US Hiring Plans Jump 47% in July, Strongest Since 2022
US employers announced 16,095 planned hires in July, a 47% increase from June and the highest July total since 2022. Year-to-date hiring plans have surged 25% compared to last year.
US-based employers signaled a sharp improvement in hiring intentions last month, announcing plans to add 16,095 jobs in July. That represents a 47% jump from 10,933 in June and is the strongest July figure since 2022. By contrast, July 2025 saw just 3,200 planned hires, or 80% below the current level.
Aerospace and Defense led the way with 4,625 announced hires, followed by Technology (2,470) and Automotive (2,068). The data suggests a broadening of demand beyond the tech sector that had dominated earlier in the recovery.
Year-to-date, US hiring plans have reached 107,500 workers, a 25% increase year-over-year and the highest January-through-July total since 2023. Technology remains the top sector with 17,231 announced hires in 2026, but Automotive (14,704) and Aerospace/Defense (12,516) are closing the gap.
Source: The Kobeissi Letter