May 2025 REPORT
Main Street growth lags behind prior years as summer begins
Key findings:
- Labor participation and employee activity increased in May, but gains were more modest than in past years, signaling a slower start to the summer season.
- The Northeast and Midwest led growth, while Southern and Western regions experienced declines, widening regional disparities.
- Job gains in Entertainment and Home & Repair point to strong seasonal hiring, though momentum has cooled compared to prior summers.
- Wages remained flat, and while hiring rose in May, job growth is still 4% below last year. Turnover rose slightly but remains 10% lower than May 2024.
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