US Job Seekers Brace for Tighter Market Amid Wage Optimism

Event summary

  • 58% of US job seekers anticipate increased difficulty finding work in 2026.
  • 37% believe there are fewer job opportunities now compared to a year ago, a decline from 48% in 2025.
  • 46% expect overall wages to increase in 2026.
  • 42% of job seekers are actively looking for a new job, a slight decrease from spring 2025.
  • 47% of employed workers report longer hours and increased overtime, particularly among those with household incomes above $50,000.

The big picture

The survey data reveals a bifurcated job market: optimism about wages coexists with a growing sense of scarcity and increased pressure on existing workers. This dynamic suggests a potential shift from a candidate-driven market to one with more employer leverage, but also highlights the risk of employee dissatisfaction and turnover if wage expectations aren't met. Express Employment Professionals' insights offer a valuable barometer of broader economic anxieties and workforce behaviors.

What we're watching

Wage Pressure
While wage expectations remain positive, the difficulty in securing employment could temper actual wage growth, potentially creating a disconnect between perceived and realized gains.
Labor Mobility
The increased intensity of job searches, despite a slight decrease in active seekers, suggests a continued churn in the labor market, which could impact productivity and training costs for employers.
Workload Sustainability
The prevalence of longer hours and overtime, particularly among higher-income workers, raises concerns about burnout and potential attrition if these conditions persist.