American companies announced 153,074 job cuts in October 2025, marking the highest total for the month in over two decades and signaling deepening concerns about the labor market as artificial intelligence reshapes industries and cost-cutting accelerates across sectors. The October figure represents a staggering 183% surge from September's 54,064 cuts and a 175% increase compared to October 2024, according to data released by outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas. This brings the year-to-date total to 1,099,500 job cuts—a 65% jump from the same period last year and the highest level since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. "Like in 2003, a disruptive technology is changing the landscape," said Andy Challenger, workplace expert and chief revenue officer at Challenger, Gray & Christ

See Full Page