Small business hiring showed modest improvement in June, according to the latest Jobs Report from the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), although many employers continue to struggle to find qualified workers.
The NFIB's monthly Small Business Employment Index remained virtually unchanged at 100.2 in June, just below this year's average but slightly above the five-decade average of 100.0. Meanwhile, 32% of small business owners reported job openings they were unable to fill, up 3 percentage points from May, while 62% said they were hiring or attempting to hire.
Hiring challenges persist, however. More than half (51%) of employers seeking workers reported receiving few or no qualified applicants. Additionally, 19% cited labor quality or availability as their single biggest business problem, up 6 points from May.
"Main Street job openings are starting to pick up after a decline in May," said NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg. "While more small businesses are looking to hire, many owners still cannot find qualified workers."
Looking ahead, a net 11% of owners plan to add jobs over the next three months, matching the historical average. Compensation pressures also eased, with fewer businesses reporting wage increases or plans to raise pay.
Click here to view the entire NFIB Jobs Report.
Visit nfib.com for more information.
[07.07.26]
