The Talivity Talent Market Index

Finance & Operations leads as the most expensive segment in the Talent Market Index, sitting at more than twice the baseline and 70% above where it was a year ago, even after this month's cooling — which saw the largest monthly decline in the index, falling 31.5% from 3.46 to 2.37. Healthcare holds the second-highest position, with costs still nearly 40% above last year despite a monthly decline.

Transportation & Logistics posted the largest monthly swing, falling almost 32% and dropping below baseline after rising 31% the month prior. Finance & Operations recorded the next-largest move, down 31.5%. IT & Related moved in the opposite direction, up more than 18% for the month.

Light Industrial and Retail lead the index year over year, up nearly 167% and more than 153%, respectively. IT & Related follows closely, up nearly 107% from a year ago, even as overall information-sector employment held roughly flat.

August delivered a real rebound in the labor market, with BLS reporting 162,000 new jobs — the strongest month of the year — alongside upward revisions to June and July, improved participation, and declining underemployment. ADP told a different story, reporting just 38,000 private-sector jobs, its weakest reading since January, with growth unusually concentrated in food services and local government education. Since the report's release, the Fed has raised interest rates a quarter point, adding uncertainty to the outlook ahead. Meanwhile, the Talent Market Index shows eight of nine segments declining in August, though most remain significantly more expensive than a year ago: momentum is improving, but talent pressure remains highly uneven by sector.