Job Market Dashboard
Nonfarm Payrolls at 159.0M — job market is stable
Trend History
Nonfarm Payrolls — 159.0M
Analysis
Nonfarm Payrolls is currently 158984K, up 0.0% from last period. The average over this data range is 155612.97K. Near average — stable conditions.
Job Openings (JOLTS) is currently 7594K, up 0.1% from last period. The average over this data range is 8903.17K. Below average and trending down — a concern.
Initial Jobless Claims is currently 208000K, down 3.7% from last period. The average over this data range is 227827.59K. Below average — a favorable level.
Avg Weekly Hours (Mfg) is currently 41.6 hrs, up 0.0% from last period. The average over this data range is 40.99 hrs. Near average — stable conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Job Market News & Analysis
Mar 16, 2026 · LayoffWatcher Editorial
Job Market Churn: 84,000 Jobs Vanish in Canada, US Claims at 213,000
The start of 2026 reveals a struggling global job market, with Canada notably shedding **84,000 jobs**. While US jobless claims edged down to **213,000**, the overall picture points to deepening challenges for workers seeking employment.
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Mar 15, 2026 · LayoffWatcher Editorial
US Loses 92,000 Jobs: 2026 Job Market Off to a Brutal Start
The U.S. job market recorded a net loss of **92,000 jobs**, defying expectations and deepening worries about economic stability. This unexpected contraction signals a challenging start to 2026, extending the "bruising" conditions of 2025.
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Mar 13, 2026 · LayoffWatcher Editorial
8.1M Job Openings vs 225K Weekly Claims — Reading the Real Labor Market
The headlines say the job market is strong. The data says something more complicated. Here's what JOLTS, payrolls, and claims actually tell you.
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