Abstract: Objective: The layout of urban employment centers is an important index to urban center system. From the perspective of transportation, studying the spatial layout and evolution laws of employment centers is significant for optimizing urban layout and transportation system. Method: Based on the AFC (automatic fare collection) data of Shenzhen Urban Rail Transit in 2015 and 2021, the passenger flow characteristics during peak hours at the Chegongmiao transfer station are analyzed, the definition of urban rail transit employment center stations (hereinafter referred to as ECS) and the concept of station employment index are proposed. Furthermore, a method for identifying urban employment centers based on urban rail transit AFC data is proposed. Finally, the spatial distribution characteristics and evolution rules of ECS in Shenzhen are analyzed. Result &Conclusion: The ECS are divided into three categories: primary employment center, secondary employment center, and general employment center. By identifying the ECS in Shenzhen, it is possible to reflect the spatial distribution of employment centers in the city. The emergence and development of ECS are greatly influenced by factors such as the spatial location of urban rail transit stations, the level of land development along the line, and the introduction of urban rail transit lines. The continuous concentration of employment functions in the central urban area is a key factor in promoting the development of urban employment centers. The use of large\|scale commercial office buildings and the opening of new urban rail transit lines can both strengthen the functions of existing urban employment centers.