Resume.org Survey: 21% of U.S. Companies Halt Entry-Level Hiring Due to AI

Resume.org found that 21% of U.S. companies have stopped hiring entry-level workers because of AI, according to a press release. The February 2026 survey of nearly 1,000 business leaders revealed that by the end of 2026, 36% of companies expect to halt entry-level hiring, and by 2027 nearly half anticipate eliminating such roles entirely.

The report shows that AI is a key factor in these decisions. Twenty-one percent of companies said AI is the sole reason for eliminating roles, while another 19% named it the primary driver. Twelve percent of organizations have already removed entry-level positions due to AI, and another 21% expect to do so by the end of 2026.

Mid- and senior-level jobs are also being affected, though at a slower pace. Eleven percent of companies reported that AI has already removed mid-level roles, and 10% said the same for senior-level positions. Those figures are projected to rise to 24% and 26%, respectively, by the end of the year.

At the same time, companies are increasing hiring for technical and AI-focused roles. Forty-seven percent said they are hiring more AI specialists, and 48% are prioritizing workers who can effectively use AI tools. More than half of respondents expect AI-driven layoffs in 2026, with 29% reporting that such layoffs have already taken place.