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August 2025 Overview
The American employment landscape is constantly changing. Keep up-to-date with the most recent trends with our monthly Employment Landscape Overview. Figures and statistics sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the American Staffing Association
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Unemployment changed a little at 4.3%
The unemployment rate changed a little at 4.3 percent, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Employment continued to trend up in health care and social assistance. Federal government continued to lose jobs.
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Long-term unemployed increased
In August, the number of long-term unemployed (those jobless for 27 weeks or more) increased by 385,000 for the year, to 1.9 million. The long-term unemployed accounted for 25.7 percent of all unemployed people.
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Labor force participation changed a little
In August, the labor force participation rate changed little by increasing to 62.3 percent.
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Average hourly earnings rose by $0.10
Average hourly earnings for all employees on private nonfarm payrolls rose by 10 cents, or 0.3 percent, to $36.53 in August. Over the past 12 months, average hourly earnings have increased by 3.7 percent. In August, average hourly earnings of private-sector production and nonsupervisory employees rose by 12 cents, or 0.4 percent, to $31.46.
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Number of people working part time for economic reasons changed a little from 4.7M
The number of people employed part time for economic reasons, at 4.7 million, changed little in August. These individuals would have preferred full-time employment but were working part time because their hours had been reduced, or they were unable to find full-time jobs.
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People not in the labor force who currently want a job was essentially unchanged from last month
In August, the number of people not in the labor force who currently want a job was little changed at 6.4 million. These individuals were not counted as unemployed because they were not actively looking for work during the 4 weeks preceding the survey or were unavailable to take a job.
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Temp penetration rate decreased
Temporary help employment decreased to 1.57 of total nonfarm employment in August.
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Temp help jobs decreased
Temporary help jobs in August increased to 2.9%, seasonally adjusted, from last month.
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Nonfarm payroll employment changed little
Total nonfarm payroll employment changed little in August (+22,000).
In August, employment continued to trend up in:-healthcare (+31k)
-social assistance (+16k)
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Industry Trends
Broadleaf summarizes the latest industry trends each month to keep you informed as you make decisions about the future of your business.
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The "Great Tech Hiring Freeze" Continues
Tech job postings have plunged since early 2022, with senior-level positions down 19% and standard/junior roles down 34% from pre-pandemic levels as of early 2025. Over 26,000 additional tech jobs were cut through early 2025, though layoffs are increasingly focused rather than panic-driven mass cuts.
Current Tech Market Landscape:
Senior Roles Down 19%: Standard/junior roles down 34% from pre-pandemic
Experience Requirements Rising: 5+ years required roles: 37% → 42%
Entry-Level Squeeze: Entry positions fell 46% → 40%
Early Career Challenges: Fewer entry points and reduced opportunities for career progression
Cascading Effects: Reduced job-hopping limitsRecovery Outlook & Adaptation Strategies
Market Recovery Indicators: Strategic Hiring Returns: Tech sector experiencing a rebound with highly selective and strategic hiring, prioritizing specialized talent with interdisciplinary skills
Sustained Interest: Tech job postings still accounted for 37% of applications from tech workers in June 2025, slightly above pre-decline levelsFuture Positioning
Adapt to New Reality: Organizations embracing specialized, AI-integrated workflows while tech professionals focus on developing interdisciplinary skills and substantial experience to navigate the evolved landscape