US Job Creation Plummets to Post-COVID Low in 2025

Washington D.C. - The United States experienced its weakest year for job creation since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2025, with employment growth slowing significantly, according to Labor Department data released this week. Employers added a modest 50,000 jobs in December, fewer than expected, and the unemployment rate dipped slightly to 4.4%.

Job gains in 2025 averaged 49,000 per month, a sharp decline from the 168,000 jobs added monthly in 2024, according to the BBC. This slowdown occurred despite an economic growth rate of 4.3%, driven primarily by consumer spending and exports.

The weak employment figures reflect an environment marked by significant policy shifts under US President Donald Trump, including tariffs, stricter immigration enforcement, and cuts to government spending, the BBC reported. While the US economy has demonstrated resilience in the face of these changes, the labor market has struggled.

The Labor Department data also included downward revisions to job creation figures for October and November. Several sectors experienced job losses, including retail and manufacturing.

The slowdown in job creation raises concerns about the long-term health of the US economy. The coming months will be critical in determining whether this is a temporary setback or a sign of a more persistent trend.