New York – The unemployment rate for young American men, particularly those aged 20 to 24 and recent college graduates, reached concerning levels in July 2025, approximately double that of their female counterparts. According to Bloomberg Opinion columnist Allison Schrager, this trend is "disturbing," though the precise reasons for the disparity remain complex. The overall U.S. unemployment rate stood at 4.2% in July, but specific demographic segments reveal a more challenging landscape.
Schrager highlighted that the unemployment rate for young men aged 20 to 24 was 8.3% in July, a figure she described as "near recession levels." For recent male college graduates, the annual unemployment rate reached 5.3%. These statistics underscore a significant gender gap in the labor market, as both figures are roughly twice the comparable rates observed for young women in the same period.
The broader youth unemployment rate in the U.S. has seen fluctuations, with the U.S. youth unemployment rate for 2023 reported at 7.95%. While the overall youth unemployment rate can vary, recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for July 2024 indicated a youth unemployment rate of 9.8%, with young men and women experiencing similar rates at that time. However, Schrager's more recent analysis points to a diverging trend.
Several factors may contribute to the observed rise in unemployment among young American men. Industry analysis suggests a growing number of young men are opting for skilled trades over traditional corporate jobs, and enrollment in vocational public schools has increased significantly. Additionally, the "NEET" (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) phenomenon, which describes young adults disengaged from both work and education, is predominantly observed among young men.
Experts note that men and women often pursue different educational and career paths, which can influence their respective labor market outcomes. The long-running decline in labor force participation among young men without a bachelor's degree has been linked to factors such as declining wages in certain sectors, the changing nature of available jobs, and broader societal shifts. The persistent disparity highlighted by Schrager suggests a need for deeper investigation into the underlying economic and social dynamics affecting young American men.