U.S. Employers Announced 43,994 Job Cuts in October, Down 71% Year Over Year

U.S. employers announced plans to eliminate 43,994 jobs in October, 71% below a year earlier and the lowest monthly total since 2023, with hiring plans at their highest October level since at least 2009.

October’s cut total was 2% higher than September’s 43,281. The September job-cut figures were 18% below August and 20% lower than September 2025. Announced cuts from January through September totaled 573,195, down from 946,426 in the same period of 2025.

Food companies accounted for 9,677 cuts announced in October. Technology had the highest year-to-date industry total, with 171,501 announced cuts.

Employers planned to hire 444,692 workers in October, a 57% increase from October 2025. Announced job cuts do not confirm how many job losses were completed.