Hospitality employers across the U.S. are still fighting one of the toughest labor markets in recent history. With leisure & hospitality unemployment hovering around 6.4 percent  in mid-2025 (nearly double the national average), and staffing in key subsectors still below pre-pandemic levels, competition for workers looks different city to city. If you operate hotels, restaurants, resorts, or entertainment venues, your labor strategy must be rooted in current market data, cost

Hospitality staffing should be a leadership priority. The rules have changed, and so have the expectations. Operators who understand today’s labor trends are protecting their margins, building stronger teams, and outpacing competitors. This report breaks down the essential 2025 staffing benchmarks, emerging workforce shifts, and practical actions operators can take to succeed in one of the most talent-volatile industries in the U.S. Current Hospitality Staffing Benchmarks in