Employment
Anne Arundel County maintains a low unemployment rate and is home to a highly educated, skilled workforce across a diverse range of industries. It also supports many of Maryland’s leading employers, including the state’s top employer, Fort Meade.
Because a strong and stable workforce is critical to business success, we strive to provide the most up-to-date employment data through our Research Library and connect employers with valuable resources across the county.
Top Employers
From federal, state, and county government entities to Fortune 500 companies in the private sector, Anne Arundel is home to some of Maryland’s top employers. *
| Government Employer | Estimated Number of Employees | Product or Service |
|---|---|---|
| Fort George G. Meade | 64,000+ | 120+ partner organizations including the National Security Agency, Defense Information System Agency, and U.S. Cyber Command |
| Anne Arundel County Public Schools | 12,083 | County public education K-12 (employee number includes full-time, part-time & contractual employees |
| State of Maryland | 11,865 | State government services |
BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport | 10,000 | Regional airport |
| Anne Arundel County Government | 6,847 | Local government services (including temporary employees) |
| U.S. Naval Academy / Naval Support Activity | 3,000 | Federal naval education facility and support facilities |
| Anne Arundel Community College | 1,226 | Public two-year college |
| U.S. Coast Guard Yard & Tenant Command | 598 | U.S. Coast Guard, industrial supply, logistics and operational support |
| City of Annapolis Government | 550 | Government services |
| Private Employer | Estimated Number of Employees | Product or Service |
|---|---|---|
| Northrop Grumman | 10,700 | CHDQT, Electronic Systems Sector & marine division |
| Southwest Airlines | 5,224 | Airline |
| Anne Arundel Health System | 2,985 | Hospital |
| University of MD Baltimore Washington Medical Center | 3,242 | Hospital |
| Live! Casino and Hotel | 3,000 | Casino |
| Allegis Group | 2,200 | HDQT, IT & engineering placement |
| Amazon | 2,000 | Warehouse & Distribution |
| RTX Corporation | 1,708 | Commercial Aircraft Electronics |
| Booz Allen Hamilton | 1,400 | Information assurance & signals intelligence solutions |
| Jacobs | 1,397 | Headquarters, IT services |
*This data was compiled by AAEDC in January 2026
Employment Research
Our Research Library includes the latest data on Anne Arundel County’s economy, with employment highlighted in two key reports
- Anne Arundel County At A Glance (monthly): Current employment data at the county, state, and national levels
- Quarterly Economic Indicators: Insights on employment, labor force, real estate, housing, tourism, cost of living, and more
Each report compares current figures to one and/or two years prior, providing clear context and trend analysis. The library also includes custom reports on commuting patterns, business activity, and workforce shifts.
Employment Support
AAEDC works closely with the Anne Arundel Workforce Development Corporation (AAWDC) and other local partners to help businesses find, hire, and retain talent.
Through ongoing engagement with employers, these partners identify emerging workforce needs and provide timely support and resources. AAWDC also offers programs, career fairs, and events to help businesses attract, develop, and upskill their workforce.
Employment Resources
Our Resource Library connects you to trusted county, regional, and state programs along with AAEDC resources to help you find, hire, and retain employees in Anne Arundel County.
How AAEDC Can Help?
AAEDC helps employers build and strengthen their workforce by:
- Promoting hiring events in partnership with AAWDC
- Connecting businesses to apprenticeship and workforce training programs
- Highlighting employer support programs, including tax credits, training grants, and transportation resources
- Providing access to low-interest financing for hiring, training, and working capital through the VOLT Fund