The Economic Times

US hiring rate falls to 3.3%, matching COVID-era lows and signaling Recession fears

U.S. hiring rate fell to 3.3%, near a 13-year low, matching 2020 crisis levels. Payroll growth in 2025 was under 600,000 jobs versus a decade average of 1.9 million. Unemployment holds at 4.4%, while wage growth slows. Yet the broader U.S. economic growth rate has remained positive. GDP expanded at a solid pace through 2025. Hiring stalls despite economic expansion. Job seekers face limited opportunities. This unusual labor trend raises questions for policymakers.