This year’s college graduates face a tough job market despite a low 4.2% U.S. unemployment rate, according to Barron's. Employers expect to increase entry-level hiring by just 0.6% this year, with 11% planning to hire fewer new graduates. Hiring hesitancy stems from economic uncertainty, Trump-era tariffs, and fears of future labor shortages. Nursing, special education, electronics engineering, government services, and sales are the top fields for entry-level hiring, while engineering jobs offer the highest pay. The labor market outlook for young workers hinges on tariff impacts and immigration policy, while persistent high tariffs could trigger layoffs and tougher competition.
