November 2025 Employment Data Digest

November 2025 Employment Data Digest

• The U.S. economy added 64,000 jobs in November, an increase from the 105,000 jobs lost in October. Some October data were not collected or published due to the government shutdown; therefore, some data comparisons in this edition of the Employment Data Digest reflect changes from September to November.
• The overall unemployment rate increased to 4.6 percent in November, up from 4.4 percent in September.  In contrast, the 55+ unemployment rate decreased from 3.3 percent to 3.1 percent. For men ages 55+, it decreased from 3.4 percent to 3.2 percent. The unemployment rate for women ages 55+ also decreased, from 3.1 percent to 2.9 percent.
• In November, 25.1 percent of jobseekers ages 55+ were long-term unemployed, compared to 25.2 percent of jobseekers ages 16 to 54. 
• The total labor force participation rate was up slightly, from 62.4 percent to 62.5 percent. For those ages 55+, it decreased from 38.1 percent to 37.9 percent. The (unadjusted) rate for those ages 65+ was also down slightly, from 19.5 percent to 19.4 percent.

U.S. WORKFORCE:

• 64,000 jobs added in November ↑
• Unemployment rate: 4.6 percent ↑
• Number of unemployed persons: 7.8 million ↑
• Labor force participation rate: 62.5 percent ↑
• Long-term unemployed ages 16–54: 25.2 percent ↑

55 AND OLDER U.S. WORKFORCE:

• 38.1 million 55+ workers employed in November ↑
• 55+ unemployment rate: 3.1 percent ↓
• Number of 55+ unemployed persons: 1.2 million ↓
• 55+ labor force participation rate: 37.9 percent ↓
• 55+ long-term unemployed: 25.1 percent ↓

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Arrows denote a directional change from the prior month.

About the PPI Monthly Employment Data Digest

The AARP Public Policy Institute’s (PPI) latest monthly digest of employment data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) examines the findings from the Employment Situation Report. It takes a closer look at employment data for people ages 55 and over, including labor force participation, employment rates, and duration of unemployment. 

For more analysis from PPI expert Jennifer Schramm on employment trends and older workers, see our blog.