Neil Bradley
Executive Vice President, Chief Policy Officer, and Head of Strategic Advocacy, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Published
May 29, 2026
Every month roughly 5 million Americans start a new job. For some, it is a first job, for many it is the next rung on their career ladder.
The engine that drives this hiring: America’s small businesses.
A U.S. Chamber analysis of data dating back to 2001 reveals small business accounted for on average 78.2% of hiring.
-
80%
of hires since 2025 have come from small businesses
-
4M
average amount of small business hires per month
Over the past year, small business hiring has become even more important. Since February of 2025, small businesses have accounted for an average of 80.4% of hiring or approximately 4 million hires a month.
Looking ahead, small businesses are poised to be even more important for those seeking a new job.
Since 2001, small businesses have been responsible for an average of 71.8% of job openings. Since February of last year, that share has been 77.4%.
The resiliency of America’s small businesses – who are now benefiting from tax certainty and regulatory relief – has been critical in keeping America’s employment engine running.
Is your small business a member of the U.S. Chamber? As the nation's leading small business advocacy organization, we can help you with exclusive intelligence and access, a Policy Help Desk, regular updates on economic and business trends, and more.
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About the author
Neil Bradley
Neil Bradley is executive vice president, chief policy officer, and head of strategic advocacy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. He has spent two decades working directly with congressional committee chairpersons and other high-ranking policymakers to achieve solutions.
