August marked a meaningful rebound for the labor market, with hiring activity recovering from the softer pace seen earlier in the summer. The latest data suggests employers are continuing to add talent, reflecting steady business demand and renewed confidence in key areas of the economy.
| Metric | August 2026 | Change / Notes |
| Job openings | 7.3 million | Little change |
| Quits | 3.1 million | Little change |
| New Jobs Added | +162,000 | Above the prior 12-month average of +31,000; July revised from −23,000 to +21,000. |
| Total Hires | 5.1 million | Little change |
| Total Separations | 5.1 million | Little change |
| Layoffs and discharges | 1.7 million | Little change |
| Average hourly earnings | $37.75 | Up $0.10, or 0.3%, month over month |
| Labor force participation ate | 61.6% | Up 0.2 percentage point from July; down 0.5 percentage point since January |
While the overall hiring picture improved, growth was not evenly distributed across all industries. Some sectors expanded more aggressively than others, reinforcing a labor market that remains selective rather than broadly accelerated. Employers continue to focus their hiring efforts on roles that directly support operations, customer demand, and long-term business priorities.
For recruiters and talent leaders, the report points to a market where opportunities exist but competition for the right talent remains strong. Job seekers with in-demand skills and employers with targeted hiring strategies are likely to be best positioned as the labor market continues its steady advance.
Get the easy to read Jobs Report recap:
Sources:
Past Reports
