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4w ago

Federal Job Applications Surge 75% as DOGE Layoffs Reshape Workforce

Highly educated federal workers face a tough job market as the Department of Government Efficiency's cuts disrupt agencies nationwide.

Job-search activity is surging for a subset of federal workers.
Data: Indeed; Note: Seasonally adjusted, three-month moving average, excluding postal workers; DOGE targets include CFPB, USAID, EPA, USDA, NIH, FAA, Dept. of Energy and Dept. of Interior; Chart: Axios Visuals
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Overview

  • Applications from workers at DOGE-targeted agencies, such as USAID and USDA, have risen 75% compared to 2022, reflecting the unprecedented scale of workforce disruption.
  • Nearly 70% of job-seeking federal employees hold at least a bachelor’s degree, intensifying competition in a cooling white-collar job market.
  • Specialized job searches, including terms like 'horticulture' and 'policy analyst,' have spiked, highlighting challenges for displaced workers with niche expertise.
  • Federal job cuts reduced employment by 10,000 positions in February, with more layoffs expected in the coming months as some firings face legal challenges.
  • Economists warn of potential economic risks, including reduced consumer spending and heightened unemployment, as uncertainty surrounds the broader impact of the cuts.