59%
of employed Iranian-Americans work in the private sector — the most common employment type for both men and women.
- Women are more likely than men to work in the public sector (17% vs 12%) or non-profits (12% vs 6%)
- Self-employment is more common among men (23% vs 14%) and in the first generation than the second (20% vs 15%)
26%
of employed Iranian-Americans work in professional or managerial occupations.
- Iranian immigrants are self-employed at 19%, above the 12% for all U.S. immigrants
- Arts, food and hospitality is their most common business sector (24%)
Employment of Iranian-Americans: First Generation
Private sector employee Public sector employee Non-profit employee
Self-employed No work in last 5 years
Self-employed No work in last 5 years
Source: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 2020–2024 5-Year PUMS
Employment type reflects primary job held in the past year.
Employment of Iranian-Americans: Second Generation
Private sector employee Public sector employee Non-profit employee
Self-employed No work in last 5 years
Self-employed No work in last 5 years
Source: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 2020–2024 5-Year PUMS
Employment type reflects primary job held in the past year.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 2020–2024 5-Year PUMS
Employed Iranian-American residents (first and second generation) aged 16+.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 2020–2024 5-Year PUMS
Self-employed (class of worker), Iran-born residents aged 20+.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 2020–2024 5-Year PUMS
Self-employed (class of worker), Iran-born residents aged 20+.