Job cuts across US cross 443,600 in 2026, how many jobs technology companies have cut from January to June, and which was the most 'brutal' month for tech layoffs
US-based employees announced 443,600 job cuts across industries from January to June 2026, according to data from Challenger, Gray & Christmas. While, the total highlights a decline of 43% as compared to the same period in 2025, when the federal workforce reductions drive historic highs. As per the report, this year, the technology sector has emerged as the most-affected industry this year. From January to June, the technology companies cut 123,653 jobs, marking a 66% increase compared to the same period last year. The sector has also consistently led in staff reductions with artificial intelligence cited as the primary reason for layoffs for three consecutive months. Andy Challenger, chief revenue officer at Challenger, Gray & Christmas, noted: “AI is now the leading reason companies give for cutting jobs and the primary industry citing it is technology.”
May: The brutal month for tech
The most severe wave of layoffs came in May 2026, when employers announced 97,006 job cuts overall, including 38,242 in technology alone. Analysts described May as the most “brutal” month for tech layoffs, coinciding with restructuring plans at major firms such as Meta, which cited AI adoption as a key driver of workforce reductions.
May: The brutal month for tech
The most severe wave of layoffs came in May 2026, when employers announced 97,006 job cuts overall, including 38,242 in technology alone. Analysts described May as the most “brutal” month for tech layoffs, coinciding with restructuring plans at major firms such as Meta, which cited AI adoption as a key driver of workforce reductions.
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