Goldman Says AI Cuts 11,000 U.S. Jobs Monthly as April Layoffs Hit 21,900
Updated
Updated · Fortune · Jun 1
Goldman Says AI Cuts 11,000 U.S. Jobs Monthly as April Layoffs Hit 21,900
1 articles · Updated · Fortune · Jun 1
21,900 workers were hit by AI-attributed layoff announcements in April, Goldman Sachs said, the highest monthly figure in its tracker since 2023, even as net monthly job losses eased to about 11,000.
212,000 data-center construction jobs added since 2022 are masking deeper white-collar displacement, with that buildout now creating roughly 9,000 jobs a month that economists and industry experts say are largely temporary.
Gen Z and other under-30 workers appear most exposed: Goldman found a modest cross-industry link between higher AI adoption and youth unemployment, while studies it cited show a 23% average productivity boost that favors more senior staff.
19.5% of U.S. establishments already use AI in regular business functions, Goldman said, and 24% of Russell 3000 companies discussed AI and labor on first-quarter earnings calls, signaling broader occupational churn even if overall unemployment stays near 4.33%.
After the AI construction boom, what is the next safety net for the American job market?
With data centers booming, are we building a future with no entry-level white-collar jobs?
Is AI forcing Gen Z to become entrepreneurs, or is it creating a new lost generation?
AI-Driven Layoffs Surpass 100,000 in 2026: The Immediate and Long-Term Impact on U.S. Jobs and Society
Overview
As of June 2026, artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the U.S. job market, driving significant workforce reductions, especially in the technology sector. Over 114,000 tech jobs have been cut across about 150 companies in just five months, with a notable 38% surge in AI-related layoffs in April. Major firms like Amazon, LinkedIn, and Meta attribute these cuts to AI efficiencies and investments. For example, Atlassian laid off 10% of its workforce, which boosted its stock price. This trend highlights how AI adoption is prompting companies to rethink their workforce needs and operational strategies.