More Jobs, Higher Bar: The 2026 AI Employer Report
AI's introduction to the labor market got off to a rocky start, with speculation that it would be a massive job killer. The data tells a different story. Instead of cutting headcount to save money, companies are using AI to reshape their teams, speed up hiring processes, and raise the bar on what they expect from employees. AI adoption is ramping up, and so far, it looks like a net positive for job creation.
ZipRecruiter’s Graduate Survey 2026
As the labor market has remained stalled for much of the last year, the entry-level job market is tightening. These roles are harder to find and more competitive right now than more senior positions. ZipRecruiter’s data shows that more job seekers are competing for entry-level positions, while fewer of the available jobs are actually entry-level. This means emerging talent faces more competition to get their foot in the door.
ZipRecruiter Graduate Survey 2025
ZipRecruiter’s recent study of U.S. employers found that 76% planned to expand headcount in 2025, with 53% anticipating modest increases and 23% expecting more significant growth. Will these plans shake out? And how will that translate to hiring for the newest class of labor market entrants?
The class of 2025 expects to find work quickly, and many are beginning their job search well ahead of graduation. Yet for those who already graduated, the job hunt has often proven more protracted, salaries lower than expected, and the transition to work more rigid than they had hoped.