So which industries have the highest rates of job hopping?
Keen to find out, the experts at GIGAcalculator delved into job data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics to reveal the sectors where employees are the most and least loyal.
Job hopping hotspots: The industries with the least (and most) loyal employees
| Rank | Industry | Average annual income ($) | Median years of tenure with current employer (as of 2024) | Total number of job hoppers (number in thousands) | % of job hoppers |
| 1 | Hospitality & food services | 36,050 | 2.1 | 10,978 | 34.01% |
| 2 | Arts, entertainment & recreation | 39,729 | 2.7 | 1,856 | 26.29% |
| 3 | Wholesale & retail trade | 65,725 | 3.1 | 4,959 | 25.06% |
| 4 | Publishing & media | 71,646 | 3.9 | 284 | 21.35% |
| 5 | Human resources | 66,248 | 3.4 | 179 | 21.23% |
| 6 | Construction | 69,984 | 4.2 | 2,508 | 21.08% |
| 7 | Marketing & PR | 73,679 | 3.5 | 129 | 20.84% |
| 8 | Healthcare | 68,087 | 3.5 | 13,912 | 20.75% |
| 9 | Transportation | 58,263 | 3.4 | 3,464 | 20.49% |
| 10 | Agriculture, forestry, fishing & hunting | 44,305 | 4.4 | 461 | 20.35% |
| 11 | Mining, quarrying, oil & gas extraction | 69,687 | 5.7 | 120 | 20.35% |
| 12 | Education | 59,857 | 4.0 | 5,577 | 19.88% |
| 13 | Manufacturing | 51,037 | 4.9 | 3,082 | 19.79% |
| 14 | Science, IT & technology | 161,259 | 5.2 | 1,729 | 19.71% |
| 15 | Utilities & energy | 125,000 | 4.9 | 587 | 19.60% |
| 16 | Banking & finance | 126,712 | 4.8 | 3,477 | 18.91% |
| 17 | Public administration | 134,920 | 6.2 | 1,441 | 18.04% |
| 18 | Property & real estate | 87,228 | 4.0 | 1,765 | 17.98% |
| 19 | Legal services | 81,516 | 3.5 | 304 | 17.51% |
Workers who have been with their current employer for less than 12 months are considered job hoppers.
The study found that the science, IT, and technology industry ranks as the sixth most loyal sector, with 19.71% of employees considered job hoppers. Earning potential in the industry is high with average annual income being the highest at $161,259, while the median tenure stands at 5.2 years – the third highest of all sectors studied. It’s clear that high pay and career growth keep workers grounded.
Which sectors are the most loyal?
With the lowest job hopping rate at 17.51%, legal services take the crown as the most loyal sector, while the property and real estate sector trails behind with just 17.98% of employees moving on within a year.
In third place is the public administration sector boasting the longest median tenure of 6.2 years and the second highest annual salary of $134,920, offering strong job security and benefits.
The top job hopping sectors revealed
The hospitality and food services industry has the highest number of job hoppers, with a whopping 1 in 3 (34%) unlikely to stock with their employer long term. With average annual wages of around $36,000 per year, and the physically and mentally demanding nature of the job, it’s no surprise employees are quick to seek better opportunities elsewhere.
With a staggering 26.29% of its workforce classified as job hoppers, the arts, entertainment and recreation sector ranks as the second least loyal, with a median tenure of 2.7 years. Having one of the lowest average annual incomes on the list at $39,729, it’s evident that passion alone isn't enough to keep workers motivated - low pay makes these industries more prone to job hopping.
Next up is the wholesale and retail trade industry, where 1 in 4 (25.06%) employees change jobs within a year, with the median tenure standing at 3.1 years.
Finally, the publishing and media industry and human resources, complete the top five with 21.35% and 21.23% labeled as job hoppers, respectively. Nearly 15,000 media jobs were eliminated in 2024 alone reflecting the volatile nature of the media industry. Ironically, the HR sector - responsible for hiring and retention - also suffers from one of the highest job hopping rates.
Which age groups are the biggest job hoppers?
| Age groups | % of workers with <12 months with current employer |
| 16 to 19 years | 70.3 |
| 20 to 24 years | 48.3 |
| 25 to 34 years | 28.1 |
| 35 to 44 years | 17.5 |
| 45 to 54 years | 12.6 |
| 55 to 64 years | 9.6 |
| 65 years and over | 10.5 |
Gen Z and Millennials are at the forefront of job hopping. While the striking 70.3% of 16 to 19-year-olds is largely due to the part-time nature of early jobs, a notable 48.3% of those aged 20 to 24 move on quickly in their careers, followed by 28.1% of 25 to 34-year-olds.
In contrast, older age groups show far greater career stability. The job hopping rate significantly drops to 17.5% for workers aged 35 to 44 and plummets even further to just 12.6% for those aged 45 to 54. The generational divide is clear, with younger employees favoring flexibility and rapid growth, while older workers value consistency and long-term commitment.
Top five job hopping dos and don’ts
Martin Schmidt, Co-Founder and Managing Director at JobLeads, shared his top five dos and don’ts for anyone looking to make a switch this year:
- Do have a clear goal in mind
Jumping from one role to another without a solid plan or goal can backfire so make sure every move has a purpose. Are you looking for growth opportunities, a salary boost, or a new industry experience? A well-thought-out transition shows you’re intentional, not just restless.
- Do: be transparent, but tactful
Job hopping can raise eyebrows, so be prepared to explain your journey confidently and convincingly. Be honest about why you left previous roles, but focus on the positives. For example, instead of saying “I left because management was terrible,” try something like, “I wanted to take on more responsibility and work in an environment that encouraged professional growth.”
- Don’t burn bridges or badmouth your previous employer
No matter how unpleasant your last job was, never badmouth your previous employer. The professional world is smaller than you think and word can spread quickly. Always leave on good terms, and express gratitude for the opportunities you had even if they weren’t perfect.
- Don’t be a ‘serial job hopper’
While strategic job changes can boost your career, moving too often without a solid reason can be a red flag. Employers may worry you’ll leave just as quickly, making them hesitant to invest. Aim to stay in roles for at least two years to make a tangible impact.
- Don’t lie about your work history
It can be tempting to tweak your resume to make it look more stable, but it’s not worth the risk. Hiring managers often conduct background checks and can easily spot discrepancies. Instead, be upfront about short stays and focused on what you learned and how they prepared you for the next opportunity.
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