Snagajob September Hourly Hiring Report provides insights in absence of BLS data
With the U.S. government shutdown delaying the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ monthly report release, Snagajob’s job posting data provides one of the clearest windows into the state of the hourly labor market. September’s hiring data from Snagajob shows a highly uneven but opportunity-rich hourly labor market as we enter the holiday hiring season. Retail, warehouse and production and transportation rebounded and education remained strong, while hospitality and customer service hiring cooled.
September 2025 Industry Job Posting Trends
Industry-Specific Job Gains and Losses
For the first time in months, Healthcare was no longer the strongest performing industry for Snagajob job postings. While the sector showed additional growth, it was more muted at just 2% MoM. However, employers in this space will continue to struggle filling critical roles in clinics, hospitals, and senior care facilities–especially for certified and skilled hourly workers.
Transportation jobs increased 2.4% month-over-month. This surge is likely tied to logistics providers and delivery services gearing up for peak holiday demand. For hiring managers in transportation and delivery, September’s growth highlights the need to lock in workers early. Waiting until November may mean contending with both retail and warehouse employers for the same labor pool.
Warehouse and production job postings increased 3.8% in September after surging in August. This lower growth rate suggests that while they still need additional help for the holiday shopping session, many employers may have front-loaded staffing ahead of Q4, or are exercising caution given the current economy.
Meanwhile, retail hiring was very robust, up nearly 13% in September after a slower growth of 2% in August. The strong momentum here indicates that holiday hiring is well underway. Retailers that wait until later in the season may face steeper competition not only from other stores but also from transportation companies expanding headcount.
Education also showed strong hiring in September coinciding with the back-to-school hiring season. Hiring in this space is likely to decline in the future as the school year progresses.
Not every consumer-facing industry saw gains. Hospitality job postings on Snagajob contracted by 2.7% in September, signaling that the seasonal peak for leisure travel has passed. These trends free up some workers who may look to transition into retail or delivery jobs as holiday hiring heats up, offering employers an alternative labor source.
What this means for hiring managers
For hourly hiring managers entering the holiday season, three points stand out:
Act early in competitive sectors. Transportation, retail, and healthcare are already accelerating into peak demand. Employers in these sectors should secure workers now, before competition pushes wages higher or labor pools tighten.
Look for opportunity in cooling sectors. Warehouse, hospitality, and education saw hiring ease in September. Managers in other industries can benefit by attracting workers exiting these roles, particularly those seeking temporary or seasonal employment.
Offer stability beyond wages. With external reports signaling macro caution, some workers may prioritize job security and predictable schedules over short-term wage spikes. Employers who can offer stability — even during seasonal peaks — will gain an edge in attracting and retaining staff.
Bottom line
Snagajob’s September hourly hiring data reflects a market in motion. Employers who move quickly in hot sectors, capitalize on talent shifts from cooling industries, and tailor their offers to worker needs will be best positioned to thrive during the holiday season.
As the hourly expert, Snagajob is here to help with your hiring needs. Contact our team today to learn more about our solutions for enterprise, mid-size, and small businesses.
Your Privacy Choices