Food Service Unemployment Nears Double National Average

New data shows 1 in 14 food service workers was jobless in February 2026

Mar. 14, 2026 at 2:10am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the food service and drinking places unemployment rate reached 7.1% in February 2026 - nearly double the national average of 4.1%. This represents an estimated 875,000 food service workers actively seeking employment but unable to find it, as the industry lost 29,700 jobs from January to February 2026.

Why it matters

The food service industry has seen a steady rise in unemployment over the past two years, with the rate increasing from 1 in 20 workers in February 2024 to 1 in 14 workers in February 2026. This trend reflects the industry's ongoing challenges, even as open job listings have grown, indicating a dynamic where workers are cycling through positions rather than building sustained tenures.

The details

The February 2026 unemployment rate of 7.1% for food service and drinking places is nearly double the national average of 4.1%. This puts the number of food service workers actively looking for work but unable to find it at an estimated 875,000. The industry also lost 29,700 jobs from January to February 2026.

  • The food service unemployment rate was 4.9% (1 in 20 workers) in February 2024.
  • The food service unemployment rate was 7.9% (1 in 13 workers) in February 2025.
  • The food service unemployment rate was 7.1% (1 in 14 workers) in February 2026.

The players

Milos Eric

General Manager at OysterLink, a job platform dedicated to the hospitality industry.

OysterLink

A job platform that connects restaurants, hotels, and hospitality employers with skilled candidates across the U.S. and internationally.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Two years ago, 1 in 20 food service workers was unemployed in February. Today it's 1 in 14. The industry added jobs over that period — but those two things can be true at the same time.”

— Milos Eric, General Manager (OysterLink)

The takeaway

The food service industry's ongoing struggle with unemployment, even as job listings grow, highlights the need for the sector to address workforce challenges and provide more stable employment opportunities for its workers.