US job cuts hit 443,600 in 2026; this month saw the most tech layoffs
US job cuts reached 443,600 in the first half of 2026, with the technology sector being the most heavily impacted. Companies are increasingly citing artificial intelligence as the primary driver for workforce restructuring.
Why it matters
The data highlights the significant economic disruption caused by AI adoption in the white-collar labor market.
US-based employees announced 443,600 job cuts across industries from January to June 2026, according to data from Challenger, Gray & Christmas. While, the total highlights a decline of 43% as compared to the same period in 2025, when the federal workforce reductions drive historic highs. As per the report, this year, the technology sector has emerged as the most-affected industry this year. From January to June, the technology companies cut 123,653 jobs, marking a 66% increase compared to the same period last year. The sector has also consistently led in staff reductions with artificial intelligence cited as the primary reason for layoffs for three consecutive months.
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