Understanding the workforce of a global financial powerhouse like Goldman Sachs can be quite a task, given their dynamic nature and constant evolution. But don't worry, we're going to break it down step-by-step to give you the clearest picture possible, especially focusing on their presence in the United States.
Let's dive in and unravel the numbers!
Step 1: Unveiling the Global Picture First - Why it Matters!
Before we pinpoint the US numbers, let's understand Goldman Sachs's global footprint. Why is this important? Because their operations are highly interconnected, and changes in one region can influence others.
Did you know that Goldman Sachs is a truly global entity, with offices spanning continents and a workforce that reflects this worldwide reach? It's crucial to grasp the overall scale before zooming into a specific geography. As of late 2024 / early 2025, Goldman Sachs has a global workforce of approximately 46,500 employees. This number can fluctuate slightly due to annual talent reviews, hiring, and potential layoffs, which are a regular part of managing a large financial institution. For instance, at the end of 2023, the global headcount was around 45,300.
Step 2: Deconstructing the US Workforce - Getting to the Core of Your Question
Now that we have the global context, let's focus on the United States. Goldman Sachs's primary operations and its global headquarters are located in New York City. This naturally means a significant portion of its workforce is based in the US.
Sub-heading 2.1: The Dominant Share: Americas Region
According to Goldman Sachs's own reporting, as of the end of 2023, 51% of its global headcount was based in the Americas. This percentage gives us a strong indication of the employee count within the United States, as the vast majority of their "Americas" workforce would be in the US.
Let's do some quick math to estimate the US employee count:
Global Employees (approx. as of late 2024/early 2025): 46,500
Percentage in Americas (as of 2023): 51%
Therefore, an estimated number of employees in the Americas (and largely the US) would be: employees.
So, while an exact, real-time figure solely for the US is not always publicly disclosed in isolation from the broader "Americas" region, we can confidently estimate that Goldman Sachs has over 23,000 employees in the United States. This makes the US, by far, their largest employee base.
Sub-heading 2.2: Key US Office Locations
Goldman Sachs maintains a significant presence across various cities in the United States, showcasing its widespread operations. These offices house a diverse range of functions, from investment banking and trading to asset management, technology, and support services.
Some of their prominent US locations include:
New York City, NY: Home to their global headquarters at 200 West Street, this is undoubtedly their largest hub.
Dallas, TX: Their Dallas office is noted as their second largest in the US, reflecting a growing presence outside of traditional financial centers.
Salt Lake City, UT: This office represents Goldman Sachs's third-largest presence in North America, highlighting a strategic expansion into other regions for operational efficiency and talent acquisition.
Alpharetta, GA
Atlanta, GA
Boston, MA
Burlington, VT
Canonsburg, PA
Cohoes, NY
Chicago, IL
Deerfield, IL
Houston, TX
Jersey City, NJ (just across the Hudson from NYC)
Los Angeles, CA
Miami, FL
Philadelphia, PA
San Francisco, CA
Seattle, WA
Washington, D.C.
While specific employee counts for each individual office are not made public, the concentration of locations underscores the substantial number of Goldman Sachs employees based in the US.
Step 3: Understanding Fluctuations in Workforce Size - A Dynamic Environment
It's important to remember that the number of employees at a large, dynamic firm like Goldman Sachs is never static. There are several factors that contribute to these fluctuations:
Sub-heading 3.1: Annual Talent Reviews and Layoffs
Goldman Sachs, like many major corporations, conducts annual talent reviews. These reviews can sometimes lead to workforce adjustments, including layoffs, as part of performance management or strategic shifts. For example, reports have indicated that the firm has undertaken various rounds of workforce reductions in recent years, sometimes affecting a percentage of its workforce. These are often described as "normal, standard, and customary" processes aimed at ensuring efficiency and aligning talent with business needs.
Sub-heading 3.2: Hiring and Growth Initiatives
Conversely, Goldman Sachs is consistently hiring new talent, especially in areas of strategic growth like technology, digital transformation, and new business ventures. The firm receives over a million applications annually, highlighting its strong appeal as an employer. They are actively recruiting through various avenues, including university programs, experienced hires, and specialized programs for veterans and individuals returning from career breaks.
Sub-heading 3.3: Economic Conditions and Market Trends
The broader economic climate and specific market trends in the financial industry also play a significant role. Periods of strong deal-making and market activity might lead to increased hiring, while downturns could result in more conservative staffing or reductions.
Step 4: Delving Deeper: The Human Capital Management Perspective
Goldman Sachs places significant emphasis on its Human Capital Management (HCM) division, recognizing that its people are its most valuable asset. This division is responsible for attracting, developing, and retaining talent.
Sub-heading 4.1: Strategies for Talent Management
The HCM teams at Goldman Sachs engage in various initiatives to support their workforce:
Recruitment and Onboarding: Attracting top talent from diverse backgrounds globally.
Learning and Development: Providing extensive training programs to enhance skills and career growth.
Performance Management: Implementing frameworks like "Three Conversations at GS" to facilitate ongoing feedback and development.
Diversity and Inclusion: Fostering an inclusive workplace where all employees can thrive.
Wellness and Benefits: Offering comprehensive benefits and resources to support employees' well-being.
Sub-heading 4.2: The Role of Technology in HR
Goldman Sachs is also at the forefront of leveraging technology, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), in its HR operations. They recently rolled out a generative AI assistant, "GS AI Assistant," across their global workforce, including in the US. This tool is designed to enhance productivity by assisting with tasks like drafting research notes, summarizing documents, replying to client queries, and generating software code. This indicates a commitment to optimizing their workforce's efficiency through technological innovation.
Step 5: Where to Find the Latest Information - Staying Updated
Given the dynamic nature of employee counts, it's always best to refer to the most official and recent sources for the most up-to-date information.
Sub-heading 5.1: Official Company Reports
Goldman Sachs's annual reports (Form 10-K) and investor relations sections on their official website are the most authoritative sources for detailed workforce data. These reports provide audited figures and strategic insights into their human capital.
Sub-heading 5.2: Reputable Financial News Outlets and Research Platforms
Financial news outlets like Reuters, Bloomberg, and reputable financial data platforms such as Macrotrends, Forbes, and WallStreetZen often publish articles and statistics based on company disclosures or their own research. These can be excellent for staying informed on recent trends and estimates.
Remember, the figures might vary slightly between sources depending on the reporting period and how "employees" are defined (e.g., full-time equivalents vs. contractors).
Frequently Asked Questions about Goldman Sachs Employees in the US
Here are 10 related FAQ questions, starting with 'How to', with their quick answers:
How to find the official employee count for Goldman Sachs globally?
You can find the official global employee count in Goldman Sachs's annual reports (Form 10-K) filed with the SEC, or on their investor relations section of the official website, typically updated annually.
How to estimate the number of Goldman Sachs employees in the US specifically?
While an exact US-only figure isn't always isolated, you can estimate it by taking the global employee count and applying the percentage of employees located in the "Americas" region, as reported by Goldman Sachs. As of 2023, 51% of their global workforce was in the Americas, which is predominantly the US.
How to understand why Goldman Sachs's employee count fluctuates?
Employee counts fluctuate due to factors like annual talent reviews (which can lead to layoffs or promotions), ongoing hiring initiatives in growth areas, and broader economic conditions influencing the financial industry.
How to identify Goldman Sachs's largest US office locations?
Goldman Sachs's largest US office is its global headquarters in New York City. Other significant hubs include Dallas, TX, and Salt Lake City, UT.
How to learn about Goldman Sachs's approach to human capital management?
You can learn about their human capital management strategies, including recruitment, development, and well-being initiatives, on the "Our People and Leadership" and "Careers" sections of the official Goldman Sachs website.
How to discover if Goldman Sachs uses AI in its HR or employee operations?
Yes, Goldman Sachs has rolled out a generative AI assistant, "GS AI Assistant," across its global workforce to enhance productivity. Information on this can often be found in their news releases or HR technology reports.
How to know if Goldman Sachs is currently hiring in the US?
Goldman Sachs is almost always hiring. You can check their official "Careers" portal on their website to see current job openings in the US and globally.
How to understand the different types of roles Goldman Sachs offers in the US?
Goldman Sachs offers a wide range of roles in the US, including investment banking, global markets (sales and trading), asset and wealth management, technology, risk management, human resources, legal, and operations.
How to find reports on diversity and inclusion within Goldman Sachs's US workforce?
Goldman Sachs often publishes detailed reports on its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, which can be found in their sustainability reports or dedicated D&I sections on their corporate website.
How to get a job at Goldman Sachs in the US?
To get a job at Goldman Sachs in the US, you typically need to apply through their official careers portal. The process often involves submitting a resume, online assessments, interviews (virtual and in-person), and networking. Strong academic performance and relevant experience are often key.