois.edu/global/family-and-consumer-sciences-impact
  • Analysis of the Value of Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) Extension in the North Central Region, https://www.nccea.org/multistate-activities/fcs-battelle-report-2015/ 
  • Land-Grant Impacts, https://nidb.landgrantimpacts.org/impacts/search 
  • Multistate research fund, IMPACTS, Impacts Statements by Region & Project Number, https://www.mrfimpacts.org/impact-statement-archive 
  • The value of family and consumer sciences programs in the public-school curriculum in Utah: A statewide research project, https://ttu-ir.tdl.org/items/90ac5c4c-1423-4e7c-8c47-a942fd7fc528 

Graduates of Family and Consumer Sciences programs organized by degree achieved:

*The data included above is sourced from reports submitted by institutions of higher education in 2024.

Graduates of Family and Consumer Sciences programs reported in 2024, organized by Academic Area:

Calculation of % of FCS in total food, nutrition, and culinary programs[1]

Family and Consumer Sciences graduates make up, on average, 45% of all graduates amongst reporting institutions in the Food career area. This includes Food science and nutrition, food education, culinary services and more. In several states, such as Alabama, Delaware, Nebraska, Vermont, and Virginian FCS graduates exceeded those from other programs by over 70%.
Note, these numbers do not include graduates of specialized culinary institutions which may not report their graduation data to state agencies.

Sub-Industry Analysis:
1.    In the Accommodation & Food Services Industry, employees generate approximately $98,000 in revenue each year. The industry employs 14 million people in the United States and generates 1.3 trillion dollars in revenue each year. If all FCS professionals graduating from FCS Food programs pursued careers in Accommodation and Food Service, their total contribution to the US Economy would be $11 billion dollars per year. The average salary of First-line supervisors/managers of food preparation and serving workers is $37,700/year. 

2.    In the Catering Industry, employees generate approximately $44,000 in revenue each year. The industry employs 275k people and generates 12.2 billion dollars per year. If all FCS professionals graduating from FCS Food programs pursued careers in Catering, their total contribution to the US Economy would be $5 billion dollars per year. The average salary for chefs and head cooks was $58,900/year in 2023.

3.    In the Food Education Industry, employees generate approximately $205,000 in revenue each year. The industry employs 482k people and generates 98.9 billion dollars per year. If all FCS professionals graduating from FCS Food programs pursued careers in Catering, their total contribution to the US Economy would be $236 billion dollars per year. The average salary of employees working in the Food Education space is $88,000/year.

Culinary Arts, Hospitality, and Tourism

• Culinary Arts  
  
  • While “Culinary & Food Services” is listed under Hospitality and Events, Family and Consumer Sciences include separate skills training, making it possible for both to remain as subsectors of both career clusters. Culinary & Food Service under Hospitality and Events looks at the science of cooking, baking, and more, students attending Family and Consumer Sciences classes under Culinary arts learn about the sourcing of food materials, food chemicals including additives and preservatives, reading food labels, nutrition, and more. 
  • Family and Consumer Sciences graduates make up, on average, 45% of all graduates amongst reporting institutions in the Food career area. This includes Food science and nutrition, food education, culinary services and more. In several states, such as Alabama, Delaware, Nebraska, Vermont, and Virginia FCS graduates exceeded those from other programs by over 70%. Considering the high percentage of Culinary Arts professionals who graduate from Family and Consumer Sciences programs, the lack of a Family and Consumer Sciences cluster will have great and negative affects on the number of employable individuals graduating into the workforce over the next few years. 
  • In the Food Education Industry, employees generate approximately $205,000 in revenue each year. The industry employs 482k people and generates 98.9 billion dollars per year. If all FCS professionals graduating from FCS Food programs pursued careers in Catering, their total contribution to the US Economy would be $236 billion dollars per year. The average salary of employees working in the Food Education space is $88,000/year. 
  • Chefs and Head Cooks, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/food-preparation-and-serving/chefs-and-head-cooks.htm, median salary of $58k, Employment is expected to increase by 5% from 2022-2032.
• Hospitality, and Event Management 
  
  • This pathway can be shared with the Hospitality and Events, it is not meant to replace this cluster but to focus on the management of hospitality and events, not cover the performance of those sub-sector activities. Management is a separate s and is included in the Family and Consumer Sciences Body of Knowledge and educational programs. 
  • Athletic Event Organization is a 4.3Bn industry employing 24k individuals. The average salary of employees working in the Food Education space is $25,000/year and employment is expected to grow by 3% from 2023-2028.
  • Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/meeting-convention-and-event-planners.htm, median salary of $56k, Employment is expected to increase by 8% from 2022-2032.
  • Wedding Planners are a 1.6Bn industry employing 26k individuals. Employment in this industry is expected to increase by 0.4% from 2024-2029 and median salary is $11k.

Education and Training

• Education consultation is a $2.0Bn industry employing 76k individuals. Employment in this industry is expected to grow by 1.8% from 2024-2029 and median salary is $11k.
• Educational Services is a $1.9Tr industry employing 14m individuals. Employment in this industry is expected to grow by 1% from 2024-2029 and median salary is $77k.
• Post secondary teachers, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/postsecondary-teachers.htm, median salary of $84k, Employment is expected to increase by 8% from 2022-2032.
• Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/25-1192.00 
• After-School Programs is a 23.9Bn industry employing 647k individuals. Employment in this industry is expected to decrease by .8% from 2024-2029 and median salary is $20k.

Food Science and Nutrition

• Dietitians and Nutritionists, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dietitians-and-nutritionists.htm, median salary of $69k, Employment is expected to increase by 7% from 2022-2032.
• Agricultural and Food Scientists, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/agricultural-and-food-scientists.htm, median salary of $76k, Employment is expected to increase by 6% from 2022-2032. 
• NAICS 311400 - Fruit and Vegetable Preserving and Specialty Food Manufacturing, https://www.bls.gov/oes/2021/may/naics4_311400.htm 
  
  • Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians – median salary: $54k
  • Food Science Technicians – median salary: $54k, https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes194013.htm 
  • Flour Milling is a $22Bn industry employing 20k individuals. https://my.ibisworld.com/us/en/industry/31121/at-a-glance 
• 19-1012 Food Scientists and Technologists, https://www.bls.gov/oes/currenT/oes191012.htm 
• Expected growth is 6% from 2022 to 2032, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/agricultural-and-food-scientists.htm#:~:text=Overall%20employment%20of%20agricultural%20and,on%20average%2C%20over%20the%20decade. 

Health Management and Wellness

• Corporate Wellness Services is a $19Bn industry employing 2k individuals. Employment in this industry is expected to increase by 1.2% from 2024-2029 and median salary is $2m.
• Gym, Health & Fitness Clubs is a $31Bn industry employing 1m individuals. Employment in this industry is expected to increase by 2.4% from 2024-2029 and median salary is $12k
• Counseling and Mental Health  
  
  • This pathway can be shared with Human Services as they both focus on the needs of individuals and communities. Where human services focus on social services, veteran assistance, and community relations. Family and Consumer Sciences focuses on mental and physical wellness, adult education, nutrition assistance, and outreach.
  • The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 10.6% employment growth for mental health counselors between 2022 and 2032. 18% for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors.
  • Median wage: $53k
  • Mental and physical wellness counselors develop programs to teach people about conditions affecting well-being. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/health-educators.htm, median salary: $62k, employment in this subsector is expected to grow by 7% from 2022-2032.
  • Adult Basic and Secondary Education Teachers, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/adult-literacy-and-ged-teachers.htm, Median Salary: $60k, employment in this subsector is expected to decrease by 13% from 2022-2032.
  • Job Training & Career Counseling is a $17Bn dollar industry employing 222k individuals. 

• Gerontology and Elder Services

  • Separate from healthcare provided to the U.S. aging population under the Health Sciences Career Cluster, Family and Consumer Scientists provide In-home and community services from food science and nutrition, interior design, consumer education and protection, emergency response, mental health and support, and more. 

  • Elderly & Disabled Services is a 74Bn dollar industry employing 1million individuals. Employment is expected to grow by 2% from 2024-2029. 

  • Adult Daycare is a 7.5Bn industry employing 280k individuals. Employment is expected to grow by 5% from 2024-2029.

  • Continuing research into age related illnesses and preventing early onset of these illnesses makes this an emerging industry for those working in Family and Consumer Sciences. In the next five years, a continued rise in the population's average age will bring stronger growth to adult day care services. Advances in medical technology and increasing life expectancy will sustain demand, boosting industry revenue as more older adults seek and maintain enrollment. The industry's growing popularity will intensify competition, prompting centers to enhance care quality to attract clients.

• Human Services and Community Wellbeing

  • Individual and Family Services, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics4_624100.htm, Includes a wide range of subsectors which closely align with Family and Consumer Sciences. 

  • Home Care is a $137k industry employing 2million individuals. Employment in this industry is expected to grow by 3.8% from 2024-2029 and median salary is $31k. 

• Individual, Family, and Social Services

  • Community and social service occupations: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/home.htm 

    • Overall employment in community and social service occupations is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations from 2022 to 2032.

  • Community Relations, average salary - $44k - $138k

  • Social services – salary - $59k-$91k

    • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-workers.htm, Median Salary: $58k,  7% growth expected from 2022-2032.

  • Rehabilitation Counselors, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/rehabilitation-counselors.htm, Median Salary: $44k,  2% growth expected from 2022-2032.

  • 21-1018 Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes211018.htm 

  • As per Precedence Research, the U.S. behavioral health market size is forecast to hit US$ 132.4 billion by 2027 with a growing CAGR of 5.3% during the forecast period 2021 to 2027. https://www.biospace.com/article/u-s-behavioral-health-market-size-report-2021-to-2030/#:~:text=As%20per%20Precedence%20Research%2C%20the,forecast%20period%202021%20to%202027. 

  • The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 10.6% employment growth for mental health counselors between 2022 and 2032. https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2023/article/careers-in-mental-health-services.htm

Housing and Interior Design

• Interior design under the Family and Consumer Sciences career cluster includes considerations of consumer safety, the needs of those with physical or mental impairment, local building codes, and the emerging field of sustainability. Additionally, there is further growth in the emerging field of circular economy of products, green and/or net zero houses, and smart housing. All being explored by Family and Consumer Sciences researchers. 
• Interior Design is a $25Bn industry employing 177k individuals. Employment in this industry is expected to grow by 3% from 2024-2029 and median salary is $26k.
• Interior Designers, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/interior-designers.htm, median salary of $62k, Employment is expected to increase by 4% from 2022-2032.

Human/Child Development and Family Relations

• Preschool teachers, https://www.bls.gov/OOH/education-training-and-library/preschool-teachers.htm, median salary of $37k, Employment is expected to increase by 3% from 2022-2032.
• Early Childhood Learning is a $22Bn industry employing 296k individuals. Employment in this industry is expected to decrease by 1.2% from 2024-2029 and median salary is $36k.
• Day Care is a $71Bn industry employing 1m individuals. Employment in this industry is expected to increase by 1.2$ from 2024-2029 and median salary is $23k.

• This subsector has a focus on research into the development of humans from early childhood through adulthood and contributes to new approaches to therapy, education, social services and informs the development of new products and services. Family and consumer scientists with this subsector specialization work for state and federal agencies to oversee the development of programs and services, human and child services policy, and standardization, for manufacturers and retainers and more. 

• Early Childhood Learning is a $22Bn industry employing 296k individuals. Employment in this industry is expected to decrease by 1.2% from 2024-2029 and median salary is $36k.

• Day Care is a $71Bn industry employing 1m individuals. Employment in this industry is expected to increase by 1.2$ from 2024-2029 and median salary is $23k.

Personal and Family Finance

• Personal and Family finance focuses on education and training on the development of personal and family budgets, understanding common banking, lending, and leasing terminology and the affects that risk ratings have on credit, how compounding interest will affect loans and credit card bills, and highlights important topics like predatory lending, high interest rates, and common financial scams.  Personal and Family finance better prepares individuals and families to successfully manage their finances.  
• Many states have begun requiring high school graduates pass a personal finance course prior to graduation. The Family and Consumer Sciences subsector specialty in Personal and Family Finance addresses all of the topics typically required by such legislation.
• Personal Financial Advisors, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/personal-financial-advisors.htm, Median Salary: $99k, 13% growth expected from 2022-2032.
• Financial Advisor was ranked #6 in Best Business jobs by U.S. News and World Report in 2023.
• Consumer finance helps people afford products and services by paying in installments over a fixed period of time. The consumer financial services market is made up of key players including credit card services, mortgage lenders, and personal and student loan services.

Textiles, Apparel, and Retailing

• Fashion Design and Merchandising
  
  • Family and Consumer Sciences looks at fashion not only from aesthetics – the art of design – but includes textile science, chemistry, material science, supply chain analysis, imports and exports, regulatory compliance and includes the emerging field of sustainability. 
  • Family and Consumer Scientists graduating from Fashion Design and Merchandising programs work for manufacturers, retailers, and suppliers throughout multiple industries. 
  • 51-6099 Textile, Apparel, and Furnishings Workers, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes516099.htm, Median Salary: $37k. Per NAICS data, Textile Mill industry workers have a median salary of $47k, and employment is expected to grow by .8% from 2023-2028.
  • Fashion Designer, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/fashion-designers.htm, Median salary: $79k, employment is expected to increase by 3% from 2022-2032.
  • Women's Clothing Stores is a $81Bn industry employing 412k individuals. Employment in this industry is expected to grow by 2.2% from 2024-2029 and median salary is $22k.
  • Independent Fashion Design is a $3.3Bn industry employing 40k individuals. Employment in this industry is expected to grow by 3.4% from 2024-2029 and median salary is $33k.
  • Men's Clothing Stores is a $13Bn industry employing 77k individuals. Employment in this industry is expected to grow by 1.9% from 2024-2029 and median salary is $29k
  • Family Clothing Stores is a $198Bn industry employing 993k individuals. Employment in this industry is expected to grow by 2.6% from 2024-2029 and median salary is $22k.
  • Tactical & Service Clothing Manufacturing is a $766m industry employing 5k individuals. Employment in this industry is expected to grow by 0.1% from 2024-2029 and median salary is $38k.
  • Children's & Infants' Clothing Stores is a $9.6Bn industry employing 65k individuals. Employment in this industry is expected to decrease by 0.7% from 2024-2029 and median salary is $16k.
  • Plus-Size Women's Clothing Stores is a $12Bn industry employing 93k individuals. Employment in this industry is expected to increase by 0.5% from 2024-2029 and median salary is $18k.
  • Clothing Boutiques is a $32Bn industry employing 298k individuals. Employment in this industry is expected to increase by 0.9% from 2024-2029 and median salary is $16k.

• Textile Sciences

  • 51-6099 Textile, Apparel, and Furnishings Workers, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes516099.htm, Median Salary: $37k. Per NAICS data, Textile Mill industry workers have a median salary of $47k, and employment is expected to grow by .8% from 2023-2028.

  • Textile Mills are a $44Bn industry employing 168k individuals. Employment in this industry is expected to increase by 0.8% from 2024-2029 and median salary is $46k.

  • Commercial Embroidery Services is a $1Bn industry employing 8k individuals. Employment in this industry is expected to decrease by 0.4% from 2024-2029 and median salary is $37k.

  • Industrial Hemp Production is a $253m industry employing 37k individuals. Employment in this industry is expected to increase by 26% from 2024-2029 and median salary is $4k.

  • Piece Goods, Notions & Other Apparel Wholesaling is a $13Bn industry employing 27k individuals. Employment in this industry is expected to decrease by 0.5% from 2024-2029 and median salary is $59k.

  • Carpet Mills are a $10Bn industry employing 25k individuals. Employment in this industry is expected to increase by 0.8% from 2024-2029 and median salary is $55k.

This research is ongoing, additional data and statistics will be added in the coming weeks.