Natural gas distribution
NAICS Code: 221200
BLS projects Natural gas distribution to contract -3.2% through 2034 - 5.6 points slower than the 2.4% average across 291 U.S. industries, faster-growing than 20% of them. It ranks among the contracting industries projected through 2034.
Where Natural gas distribution sits among all industries
Projected 2024-2034 growth across 291 U.S. industries (BLS). This industry is marked in rose.
Where Natural gas distribution sits by projected growth
Projected employment change across tracked industries
-3.2% Top 80% higher than 20% of 291 industries
Industries, banded by projected growth
Each bar is a band; taller bars hold more industries. The dashed line + filled bar mark this entry. Hover or tap any bar for its full count and share, and where it sits relative to this entry.
Source BLS Employment Projections · 2026-05-15
Contraction read
Signature: -3.2% projected BLS growth for Natural gas distribution .
Projected decline plus a mid-sized public-company sample argues for checking adjacent occupations before treating any single firm grade as destiny.
NAICS 221200 · 116,100 workers (2024, ×1k) · source BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034. Employer AI grades are occupation-weighted scores from our SEC cohort, not automation predictions for every establishment in Natural gas distribution.
Peer Industries by Employment
How Natural gas distribution (NAICS 221200) compares to industries of similar size, ordered by 2024 BLS employment.
| Industry | 2024 | Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Motion picture and video exhibition | 118,500 | +1.6% |
| Farm and garden machinery and equipment merchant wholesalers | 116,700 | -0.4% |
| Natural gas distribution | 116,100 | -3.2% |
| Psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals; state | 115,200 | -7.4% |
| Support activities for road transportation | 114,700 | +3.7% |
| Computer and peripheral equipment manufacturing | 110,300 | +1.4% |
Peers are selected by similarity in 2024 employment. Figures in thousands. Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people work in Natural gas distribution?
As of 2024, the Natural gas distribution industry employs approximately 116,100 workers in the United States, according to BLS Employment Projections data.
Is Natural gas distribution growing or declining?
The Natural gas distribution industry is projected to decline by 3.2% from 2024 to 2034, a net change of -3,700 jobs over the decade.
Which public companies sit near Natural gas distribution?
We have not yet matched a public-company cohort to Natural gas distribution. Browse the employer AI risk directory for sector-level peers.
How will AI affect the Natural gas distribution industry?
AI impact on the Natural gas distribution industry depends on the occupation mix inside it. View occupation-level AI exposure scores and employer risk grades for the measurable signals we publish.
Where to look next under contraction
What to do with this
Use Natural gas distribution's employment and exposure numbers above to look up individual employers and occupations, not just the industry aggregate.
- See how public employers in this and other industries rank nationwide by AI displacement risk. Employer AI risk rankings
- Browse individual occupations to see exposure and wage detail below the industry level. Browse all occupations
- Compare this industry's outlook against a specific occupation or employer using the interactive tool. Workforce comparison tool
Industry-level figures are aggregates; individual employer and occupation outcomes vary.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024-2034; SEC employer metadata for AI grades Employment figures in thousands. Employer grades are occupation-weighted exposure scores, not firm automation forecasts