State of the Sector of Worker Cooperatives and Democratic Workplaces 2025
Worker cooperatives have grown 34% since 2020—now 1,300 firms employing 16,000 workers—with a median pay ratio of just 1.44:1 compared to the U.S. average of 281:1.
Summary
A biennial census report covering 820 identified worker cooperatives and democratic workplaces across the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Highlights include 34% sector growth since 2020, a highly equitable pay ratio, a majority women-led and LGBTQIA+-led workforce, $805M in collective revenue, and key support needs like affordable health insurance and business marketing assistance.
