Part-Time for Economic Reasons
Workers in part-time jobs who want full-time work
What is the current Part-Time for Economic Reasons?
4.4 million Americans are working part-time for economic reasons — they want full-time work but can't find it or had hours cut. This measure of labor market underutilization captures hidden unemployment that headline numbers miss. Source: BLS via FRED (LNS12032194).
Part-Time for Economic Reasons at 4,888
Tracking improving relative to recent baseline.
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How has Part-Time for Economic Reasons changed over time?
| Period | Value | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 2026 | 4,396 | −527.00 |
| Jan 2026 | 4,873 | +395.00 |
| Dec 2025 | 5,341 | +980.00 |
| Nov 2025 | 5,487 | +1024.00 |
| Sep 2025 | 4,594 | −49.00 |
| Aug 2025 | 4,755 | −73.00 |
| Jul 2025 | 4,689 | +120.00 |
| Jun 2025 | 4,473 | +237.00 |
| May 2025 | 4,624 | +208.00 |
| Apr 2025 | 4,686 | +229.00 |
| Mar 2025 | 4,771 | +478.00 |
| Feb 2025 | 4,923 | +574.00 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'part-time for economic reasons' mean?
This counts workers who want full-time jobs but are stuck in part-time positions because of slack business conditions or inability to find full-time work. At 4.4 million, it signals significant hidden underemployment.
Why does involuntary part-time work matter?
Part-time workers earn less, often lack benefits, and struggle to cover fixed expenses like rent and debt payments. Rising involuntary part-time work is a leading indicator of broader financial distress.
Where does this data come from?
Published monthly by the Bureau of Labor Statistics as part of the Current Population Survey, available via FRED series LNS12032194.
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