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The latest employment summary from the U.S. Department of Labor finds employment levels in U.S. manufacturing declined by another 12,000 jobs August. This follows a loss of 11,000 jobs in July and 7,000 jobs. Manufacturing jobs are down by 78,000 since the start of 2025, reports the Dept. of Labor.
Meanwhile, the overall jobs report found the U.S. economy added 22,000 jobs in August, running behind the 73,000 jobs the economy gained in July. The unemployment rate was little changed at 4.3%. Employment gains were led by health care.
Additionally, the latest Job Openings and Labor Turnover survey finds that unfilled positions in U.S. manufacturing increased to 462,000 unfilled positions in July, compared to 393,000 open positions in June. (JOLTS data runs a month behind).
Meanwhile, a more in-depth look at the data from the Labor Department finds some notable gains—and losses within specific subsectors. Let’s take a look:
In August, losses were led by the durable goods sector, which shed 19,000 jobs. The non-durable goods sector however gained 7,000 jobs for a net loss of 12,000 jobs for the sector. Next, we’ll explore gains and losses in specific industry subsectors.
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Employment losses in August were overwhelmingly led by the transportation equipment sector, which shed 14,500 jobs, largely on strike activity at Boeing. Other industries losing jobs included semiconductors and electronic components (-3,700 jobs); computer & electronic products (-2,100 jobs); furniture (-2,000 jobs); primary metals (1,300 jobs); and printing & related support activities (-1,100).
Additional marginal losses were seen in paper products, nonmetallic minerals, and wood products.
August was not without its manufacturing job gains. Plastics & rubber products gained 4,300 workers; food manufacturing gained 3,100; chemical manufacturing was up by 2,400 jobs; and machinery gained 1,200. Other slight gains were seen in textile mills, computer & peripheral equipment; communications equipment; and fabricated metals.
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Source: https://www.bls.gov/news.release/empsit.t17.htm
Editor's note: This article is updated on the first Friday of every month, based on the latest data released by the Department of Labor.