Labor and Industry Trends

Let's get technical

The February BLS data was “noisy.” About 92,000 jobs were lost, and the unemployment rate sits at 4.4%. Yet, technology remains at the heart of what drives American business today, and the recent data reflects that. Of note is that tech employment across all industry sectors (including tech roles within non-tech companies like healthcare or finance) actually increased by an estimated 177,000. Job posting data from CompTIA indicates other positive trends for the technology sector, including rising AI demand. Job postings for AI roles saw a massive surge, with dedicated AI listings up 79% year-over-year. And active core tech job postings, though new ads slowed slightly in February, remain high at nearly 490,000.

Beyond the numbers

Technology continues to drive American business. Particularly in a time when we are seeing a generational AI-driven remaking of the tech landscape, many companies are utilizing flexible resources to do the mission critical work that needs to be done NOW. We invite clients to work with Kforce experts for support with these high-stakes projects. Kforce draws on our 60+ years of experience navigating changing market conditions to help you understand the true impacts of AI on your business and prepare for future growth.

by Michael Blackman

Published MARCH 18, 2026

MARCH 2026

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by Michael Blackman

Labor and Industry Trends

May 2023

Beyond the Headlines

Business and professional services led the unexpectedly strong job gains in May. This is yet another indication that the market for highly skilled talent remains intact, despite all the headline layoff news. Total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 339,000 in May—almost double the Wall Street consensus of +195k. Meanwhile, the unemployment rate remains low at 3.7%. In times of economic uncertainty, many companies have turned to flexible resources to minimize economic risk.

What Does this Mean for Clients?

Beyond the oft confusing headlines, tech job openings across industries remain solid at 234,000+, according to market research from CompTIA. Top skills are still very much in demand, including software developers and engineers, IT project managers, data analysts and IT support specialists. Interestingly, about one in five tech job openings are in emerging areas like AI. Historically, large-scale innovation increases the demand for technologists, who are often the drivers and architects behind transformative projects. Clients, your Kforce partner is well equipped to help you structure the best solution for your organization. Particularly in technology, which tends to be project driven, a time and materials solution can be very appealing. If you are a highly skilled technologist, Kforce works with a significant majority of Fortune 100 companies and can put you in exciting career-building opportunities.

Monthly Job Creation in the U.S.

February 2022 Through May 2023

Published June 8, 2023

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Michael Blackman

Learn More About Kforce

As Chief Corporate Development Officer at Kforce, Michael Blackman, a 32-year Kforce veteran, is the primary focal point for the firm with the Wall Street and financial communities. He is regularly sought out by leading economists for his perspectives on the economy and labor markets, and he contributes to a number of key proprietary economic publications.

CHIEF CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

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Meet the Author

Learn More About Kforce

As Chief Corporate Development Officer at Kforce, Michael Blackman, a 30-year Kforce veteran, is the primary focal point for the firm with the Wall Street and financial communities. He is regularly sought out by leading economists for his perspectives on the economy and labor markets, and he contributes to a number of key proprietary economic publications.

Michael Blackman

CHIEF CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

Meet the Author

U.S. employment month-to-month change

February 2024 through February 2026

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Feb 2024

Nov 2024

Aug 2025

Nov 2025

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Feb 2025

May 2025

May 2024

Aug 2024

Feb 2026

287K

146K

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300K

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