Job Hunt Anticipated: Around half of the workforce projects job-seeking within the next twelve months
The job market in the United States in 2025 presents a complex landscape for both new graduates and established workers, shaped by economic, technological, and social changes.
For new graduates, the unemployment rate has risen to 5.8%, a significant increase from the general population's 4% and the highest graduate unemployment since mid-2021. Factors contributing to this tough market include decreased hiring rates, government federal job cuts, and the impact of AI technology reducing entry-level data analysis and content writing roles. Economic uncertainty, partly linked to past trade tariff policies and ongoing business challenges, has disrupted hiring and career opportunities.
However, new graduates are advised to adapt by developing skills aligned with fast-growing sectors like green technologies and digital transformation, and by embracing remote and flexible work opportunities.
For workers in general, the U.S. labor market remains stable but cooling, with unemployment around 4%. Workers’ satisfaction with career opportunities has plateaued for current employees but declined among former employees, indicating dissatisfaction with career prospects after job losses in certain sectors. The quits rate slightly increased, meaning more people are leaving jobs voluntarily despite a softer job market, possibly reflecting a desire for better opportunities or work conditions.
There is a growing emphasis on work-life balance, flexibility, meaningful work, and pay that can keep up with rising living costs, influencing workforce behavior and employer strategies. Industry trends reflect a split: certain sectors linked to green transitions, technology, and remote work are expanding, while others face cutbacks or policy uncertainties, especially within white-collar and government roles.
In summary, new graduates face a notably tougher job market compared to historical norms, with higher unemployment and reduced entry-level opportunities due to AI and government job cutbacks. Meanwhile, the broader workforce experiences steady but cautious job growth amid evolving work preferences and economic uncertainties, highlighting the importance of skill development and flexibility for all job seekers in 2025.
Key findings include: - 25% of workers are very likely to search for a new job. - 48% of workers are likely to search for a new job in the next 12 months. - More than 2 in 5 workers are likely to ask for a raise at work in the next year. - The percentage of workers making under $50,000 per year is 58%. - Among different political affiliations, Republicans are the likeliest to say their employment/career situation has improved. - Millennials are the most likely to feel increasingly worried about their job security. - The percentage of workers making between $50,000-$79,999 per year is 47%. - The percentage of workers making between $80,000-$99,999 per year is 29%. - The percentage of workers making $100,000 per year or more is 41%. - Total nonfarm payroll employment rose by 147,000 jobs in June. - 27% of workers say their level of worry about their job security has worsened since January 2025. - Most other major industries, from construction to professional and business services, had limited new openings in June.
Despite these challenges, the job market in 2025 offers opportunities for those willing to adapt, develop new skills, and embrace the changing landscape.
- To succeed in the complex job market of 2025, individuals should focus on education and self-development, acquiring skills in fast-growing sectors such as green technologies and digital transformation.
- During job-search activities, people may need to prioritize remote and flexible work opportunities, as industries linked to green transitions, technology, and remote work are expanding while others face cutbacks or policy uncertainties.
- Career-development plans should consider the current trend of workers seeking work-life balance, meaningful work, and pay that can keep up with rising living costs, as these factors considerably influence workforce behavior and employer strategies in 2025.
