These are the top reasons why US workers quit their jobs in 2021

Mar 16, 2022

A woman biting a pencil in frustration while staring at laptop screen.

Low pay, a lack of opportunities for advancement and feeling disrespected at work were key reasons US workers quit in 2021. Image: Unsplash/JESHOOTS.COM

Kim Parker

Director, Social Trends Research, Pew Research Center

Juliana Menasce Horowitz

Associate director of research, Pew Research Center

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An infographic showing top reasons why U.S. workers left a job in 2021

Low pay was a major reason for US workers quitting their jobs in 2021. Image: Pew Research Center/Survey of U.S. adults conducted Feb. 7-13.2022.

An infographic showing how reasons for quitting a job in 2021 varies by education

Reasons for quitting varied according to educational attainment. Image: Pew Research Center/Survey of U.S. adults conducted Feb. 7-13.2022.

An infographic showing how college graduates and non-college graduates working conditions opinions after leaving their jobs and finding another employment opportunity

College graduates are faring better than those with less education. Image: Pew Research Center/Survey of U.S. adults conducted Feb. 7-13.2022.

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