In Carson City, the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) released its latest monthly Jobs Report, indicating that 33% of small business owners nationwide reported unfilled job openings in December. This figure remains unchanged from November and continues to exceed the historical average of 24%.
Tray Abney, NFIB Nevada State Director, commented on the report: “With the Nevada Legislature off for the year, 2026 will be a good time to delve into some important issues that will greet a new crop of state lawmakers in 2027. Finding qualified employees will remain a problem, but not one that occurs in a vacuum. Small business owners take everything into consideration when deciding whether or not to remain in business. NFIB will be looking for pro-small-business candidates to support for election this year and pushing our congressional delegates to pass our nine legislative priorities for the U.S. House and U.S. Senate.”
The NFIB Jobs Report is based on responses from a random sample of 429 member firms across the country as of December 31, 2025.
Bill Dunkelberg, NFIB Chief Economist, stated: “The economic climate continues to support the small business labor market. Although employment conditions vary, fewer owners report labor as their biggest challenge while compensation pressures are escalating.”
Other findings from the December survey show that just over half—53%—of small business owners reported hiring or trying to hire during December, which is three percentage points lower than November’s level. Nineteen percent identified labor quality as their top concern, down two points from November.
Additionally, seasonally adjusted data shows that a net 31% of small business owners increased compensation in December—a five-point rise compared with November—and a net 24% plan further increases within three months.
NFIB has represented America’s small and independent businesses for more than eight decades at both federal and state levels. The organization describes itself as nonprofit and nonpartisan.
For more information about Nevada small businesses or updates from NFIB Nevada, visit www.nfib.com or follow @NFIB_NV on X.
