US September Hiring Plans Weakest Since 2011
US employers announced 90,787 planned hires in September, the lowest September reading since 2011, while seasonal hiring also trails last year's pace.
US hiring intentions stayed subdued in September. Employers announced 90,787 planned hires, down 23% from 117,313 in September 2025 and the weakest September total since 2011, according to data cited by The Kobeissi Letter.
Retail accounted for the largest share last month with 65,150 announced hires, followed by aerospace and defense at 5,300. Seasonal hiring has also been muted: employers have announced about 62,000 seasonal hires so far, compared with 100,800 announced by seasonal employers last September.
Year-to-date, announced US hiring plans stand at 210,612, the second-lowest total for the first nine months in at least 10 years. By sector, retail leads with 66,557 announcements, followed by technology at 22,361 and aerospace and defense at 21,841.
Source: The Kobeissi Letter