Federal Worker Job Applications Surge 75% as DOGE Cuts Reshape Labor Market

Highly educated federal employees face challenges finding roles in a weakening white-collar job market as layoffs disrupt government agencies.

Job applications from federal employees in DOGE-targeted agencies have increased by 75% compared to 2022, reflecting unprecedented turnover during a presidential administration.
The layoffs disproportionately affect highly educated workers, with nearly 70% of job seekers from these agencies holding at least a bachelor's degree.
Specialized job searches, such as 'horticulture' and 'employee relations,' have spiked, highlighting challenges for displaced workers with niche skills.
The broader economic impact remains uncertain, but risks include increased unemployment, reduced consumer spending, and challenges absorbing these workers into a cooling job market.
DOGE cuts have already resulted in a decline of 10,000 federal jobs in February 2025, with further layoffs and their economic effects still unfolding.