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Labor Market Cools as Hiring Slows March 10-14, 2025

  • Writer: Leonardo Muñoz
    Leonardo Muñoz
  • Mar 17
  • 2 min read
Your Weekly Breakdown of U.S. Job Market Trends

Tablet displaying a fluctuating statistical graph alongside a blank paper and pen on a desk.

Labor Market Overview


The U.S. labor market exhibited signs of cooling during the week ending March 14, 2025. The unemployment rate edged up to 4.1% in February, slightly higher than January's 4.0%, surpassing market expectations. Nonfarm payroll employment increased by 151,000 in February, falling short of analysts' projections. The Conference Board's Employment Trends Index (ETI) declined to 108.56 in February, the lowest since October, indicating potential challenges ahead.


Industries on the Rise


  • Health Care and Social Assistance: This sector added 63,100 jobs in February, with significant contributions from ambulatory health care services, hospitals, and nursing and residential care facilities. ​


  • Financial Activities: Employment rose by 21,000, notably in real estate, rental and leasing, and insurance carriers.


  • Transportation and Warehousing: The sector saw an increase of 18,000 jobs, with couriers and messengers experiencing notable growth.


Industries Facing Slowdowns


  • Retail Trade: Employment decreased by 6,000 in February, with food and beverage retailers losing 15,000 jobs, partly due to strike activity. ​


  • Leisure and Hospitality: The industry recorded a net loss of approximately 16,000 jobs, signaling potential challenges in consumer spending. ​


  • Government: Federal government employment declined by 10,000, reflecting ongoing workforce reductions.


Top Jobs Roles in Demand


  • Health Care Professionals: Continued demand for roles such as registered nurses and medical technicians.​


  • Financial Analysts and Advisors: Growth in financial activities has increased the need for financial experts.


  • Logistics Coordinators: The rise in transportation and warehousing underscores the demand for logistics professionals.​


Notable Hiring News & Insights


  • Federal Layoffs: Significant layoffs across various federal agencies, including the Department of Health and Human Services and the Internal Revenue Service, have raised concerns about the broader job market.


  • Salary Trends: The wage increase gap between job stayers and switchers has narrowed, with job switchers receiving a 4.8% increase compared to 4.6% for stayers, indicating a challenging environment for those seeking higher pay through job changes.


  • Economic Policies: Upcoming Federal Reserve projections aim to assess the impact of current administration policies, with expectations of lowered growth forecasts and heightened recession risks.


What It All Means For You


  • Adaptability: With certain industries facing slowdowns, flexibility in job search strategies is crucial.​


  • Skill Enhancement: Investing in up-skilling, especially in high-demand sectors like health care and financial services, can improve employment prospects.​


  • Market Awareness: Staying informed about economic policies and industry trends is essential for navigating the evolving job landscape.​

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