Jobs Report February 2026 BLS 3-10-26

THE EMPLOYMENT SITUATION -- FEBRUARY 2026

Total nonfarm payroll employment edged down by 92,000 in February, and the unemployment rate

changed little at 4.4 percent, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Employment

in health care decreased, reflecting strike activity. Employment in information and federal

government continued to trend down.

 

This news release presents statistics from two monthly surveys. The household survey measures

labor force status, including unemployment, by demographic characteristics. The establishment

survey measures nonfarm employment, hours, and earnings by industry. For more information

about the concepts and statistical methodology used in these two surveys, see the Technical

Note.

 

Household Survey Data

Both the unemployment rate, at 4.4 percent, and the number of unemployed people, at 7.6

million, changed little in February. (See table A-1. See the note at the end of this news

release and tables A and B for more information about the annual population adjustments to the

household survey estimates.)

 

Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rates for adult men (4.0 percent), adult women

(4.1 percent), teenagers (14.9 percent), and people who are White (3.7 percent), Black (7.7

percent), Asian (4.8 percent), or Hispanic (5.2 percent) showed little or no change in

February. (See tables A-1, A-2, and A-3.)

 

The number of long-term unemployed (those jobless for 27 weeks or more) changed little at 1.9

million in February but is up from 1.5 million a year earlier. The long-term unemployed

accounted for 25.3 percent of all unemployed people in February. (See table A-12.)

 

Both the labor force participation rate, at 62.0 percent, and the employment-population ratio,

at 59.3 percent, changed little in February. These measures showed little change over the

year, after accounting for the annual adjustments to the population controls. (See table A-1.

For additional information about the effects of the population adjustments, see the note at

the end of this news release and table B.)

 

The number of people employed part time for economic reasons decreased by 477,000 to 4.4

million in February. These individuals would have preferred full-time employment but were

working part time because their hours had been reduced or they were unable to find full-time

jobs. (See table A-8.)

 

The number of people not in the labor force who currently want a job changed little in

February at 6.0 million. These individuals were not counted as unemployed because they were

not actively looking for work during the 4 weeks preceding the survey or were unavailable to

take a job. (See table A-1.)

 

Among those not in the labor force who wanted a job, the number of people marginally attached

to the labor force changed little at 1.6 million in February. These individuals wanted and

were available for work and had looked for a job sometime in the prior 12 months but had not

looked for work in the 4 weeks preceding the survey. The number of discouraged workers, a

subset of the marginally attached who believed that no jobs were available for them, decreased

by 109,000 in February to 366,000. (See Summary table A.)

 

Establishment Survey Data

 

Total nonfarm payroll employment edged down by 92,000 in February, following an increase in

January (+126,000). Employment in health care decreased in February, reflecting strike

activity. Employment in information and federal government continued to trend down. Payroll

employment changed little on net in 2025. (See table B-1.)

 

Health care employment declined by 28,000 in February, following a large increase in January

(+77,000). Offices of physicians lost 37,000 jobs in February, primarily due to strike

activity. Hospitals added 12,000 jobs. Over the prior 12 months, health care had added an

average of 36,000 jobs per month.

 

Employment in information continued to trend down in February (-11,000). The industry had lost

an average of 5,000 jobs per month over the prior 12 months.

 

In February, federal government employment continued to decline (-10,000). Since reaching a

peak in October 2024, federal government employment is down by 330,000, or 11.0 percent.

 

Employment in social assistance continued its upward trend in February (+9,000), driven by

individual and family services (+12,000).

 

Transportation and warehousing employment changed little in February (-11,000). A job loss in

couriers and messengers (-17,000) was partially offset by a gain in air transportation

(+5,000). Employment in transportation and warehousing has declined by 157,000, or 2.4

percent, since reaching a peak in February 2025.

 

Employment showed little change over the month in other major industries, including mining,

quarrying, and oil and gas extraction; construction; manufacturing; wholesale trade; retail

trade; financial activities; professional and business services; leisure and hospitality; and

other services.

 

In February, average hourly earnings for all employees on private nonfarm payrolls rose by 15

cents, or 0.4 percent, to $37.32. Over the past 12 months, average hourly earnings have

increased by 3.8 percent. In February, average hourly earnings of private-sector production

and nonsupervisory employees rose by 9 cents, or 0.3 percent, to $32.03. (See tables B-3 and

B-8.)

 

In February, the average workweek for all employees on private nonfarm payrolls was unchanged

at 34.3 hours. In manufacturing, the average workweek edged down by 0.1 hour to 40.1 hours,

and overtime was unchanged at 3.0 hours. The average workweek for production and

nonsupervisory employees on private nonfarm payrolls was unchanged at 33.8 hours. (See tables

B-2 and B-7.)

 

The change in total nonfarm payroll employment for December was revised down by 65,000, from

+48,000 to -17,000, and the change for January was revised down by 4,000, from +130,000 to

+126,000. With these revisions, employment in December and January combined is 69,000 lower

than previously reported. (Monthly revisions result from additional reports received from

businesses and government agencies since the last published estimates and from the

recalculation of seasonal factors.)

 

The Employment Situation for March is scheduled to be released on Friday, April 3, 2026,

at 8:30 a.m. (ET).

 

Adjustments to Population Estimates for the Household Surv

Effective with revised data for January 2026, updated population estimates were incorporated

into the household survey. Population estimates for the household survey are developed by the

U.S. Census Bureau. Each year, the Census Bureau updates their population estimates to

incorporate new information on births, deaths, and migration to estimate the change in

population since the most recent decennial census. The Census Bureau population update also

includes improvements in estimation methodology.

 

The 2026 update was delayed by a month due to the 2025 federal government shutdown. With the

release of February data, all household survey data for January 2026 were revised to

incorporate the new population estimates. (Household survey estimates for January 2026 have

been updated in the BLS database. However, the January 2026 Employment Situation news release

will not be reissued.) Over-the-month comparisons of February data with revised January data

are not affected by the population control adjustment, although comparisons with earlier

months may be affected.

 

This year, changes to Census Bureau methodology include the incorporation of updated

demographic information about the population from the 2020 Census. This marks a departure from

the "blended base" introduced in recent years that combined population totals from the 2020

Census and demographic characteristics from other sources. The new population estimates also

include updated information about a decline in net international migration. The January 2026

adjustment reflects changes back to the April 2020 Census population base, even though the

entire adjustment is incorporated in the January 2026 household survey estimates.

 

While the net effect of the updated 2020 Census base on the total population level was

relatively small, shifts in the demographic composition of the population had notable impacts

on labor force measures.

 

The updated 2020 Census base resulted in a decrease in the population level for men (mostly

among those ages 25 to 54), while the population level for women increased (particularly among

those age 65 and over). A decline in the number of men ages 25 to 54 (who tend to have higher

labor force participation rates than other groups) and an increase in the number of women age

65 and over (who generally have lower labor force participation rates than other groups) both

put downward pressure on the overall labor force participation rate. These population changes

had similar impacts on employment and the overall employment-population ratio. The

unemployment rate was unaffected.

 

Table A shows that the adjustment decreased the estimated size of the civilian noninstitutional

population age 16 and over in December by 231,000. However, the adjustment increased the

number of people not in the labor force by 1.2 million and decreased both the total civilian

labor force and the number of employed people by 1.4 million each. The adjustment lowered the

labor force participation rate by 0.4 percentage point and lowered the employment-population

ratio by 0.5 percentage point. The adjustment had little effect on the total unemployment

level (+15,000), and the unemployment rate was unchanged.

 

https://www.bls.gov/news.release/empsit.nr0.htm

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody  GA Tea Party Leader

Iran Regime Change 3-1-26

As of March 1, 2026, the situation regarding regime change in Iran is in an extremely volatile, fast-moving, and critical state following a massive joint U.S.-Israeli military operation.  Facebook +1 

Key Developments (as of March 1, 2026):

Death of Supreme Leader: Iranian state media has confirmed the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, following a U.S.-Israeli strike on his residence in Tehran. A 40-day period of national mourning has been announced.

Decapitation Strategy: The operation, titled "Operation Epic Fury" aimed to destroy Iran's nuclear and missile capabilities and topple the Islamic Republic. Reports indicate other top security officials, including Revolutionary Guard commanders, were also killed.

Regime Response: Despite the leadership vacuum, the Iranian regime is attempting to maintain control, with foreign minister Abbas Araghchi stating that regime change is an "impossible mission" and that a new leader could be chosen within days. An interim Leadership Council is reportedly being established.

Widespread Conflict: In retaliation, Iran launched missiles at Israel and US-aligned Gulf states (Bahrain, Qatar, UAE).

Protest Situation: Dissent remains high following a brutal January 2026 crackdown that killed thousands of protestors. While some Iranians express hope for change, experts caution that the lack of a unified opposition, combined with the entrenched power of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), makes a swift, peaceful transition difficult.  Atlantic Council +7

Outlook for Regime Change:
While the regime is described as severely weakened, its "survival" is now being reframed by analysts as a desperate, violent effort to retain power. The U.S. has expressed support for a change in government, but observers warn that the situation could lead to a messy, protracted power struggle rather than an immediate, stable transition to a new government. Foundation for Defense of Democracies +2

On March 1, 2026, the status of the Iranian regime is in a state of extreme crisis and transition following a massive military escalation. While the supreme leadership has been decapitated, the formal "regime change" into a new system of government has not yet been realized. 

Current Leadership Status

Supreme Leader Killed: State media has officially confirmed that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed on February 28, 2026, during "Operation Epic Fury," a massive joint U.S.-Israeli airstrike targeting his residence in Tehran.

Interim Governance: A transitional leadership council has been formed to maintain control. It is led by President Masoud Pezeshkian, Judiciary Chief Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejehei, and Ayatollah Ali Reza Arafi.

Military Casualties: High-ranking officials, including the commander of the Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) and the Defense Minister, were also reported killed in the strikes.  Oregon Public Broadcasting - OPB +5

Domestic and Regional Situation

Popular Unrest: Large-scale celebrations and protests have broken out in Tehran and other cities following news of the Supreme Leader's death. This follows a brutal crackdown in January 2026 that reportedly left thousands of protesters dead.

Active Warfare: Iran has retaliated by launching ballistic missiles at Israel and several Gulf nations, including the UAE and Bahrain. The U.S. and Israel are continuing a second day of strikes as of March 1.

Economic Collapse: In its final hours under Khamenei, the regime closed the Strait of Hormuz, blocking 20% of the world's oil supply, further crippling an already devastated domestic economy.   CNN +7

https://www.google.com/search?q=what+is+the+status+of+iran+regime+change+on+3-1-26+google+ai

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

Shutdown Update 2-28-26

Based on search results for a partial government shutdown that began on February 14, 2026, and continued through February 28, 2026, the shutdown is limited primarily to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The News Journal +1

Approximately 270,000 to 380,000 employees within DHS and its related components are affected, with about 90% classified as "essential" (excepted) and required to work without pay.  The News Journal +1

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Staff managing non-disaster-related responses.

U.S. Secret Service (USSS): Agents and staff.

Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA): Key Federal Employees Affected:

Transportation Security Administration (TSA): Officers and staff are required to work without pay.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP): Agents and officers are required to work without pay.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): Personnel working on immigration enforcement.

U.S. Coast Guard: Active-duty personnel Personnel.

Other Agencies: Some 10,000 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) workers and staff in parts of the Department of State may be affected. Homeland Security (.gov) +4

Impact on Pay:

"Excepted" Employees: Roughly 90% of DHS employees are working without pay, but are guaranteed to receive back pay once funding is restored.

Furloughed Employees: Non-essential employees are on unpaid leave, but typically receive back pay after the shutdown ends.

Impact Timing: Many DHS employees began missing paychecks or receiving reduced pay starting in late February, with full paycheck disruptions anticipated in early March. Georgia Department of Labor (.gov) +4

Note: Other areas of the federal government, such as the Department of Defense, were funded for the remainder of FY2026, meaning the impact is not as widespread as a total government shutdown. 

As of February 28, 2026, the ongoing partial government shutdown exclusively affects the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). While most other federal agencies were fully funded through the end of the fiscal year by a package passed on February 3, funding for DHS lapsed on February 14. 

Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget +5

Affected DHS Employees

Approximately 90% of DHS's 260,000+ employees are classified as "essential" or "excepted" personnel. They are required to continue working during the shutdown but will not receive pay until funding is restored. Key affected groups include:  Georgia Department of Labor (.gov) +2

Transportation Security Administration (TSA): TSA officers and air traffic controllers are working without pay, which has begun to impact paychecks as of late February.

Customs and Border Protection (CBP): While border agents are essential, certain services like Global Entry and TSA PreCheck have seen temporary suspensions or disruptions due to resource conservation.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Disaster relief operations continue, but non-disaster responses and some programs like the National Flood Insurance Program have been suspended.

U.S. Coast Guard: Active-duty members and essential workers are continuing operations.

Other DHS Agencies: This includes employees of the U.S. Secret Service, CISA, ICE, and USCIS.  UNC Research +9

Agencies NOT Affected

Because they received full-year funding in early February, employees in the following departments are not affected by the current shutdown: 

National Association of Counties +2

Defense (Military & Civilian)

State Department (Passports and visas are still being processed)

Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education

Transportation, Housing and Urban Development

Treasury (including the IRS)

Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, and Justice 

Congresswoman Dina Titus (.gov) +5

Note on Pay: Under federal law, all furloughed and essential employees are guaranteed back pay once the shutdown ends. However, federal contractors generally do not receive back pay for lost work time. Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget +2

https://www.google.com/search?q=what+federal+employees+are+affected+by+the+shutdown+on+2-28-26+google+ai

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

Drug Dealers 2-27-26

There is no exact, real-time count of drug dealers in the United States for 2026, as illegal drug markets are covert, but data indicates it is a widespread, high-volume criminal activity that continues to grow in 2026. Fortune +3 

Based on 2024-2026 data, here is the context regarding the scale of drug distribution:

Annual Drug Arrests: Approximately 1.16 million Americans are arrested annually for the sale, manufacture, or possession of illegal substances.

Federal Trafficking Convictions: In fiscal year 2024, there were over 18,000 federal cases involving drug trafficking, with 80% of those convicted being U.S. citizens.

Active Traffickers: While the number of convicted individuals is in the tens of thousands, the total number of people involved in selling, transporting, and distributing drugs (from low-level street dealers to cartel members) is estimated to be significantly higher, with illegal drug sales in the U.S. reaching hundreds of billions of dollars annually.

2026 Landscape: As of early 2026, despite increased enforcement and record seizures of fentanyl and methamphetamine, illegal narcotics are more available than ever. 

United States Sentencing Commission (.gov) +5

The market is heavily dominated by transnational criminal organizations, specifically Mexican cartels, which continue to drive the supply of fentanyl and methamphetamine into the U.S. in 2026. Northeastern Global News +1

There is no official government count for the total number of drug dealers in the U.S. for 2026, as the nature of illicit markets makes exact figures impossible to track. However, law enforcement and sentencing data provide a window into the scale of the illegal drug trade:

Federal Trafficking Cases: In fiscal year 2024, there were 18,029 federal cases involving drug trafficking reported to the U.S. Sentencing Commission.

Arrest Statistics: Nationally, approximately 1.16 million people are arrested annually for the sale, manufacture, or possession of illegal substances.

Demographics of Convicted Traffickers:

84.4% are men.

80.4% are U.S. citizens.

The average age is 38 years old.

Market Scale: The illicit drug industry in the U.S. is estimated to be worth between $200 billion and $750 billion annually.

Digital Trends: Darknet markets continue to be a major hub for distribution, with crypto inflows to drug vendors and darknet markets estimated at over $2.5 billion in 2025. 

United States Sentencing Commission (.gov) +5

Primary Drug Types in Trafficking (FY 2024)

Recent data shows that seven drug types account for 98.3% of all federal drug trafficking offenses: 

United States Sentencing Commission (.gov)

Methamphetamine: 49.3%

Fentanyl: 24.1% (an increase of over 248% since 2020)

Cocaine: 13.9% (Powder) and 3.9% (Crack)

Heroin: 3.3%

Marijuana: 2.7%

Oxycodone: 1.0% 

United States Sentencing Commission (.gov) +1

For 2026, the U.S. government is focusing on new sentencing amendments specifically targeting fentanyl and methamphetamine traffickers to address the ongoing overdose crisis. 

United States Sentencing Commission +1

https://www.google.com/search?q=how+many+drug+dealers+are+there+in+the+us+in+2026+google+ai

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

Deportation Orders 2-27-26

As of early 2026, there are approximately 1.6 million individuals in the United States with outstanding or final deportation orders, according to testimony from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials. Facebook +1

Key details regarding deportation orders and enforcement in early 2026:

Total Backlog: Out of the 1.6 million with final orders, approximately 800,000 have criminal convictions.

Active Cases: As of the end of December 2025, there was an active backlog of 3,377,998 cases pending before the Immigration Court.

2026 Activity: In December 2025 alone, immigration judges issued 38,215 new removal orders.

"Self-Deportations": The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reported that, in addition to formal removals, over 1.9 million people "self-deported" or left voluntarily between January 2025 and January 2026.

Removal Numbers: DHS reported that more than 675,000 people were deported between Jan. 20, 2025, and Jan. 20, 2026. Homeland Security (.gov) +4

These figures represent a significant, ongoing backlog in the US immigration system as the administration pursues a high-volume enforcement strategy. 

As of early 2026, there are approximately 1.6 million outstanding final orders of removal in the United States. Of these individuals, roughly 800,000 have criminal convictions. Facebook

Other key figures related to deportation and the immigration court backlog as of January 2026 include:

Immigration Court Backlog: There are approximately 3.4 million active cases pending before the Immigration Court.

Recent Deportation Orders: In the first quarter of fiscal year 2026 (October through December 2025), immigration judges issued 149,706 deportation orders.

Total Removals: Since the beginning of the current administration in January 2025, over 713,000 individuals have been formally deported.

Self-Deportations: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) estimates that an additional 2.2 million people have left the U.S. voluntarily (self-deportation) during the same period.

Detention and Monitoring: As of early February 2026, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) holds 68,289 people in physical detention and monitors 179,991 individuals through Alternatives to Detention (ATD) programs. tracreports.org +6

You can track the latest updates on these figures through TRAC Immigration or official DHS News releases. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=how+many+deportation+orders+are+outstanding+in+january+2026+google+ai

Comments

Increasing Deportations frees up jobs for US Citizens in “low earner” categories. This reduces the “affordability problem”.

The February Jobs Report will be released March 6, 2026.

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

Mining Job Openings 2-26-26

As of February 2026, the intersection of US mining, artificial intelligence (AI), and data science is experiencing rapid growth, with high demand for professionals who can bridge traditional mining engineering with digital technologies. 

Here is a breakdown of the job openings, trends, and key players based on search results:

Top Mining & AI Job Trends (2026)

Data Mining Scientists/Engineers: Significant hiring for roles focusing on analyzing large datasets to optimize mining processes, with 60+ positions in Silicon Valley alone.

AI/ML in Exploration & Production: Companies are looking for Machine Learning Engineers to work on predictive maintenance, automated equipment, and AI-driven mineral exploration.

Sustainability & AI: There is high demand for professionals who can use AI to make mining more sustainable and safe, especially for "critical minerals". Rangefront Mining Services +5

Key Employers and Roles

Google: Actively hiring for roles related to data mining, including "Research Scientist, Earth AI," "Senior Research Scientist, Quantum AI," and positions within Google DeepMind.

X (The Moonshot Factory): Hiring for "Research Engineer, Applied AI/ML" and "Machine Learning Engineer, AI for Chemistry".

Waymo: Seeking "Machine Learning Engineer, Prediction & Planning".

Mining Services & Consulting: Companies like Stantec and HDR are recruiting for "Senior Mining Consultants" and "Area Mining Leads".

Specialized AI Firms: Companies like Applied Intuition are hiring for AI-driven machine adoption. Google DeepMind +4

Salary and Location Insights

High Salaries: Mining engineering and AI-related positions in 2026 are high-paying, with roles ranging from $102k to over $300k depending on experience.

Key Locations: San Francisco Bay Area, CA; Sunnyvale, CA; Phoenix, AZ; and Remote opportunities.

Work-from-Home: There is a high volume of "Data Mining Work From Home" jobs available. 

ZipRecruiter +5

In-Demand Skills for 2026

Technical: Deep learning, Python, SQL, NLP (Natural Language Processing), and familiarity with AI frameworks.

Domain Expertise: Knowledge of mining software, geology, and metallurgical processes.

AI Integration: Experience with Large Language Models (LLMs) and deploying AI models to solve business, logistics, or engineering problems. Google +4

For the most up-to-date listings, searching on platforms like LinkedIn and ZipRecruiter for terms such as "AI Mining," "Data Scientist Mining," or "Machine Learning Engineer Mining Industry" is recommended. 

In 2026, the intersection of US mining and AI is driving a shift toward digital-first, sustainable practices, creating a high demand for specialized roles. Google continues to expand its engineering workforce, focusing on AI to advance these industrial transformations. Mashable +5

Key Mining & AI Roles for 2026

Data Mining Scientists: High demand in tech hubs like Sunnyvale and San Francisco for roles involving large-scale data analysis and quantum AI modeling.

AI Mining Specialists: Companies like Global AI Mining are hiring remote representatives to help integrate AI tools into sectors like healthcare and small business efficiency.

Mining Engineering Managers: Firms like Mariana Minerals and Stantec are seeking leads for project development and technical guidance in sustainable mining.

Machine Learning Engineers: Growing opportunities exist for ML engineers in the mining industry to build models for bottleneck discovery and workflow optimization. Indeed +5

Google AI Opportunities

Google DeepMind: Research Scientists and Engineers are actively being hired to build next-generation AI systems and mobile Gemini applications.

Google Cloud AI: Roles focused on data mining, NLP, and hardware performance are available for mid-to-senior levels.

2026 Internships: Google is recruiting Software Engineering Interns (PhD) for Summer 2026 across various US locations. Google DeepMind +6

Upcoming Career Fairs

THINK AI: Talent Edge Career Fair: A one-day hiring forum on March 6, 2026, in Aurora, IL, featuring AI recruiters and career labs.

Careers in Tech and Intelligence Fair: Exploration of national industry partners in tech and intelligence on March 6, 2026, in Honolulu, HI.

https://www.google.com/search?q=us+mining+job+openings+2026+google+ai

Comments

Determining where Rare Earth and other needed materials are abundant is the first step in expanding US access to minerals.

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

Lumberjack Job Openings 2-26-26

Based on 2026 job market data, opportunities in the lumber and logging industry are available, particularly for roles involving manual labor and equipment operation, despite a general decline in overall demand for traditional "lumberjack" roles.  

Current 2026 Lumber/Logging Job Opportunities

Sawmill & Production: Positions for Green Lumber Pullers and Saw Operators are available, with roles paying around $23/hour in locations like Morton, WA.

Material Handling: There is demand for material handlers to move timber and operate equipment in the lumber industry.

Key Locations: Openings are appearing in areas with high logging activity, such as Washington and Virginia.

Job Titles to Search: Beyond "lumberjack," search for: Logging Equipment Operator, Sawmill Worker, Green Chain Puller, and Timber Handler. Indeed Job Search +4

Industry Outlook & Trends

Declining Demand: Traditional lumberjack roles are not in high demand, with a projected decline of -4% from 2018 to 2028.

Wages: Lumberjack/logging jobs offer varied pay, with some roles ranging between $12-$27/hr depending on experience and specific location.

Safety: Logging remains one of the more dangerous occupations in the US, requiring high adherence to safety protocols.

AI Impact: While AI is affecting white-collar jobs, the physical nature of logging makes it less susceptible to immediate AI replacement, though technological advances in machinery are increasing efficiency and shifting skill requirements. Business Insider +4

For the most up-to-date listings in early 2026, targeting job boards like Indeed, ZipRecruiter, and specialized logging industry, company-specific sites is recommended. 

Finding job openings in 2026 for "lumberjack" roles or positions involving Google AI requires looking at two very different sectors of the U.S. economy. 

Lumberjack & Logging Jobs

The traditional "lumberjack" (logging worker) remains one of the most physically demanding and high-risk occupations in the U.S.. Business Insider +1

Current Openings: While the term "lumberjack" is less common in modern job titles, you will find active listings under "Logger," "Sawmill Operator," or "Material Handler" on platforms like Indeed and ZipRecruiter.

Outlook: Demand for these roles is projected to decline slightly (-4%) through the late 2020s due to increased mechanization in the forestry industry.

Where to Apply: Specialist sites like JobMonkey focus on outdoor and seasonal logging opportunities. Indeed +4

Google AI & Tech Jobs

For those looking to work with Google’s AI technology, the market is expanding rapidly as AI becomes a central part of enterprise workflows. NewsNation

High-Demand Roles: Top positions for 2026 include AI Engineer, AI Consultant, and Machine Learning Engineer.

Google AI Training: Google has partnered with major employers like Walmart to provide AI Professional Certificates to over a million workers, focusing on AI fundamentals for both frontline and corporate staff.

Search for Roles: You can find current tech-focused openings at Google Careers or specialized subsidiaries like Intrinsic, which focuses on AI-enabled robotics. Fortune +4

Key Resources for 2026 Job Seekers

Official Data: Use O*NET OnLine for detailed descriptions of work requirements and characteristics for any U.S. occupation.

New Platforms: OpenAI is scheduled to launch an AI-powered jobs platform by mid-2026 to help match candidates with emerging tech roles.

Safety from Automation: Industries like Health Care, Education, and specialized Skilled Trades (like manual logging in difficult terrain) are considered among the safest from AI replacement in 2026. Campus Technology +4

https://www.google.com/search?q=us+lumberjack+job+openings+2026+google+ai

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

Electrician Job Openings 2-26-26

Driven by the surge in AI data center construction, the US faces a critical shortage of electricians, creating high demand for skilled tradespeople in 2026. Google is investing over $10 million to train 100,000 new workers and apprentices by 2030, with roles paying $26–$60/hr. Yahoo Finance +4 

Key 2026 Electrician Job Trends

High-Demand Regions: Major hubs include Northern Virginia, Central Ohio, Phoenix, Dallas–Fort Worth, and Atlanta.

Key Roles: Industrial electricians,, data center technicians, and high-voltage installers are in high demand.

Training & Initiatives: Google and the IBEW/NECA Electrical Training Alliance are facilitating "learn-while-you-earn" programs to bridge the workforce gap.

Industry Impact: AI data centers are causing a 70% increase in the electrical trade size, as AI's power demand requires massive infrastructure upgrades. HPCwire +4

Where to Find Openings

ZipRecruiter lists openings often in the $26–$60/hr range.Indeed features industrial roles in cities like Imlay, NV.

Trade Unions & Local Associations: Look for programs partnered with NECA (National Electrical Contractors Association) and the IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers). HPCwire +3

As of 2026, the demand for electricians in the U.S. is surging, driven primarily by the massive infrastructure needs of the AI industry. Google and other tech giants have launched significant initiatives to address a critical labor shortage in this sector. 

Google’s Electrician Training Initiative 

Goal: Google is funding the training of 100,000 electrical workers and 30,000 new apprentices in the U.S. to support the energy-intensive expansion of AI data centers.

Partnership: The program is delivered through a $10 million grant from Google.org to the Electrical Training ALLIANCE (etA), a joint effort of the IBEW and NECA.

AI Integration: Apprentices will have access to Google’s AI Essentials course and will learn to use AI tools for tasks like planning panel layouts and monitoring thermal readings to prevent equipment failure. blog.google +6

Market Outlook and Openings

Projected Shortage: The U.S. is expected to face a shortage of approximately 130,000 electricians by 2030, with AI data centers alone requiring tens of thousands of new workers for construction and maintenance.

High-Growth Locations: Key hubs for "AI-driven" electrician openings include:

Northern Virginia: Massive expansion by Google, AWS, and Microsoft in "Data Center Alley".

Central Ohio: Ongoing megaprojects from Meta, Google, and Intel.

Phoenix, Arizona: Rapid growth in hyperscale data center construction.

Dallas–Fort Worth, Texas: Focus on AI rack-dense power and cooling infrastructure.

Compensation: Electrician roles related to AI and data center infrastructure often feature competitive pay, with some specialized commissioning roles offering between $133,000 and $173,000 annually. Instagram +4

Job Search and Training Resources

Direct Roles at Google: Google typically hires Electrical Engineers with data center experience for its internal facilities teams.

Apprenticeships: Local IBEW/NECA training centers are the primary route for the Google-funded "earn-while-you-learn" programs.

Job Boards: Current openings for AI-related electrical work can be found on platforms like ZipRecruiter and Indeed. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=us+electrician+openings+2026+google+ai

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

Plumber Job Openings 2-26-26

As of February 2026, the demand for plumbers in the United States is exceptionally high, driven by a combination of a growing need for infrastructure, aging systems, and a significant boom in AI data center construction. There are thousands of job openings nationwide for all skill levels, from helpers to master plumbers, with wages ranging from $25–$96+ per hour depending on location and experience. Business Insider +4 

Key Job Market Trends for 2026

AI Infrastructure Boom: Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has highlighted that the surge in AI infrastructure is creating high-paying, "six-figure" jobs for skilled tradespeople, including plumbers, to build new data centers.

Strong Growth Outlook: Employment of plumbers is projected to grow 6% from 2023 to 2033, which is faster than the average for all occupations.

Job Openings: There are roughly 43,300 projected openings for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters each year. As of February 2026, over 19,000 jobs are listed on major job boards. Business Insider +4

Sample 2026 Job Openings & Salaries

Commercial Plumber (SC): $28 - $30/hour (5+ years experience).

Licensed Journeyman (CA/Nationwide): $90K - $190K+ per year.

Master Plumber (NM): $700 - $2,000 per day.

Residential Service Plumber (IN): $80,000 - $125,000 per year.

Journeyman Plumber (Various): $30 - $60/hour. ZipRecruiter +4

Top Locations & Hiring Companies

Key Locations: High demand is noted in Chicago, IL; Atlanta, GA; Huntsville, AL; and various locations in Texas, California, and Florida.

Hiring Companies: Comfort Systems USA, Roto-Rooter, All City Plumbing, and various regional service companies. ZipRecruiter +4

Required Skills and Experience

Experience: Positions range from entry-level helpers to experienced journeymen and master plumbers (typically 3-10 years).

Capabilities: Skills in commercial, residential, and service plumbing are highly sought after.

Certifications: Active licenses are often required for higher-paying positions. ZipRecruiter +4

Where to Find Jobs

Job Boards: Indeed, Glassdoor, and ZipRecruiter are listing thousands of open positions for Feb 2026.

Specialized Sites: PlumberJobsUSA.com and similar niche sites. Indeed Job Search +4

Plumbing job openings in 2026 are being significantly influenced by the expansion of AI infrastructure, which is driving a surge in demand for tradespeople to build and maintain data centers. Business Insider +2

Market Outlook & AI Impact

AI-Driven Growth: NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang recently highlighted that the AI boom is "unlocking" numerous six-figure jobs for plumbers, electricians, and construction workers needed to develop the physical infrastructure for AI data centers.

Projected Openings: The industry is expected to have approximately 43,300 openings annually through 2033, with employment growth projected at 6%, faster than the national average.

Job Security: While AI may automate certain white-collar tasks, it is expected to increase demand for blue-collar skilled trades that require physical presence and complex manual problem-solving. Business Insider +5

Current Job Openings (2026)

As of February 2026, major job platforms show active recruitment across the U.S.: 

Glassdoor: Over 19,000 active listings for plumbers in various specializations, including residential, commercial, and journeyman roles.

LinkedIn: More than 48,000 openings listed for plumbers, pipefitters, and plumbing engineers.

ZipRecruiter: Frequent listings for roles paying between $25 and $56 per hour, with top-tier specialized positions reaching higher ranges. Glassdoor +2

Regional Highlights & Compensation

Atlanta GA: High demand with approximately 154 specific plumber roles currently listed.

Chicago IL: Active hiring for commercial plumbers with 5–10 years of experience, offering rates around $28–$30/hr.

Salary Ranges: Average annual earnings for plumbers generally range from $40,670 to $105,150, though high-demand markets and specialized roles in AI infrastructure can exceed $100,000. Housecall Pro +4

Upcoming Hiring Events

Construction Job Fair: February 26, 2026, at the Dayton Convention Center (Dayton, OH).

King of Prussia Job Fair: March 10, 2026, at  (King of Prussia, PA)

https://www.google.com/search?q=us+plumber+job+openings+2026+google+ai

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

Illegal Commercial Drivers 2-25-26

Based on reports and audits from 2025 and early 2026, investigations have identified thousands of improperly issued non-domiciled Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDLs) to non-citizens, with a significant number concentrated in California.  

California Audit (2025-2026): In late 2025, it was revealed that the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) had issued approximately 17,000 to 21,000 non-domiciled CDLs that did not comply with federal regulations, with many having expiration dates that exceeded the holder's legal presence in the U.S..

Federal Action (2025-2026): Following a nationwide audit by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) in 2025, it was found that California, along with other states (including Colorado, Pennsylvania, Texas, Washington, and South Dakota), had issued non-domiciled CDLs to individuals who were ineligible, such as those with expired work permits.

Total Scope: The FMCSA estimated in September 2025 that there were roughly 200,000 non-domiciled CDL holders nationwide, representing about 5% of all active CDL holders. A subsequent 2025 report by Overdrive, not including all states, found evidence of at least 60,000 active non-domiciled CDLs.

Recent Restrictions (2025-2026): Following these findings, a new U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) emergency rule issued in September 2025 severely restricted eligibility, allowing only those with specific, active employment-based visas (H-2A, H-2B, or E-2) to hold non-domiciled CDLs. As of January 2026, the federal government was withholding $160 million in funding from California for failing to revoke over 17,000 of these licenses. Department of Transportation (.gov) +8

The crackdown in late 2025 and 2026 focused on non-citizen, non-domiciled CDL holders whose status was not verified through the federal SAVE system, which led to many such drivers becoming ineligible for renewal. SG Legal Group +2

While there is no single national total for commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) issued to undocumented immigrants, recent federal audits and state reports have highlighted significant numbers, particularly in California and led to sweeping new restrictions. 

National and State Estimates

California Audit (2025-2026): A federal audit found that California issued more than 20,000 "non-domiciled" CDLs in violation of federal safety regulations. These licenses were often issued with expiration dates extending years beyond the drivers' lawful presence.

Illinois Reports: Recent state-level audits indicated that nearly 1 in 5 non-domiciled CDLs in Illinois were issued to individuals whose lawful presence had expired or was never verified.

Broad Impact: Across the U.S., approximately 200,000 non-domiciled CDL holders were identified by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). While not all are undocumented, the FMCSA estimated that 194,000 of these drivers (97%) would be ineligible under new rules requiring strictly verified work visas. OnLabor +4

Recent Policy Changes (2025–2026) 

In late 2025 and early 2026, the federal government implemented "emergency" rules to end the issuance of CDLs to individuals without specific, verified work visas: 

New Eligibility Rules: As of February 2026, only individuals with H-2A, H-2B, or E-2 visas are eligible for non-domiciled CDLs.

Excluded Groups: Previously eligible groups, including DACA recipients, asylees, refugees, and those with Temporary Protected Status (TPS), are now barred from obtaining or renewing CDLs.

Revocations: States like California have already begun revoking or voiding thousands of licenses—including an initial batch of 17,000 to 17,299—due to discrepancies in work authorization and legal status.

Mandatory Verification: All states must now use the SAVE system to verify an applicant's lawful immigration status before issuing or renewing any commercial credential. Jackson Lewis +6

Context on Standard Driver's Licenses

It is important to distinguish between Commercial (CDL) and Standard driver's licenses. While CDL requirements have tightened federally, 19 states and D.C. currently allow undocumented immigrants to obtain standard driver's licenses for personal vehicles. These standard licenses are marked "not for federal identification" and do not grant the authority to operate commercial trucks.

https://www.google.com/search?q=how+many+illegals+were+granted+commercial+drivers+licenses+in+the+us+from+2021+to+2026+google+ai

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

 

Truck Driving School Enrollment 2-25-26

Based on data from early 2026, the specific number of U.S. citizens currently enrolled in truck driving schools is not explicitly reported as a single, real-time national metric. However, the industry is experiencing high demand for training due to a projected shortage of over 175,000 drivers by 2026. United States Truck Driving School

Here are key data points related to training, enrollment, and industry demand as of early 2026:

High Demand for Training: With over 237,000 annual openings projected for heavy and tractor-trailer drivers through 2033, enrollment in training programs is on the rise to fill vacancies.

Driver Shortage: The industry is facing a significant shortage, with estimates of missing drivers ranging between 80,000 and over 160,000, creating a massive push for new, trained CDL drivers.

School Closures and Capacity: As of February 2026, more than 550 driving schools were forced to close due to federal safety investigations into their training standards, temporarily reducing the immediate training capacity.

Training Standards: New drivers are expected to complete FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT). CDL Training Columbia TN +5

While a direct number of current students is not available, the industry is operating under a high-demand scenario, making the training sector a critical part of the 2026 trucking landscape. 

While specific enrollment numbers for 2026 are not yet aggregated into a single official total, the industry is currently undergoing a massive regulatory shift that is impacting student numbers: 

Massive School Closures: As of February 2026, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has ordered more than 550 commercial driving schools to close immediately due to safety failures, including unqualified instructors and inadequate testing.

Wider Crackdown: This follows a larger "purge" initiated in late 2025, where nearly 3,000 schools were removed from the Training Provider Registry (TPR) and another 4,000 were placed on notice for non-compliance.

Historical Context: Prior to these closures, approximately 450,000 new CDLs were issued annually in the U.S., though high turnover rates meant around 300,000 drivers left the industry each year.

Current Driver Population: There are approximately 3.5 million truck drivers currently in the U.S., with about 1.9 million of those being heavy and tractor-trailer (semi) drivers.

Projected Need: Despite the school closures, the industry still faces a shortage of 60,000 to 80,000 drivers in 2026, with roughly 240,300 new job openings projected annually through the decade. 

National Defense Transportation Association +8

For those looking to enroll, it is critical to use the FMCSA Training Provider Registry to ensure a school is still authorized to provide Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT). 

https://www.google.com/search?q=how+many+us+citizens+are+enrolled+in+semi+driver+school+in+2026+google+ai

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

US Construction Jobs 2-25-26

Based on January 2026 data from the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), the US construction industry is projected to have a total workforce of approximately 9 million workers as of the beginning of 2026. US.COM +2 

Here are the key details regarding the 2026 US construction workforce:

Total Employment: The industry has grown to roughly 9 million workers.

New Workers Needed: To meet demand in 2026, the industry must attract an estimated 349,000 net new workers.

Worker Demographics: Approximately 11.1% of these workers are union members, meaning nearly 9 out of 10 (88.9%) are non-union, or merit-shop, workers.

Shortage Factors: The demand for new workers is largely driven by an aging workforce and retirements, rather than just industry expansion.

Foreign-Born Labor: About a quarter of the total construction workforce is foreign-born, rising to a third for craft workers. Abc.org +6

The industry's workforce needs are expected to rise further to 456,000 new workers in 2027 as construction spending increases. Associated Builders and Contractors New Jersey Chapter

As of early 2026, there are approximately 6.23 million U.S. citizen construction workers out of a total industry workforce of roughly 8.31 million. US.COM

While specific "citizen-only" counts are not always reported in real-time, the following data points from the latest 2026 industry benchmarks define the workforce composition: 

2026 Workforce Statistics

Total Workforce: Approximately 8.31 million workers are employed in the U.S. construction industry as of January 2026.

Immigrant Representation: About 25% of all construction employees (and roughly 33% of craft workers) are foreign-born. This leaves approximately 75% of the total workforce, or roughly 6.23 million, as U.S.-born or naturalized citizens.

Labor Shortage: The industry needs to attract an additional 349,000 net new workers in 2026 to meet current demand, particularly for AI data centers and infrastructure projects. Some estimates place this need as high as 499,000 for the full year.

Union Membership: Only about 11.1% of construction workers belong to a union as of early 2026, representing approximately 995,000 individuals. US.COM +6

Factors Influencing 2026 Numbers

Demographic Shifts: More than 20% of the workforce is over the age of 55, leading to high retirement rates that the current domestic pipeline (only 3-7% of young job seekers) is struggling to replace.

Immigration Enforcement: Recent enforcement actions in 2025 and 2026 have reportedly caused labor disruptions, as an estimated half of the industry's foreign-born workers are undocumented.

AI Impact: The surge in AI-driven data center construction (estimated at over $9 billion in recent years) is pulling the most skilled citizen and non-citizen tradespeople toward high-paying specialized roles. HUB International

https://www.google.com/search?q=how+many+us+citizen+construction+workers+are+in+2026+in+the+US+google+ai

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader