December 2025 Employment Data Digest

December 2025 Employment Data Digest

• The U.S. economy added 50,000 jobs in December, a decrease from the 56,000 jobs added in November.
• The overall unemployment rate decreased slightly from 4.5 percent in November to 4.4 percent in December.  The 55+ unemployment rate decreased slightly from 3.1 percent to 3 percent. For men ages 55+, it decreased from 3.2 percent to 3.1 percent. The unemployment rate for women ages 55+ increased slightly, from 2.9 percent to 3 percent.
• In December, 28.2 percent of jobseekers ages 55+ were long-term unemployed, compared to 26.2 percent of jobseekers ages 16 to 54. 
• The total labor force participation rate was down slightly, from 62.5 percent to 62.4 percent. For those ages 55+, it was unchanged at 37.9 percent. The (unadjusted) rate for those ages 65+ was down, from 19.4 percent to 18.8 percent.

U.S. WORKFORCE:

• 50,000 jobs added in December ↓
• Unemployment rate: 4.4 percent ↓
• Number of unemployed persons: 7.5 million ↓
• Labor force participation rate: 62.4 percent ↓
• Long-term unemployed ages 16–54: 26.2 percent ↑         

55 AND OLDER U.S. WORKFORCE:

• 38.1 million 55+ workers employed in December ↔
• 55+ unemployment rate: 3.0 percent ↓
• Number of 55+ unemployed persons: 1.2 million ↔
• 55+ labor force participation rate: 37.9 percent ↔
• 55+ long-term unemployed: 28.2 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.