As 2026 gets underway, the U.S. job market is sending a familiar but nuanced set of signals. Seasonal slowdowns are in full effect. Year-over-year comparisons point to continued caution. And yet, beneath the surface, there are clear pockets of resilience and opportunity.

Bullhorn’s monthly job market trends, which are compiled based on data that tracks millions of job openings in real time, show a labor market that’s recalibrating rather than retreating. While overall job volume dipped in December, certain industries are gaining traction, specific skills are rising fast, and compensation remains competitive in high-demand fields.

For staffing leaders, this is the moment to move beyond headlines and focus on where momentum is actually building. Let’s take a closer look at what’s shaping the market right now, and how firms can turn these trends into a strategic advantage.

Hiring slows year-over-year, with strength in tech and manufacturing

December typically brings a natural slowdown as companies close out budgets and pause hiring for the holidays. This year followed that pattern. Job openings declined month-over-month, and most major sectors also saw year-over-year drops.

Professional and healthcare roles each declined by roughly 13% compared to December 2024, reflecting tighter budgets, longer approval cycles, and more cautious workforce planning.

But, two sectors stood out. Manufacturing job openings rose 4.6% year-over-year, signaling steady demand tied to infrastructure investment and supply chain resilience. Technology roles increased by 3.7%, a meaningful shift after several quarters of volatility.

This aligns with other Bullhorn data, including the SIA | Bullhorn IT Staffing Indicator, which points to early signs of stabilization in tech hiring.

Broad-based rebounds aren’t here, but targeted opportunities are emerging. Firms that align sales, sourcing, and marketing efforts around resilient sectors will outperform those waiting for a universal upswing.

Communication becomes the fastest-growing in-demand skill

One of the most striking findings this month isn’t about job titles—it’s about skills.

Across industries, communication and teamwork are appearing in job descriptions at faster rates than any other competencies. Employers are increasingly prioritizing candidates who can collaborate, coordinate, and connect across teams.

This reflects a broader shift in how work gets done. Modern organizations are more cross-functional than ever. Projects span departments. Teams are often distributed. Technology enables speed, but people still drive outcomes. As a result, relational skills are becoming core business capabilities.

We’re seeing strong growth in requirements related to:

• Verbal and written communication
• Team collaboration
• Stakeholder coordination
• Adaptability in group settings

Even in highly technical roles, employers are looking for professionals who can translate expertise into action and work effectively with others. Technical skills still matter, but they’re no longer enough on their own.

Recruiters who help candidates articulate their soft skills will create stronger matches and faster placements. This means coaching talent to highlight:

• How they’ve worked cross-functionally
• How they’ve resolved conflicts or managed priorities
• How they’ve contributed to team outcomes

AI-powered screening and matching tools that understand context—not just keywords—are especially valuable here. They can surface candidates whose experience reflects real collaboration, even when resumes don’t use obvious buzzwords.

Defense roles lead salary growth as demand stays strong

While many sectors are moderating compensation, defense stands out as a clear exception. In 2025, posted salaries for defense-related roles rose nearly 17% on average—more than double the increase seen in the next-highest sector, leisure.

This reflects sustained investment in national security, infrastructure, and advanced systems, combined with a limited supply of specialized talent. 

But defense isn’t the only area seeing upward pressure. Wage growth is also holding up in:

• Cleaning and facilities roles
• Leisure and hospitality
• Engineering and technical fields
• Communication-focused positions

Together, these trends suggest that when demand is strong and skills are scarce, employers are still willing to pay for quality.

Compensation strategy is becoming a differentiator. Recruiters who understand market-rate shifts—and communicate them clearly to both clients and candidates—will win more trust and close more deals.

Now is the time to:

• Benchmark salaries frequently using live data
• Educate clients on competitive pay realities
• Position candidates effectively in high-growth segments

In tight talent markets, insight equals influence. Check out Bullhorn Insights for more recruitment intelligence.