Last Frontier News

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) released its latest monthly Jobs Report on March 6, 2025, revealing a weakening in job creation for February. This marks the highest reading since last August. The NFIB's report is a national survey involving small-business owners who are members of the organization. Typically, these businesses employ between one and nine people and have gross sales around $500,000 annually.

Bill Dunkelberg, NFIB Chief Economist, stated, "Over half of Main Street firms reported hiring or trying to hire in February, but with little success. Meanwhile, consistent compensation increases continue to put pressure on small business owners as they look for qualified workers to fill their many open positions."

Key findings from the report indicate that 38% of small business owners reported unfilled job openings in February. This figure represents an increase of three points from January and is the highest since August 2024. Sectors experiencing the most job openings include retail, construction, and manufacturing. In contrast, agriculture and finance sectors had the fewest job openings.

Labor quality concerns rose by one point from January to reach 19%, while labor costs as a significant issue increased by three points to 12%. This level is just one point shy of the peak recorded in December 2021. Notably, labor costs last reached this height in February 2023.

A net 33% of small business owners raised compensation in February—a figure unchanged from January—while a net 18% plan to raise compensation over the next three months, reflecting a two-point decrease from January.

For further details on Alaska's small-business news and updates from NFIB, interested parties can visit www.nfib.com or follow @NFIB_AK on X.

NFIB has been advocating for small and independent businesses across America for more than eight decades since its establishment in 1943. It remains committed to supporting these enterprises at both state and national levels.