The latest jobs report for September 2026 shows slower growth in the U.S. labor market. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that nonfarm payrolls increased by 29,000 jobs in September.
The latest jobs report showed an unemployment rate of 4.2%. About 7.1 million people were unemployed. Average hourly earnings also increased during the month.
The new jobs report gives workers, businesses, and investors fresh jobs data on hiring, unemployment, wages, and the wider economy of the United States.
Latest Jobs Report: September 2026 Numbers
The latest job report showed modest changes across the U.S. labor market.
The main figures in the employment report include:
- Nonfarm payrolls increased by 29,000.
- The unemployment rate was 4.2%.
- About 7.1 million people were unemployed.
- The labor force participation rate was 61.8%.
- The employment-population ratio was 59.2%.
- Average hourly earnings reached $37.81.
- Earnings increased 3.0% year over year.
The figures are seasonally adjusted, which helps account for normal changes that happen at different times of the year.
The BLS also revised earlier figures. July payroll employment was revised from a gain of 21,000 to a loss of 10,000. August employment was revised from 162,000 to 133,000.
These changes show why readers should look at the full employment data, rather than only one month’s headline number.
Jobs Numbers Show Slower Hiring
The latest jobs numbers show that job growth has slowed.
Payroll employment increased by an average of 45,000 jobs per month during the previous 12 months. September’s increase of 29,000 was below that average.
The report shows continued employment growth, but the pace is more moderate than it was during stronger periods.
For people searching for the job report in USA, the figures offer a current view of hiring conditions. The hiring numbers also show that job gains are not equal across every industry.
Unemployment Jobs Report: Rate Stays at 4.2%
The unemployment jobs report showed that the unemployment rate remained at 4.2% in September.
The BLS said the rate has stayed between 4.1% and 4.3% since March. About 7.1 million people were unemployed.
Long-term unemployment was about 1.9 million. People who had been unemployed for 27 weeks or more made up 27.1% of all unemployed people.
The long term unemployment figure is useful when looking beyond short-term changes in the job market.
Which Industries Added Jobs?
The September jobs report showed job gains in several parts of the economy.
Health care added 17,000 jobs in September. The increase included hospitals and ambulatory health care services. Nursing and residential care facilities recorded job losses.
Construction added 11,000 jobs, close to its recent monthly average.
Manufacturing employment increased by 9,000 jobs. Manufacturing has added 72,000 jobs since reaching a recent low in December 2025.
Financial activities lost 7,000 jobs. Employment in the sector was down by 129,000 jobs from its recent peak in May 2025.
Other major industries, including leisure and hospitality, showed little change during the month.
Wage Growth and Average Hourly Earnings
Wage growth remains an important part of the recent jobs report.
Average hourly earnings for private workers increased by 5 cents in September. The average reached $37.81 per hour.
Compared with September 2025, average hourly earnings increased by 3.0%.
The average workweek for private nonfarm employees remained at 34.4 hours.
Wage growth can provide useful information about workers’ pay and the wider labor market. It can also matter for consumer spending, because changes in income can affect household budgets.
Jobs Report Today: What the Numbers Show
The jobs report today gives a mixed picture of the U.S. job market.
The economy added jobs in September, but the increase was small. The unemployment rate remained stable, while wages continued to rise.
People searching for job reports today may also see the terms payroll jobs, job gains, job losses, employment growth, and labor market conditions. These measures help explain what is happening beyond the headline number.
The today’s jobs report figures should also be viewed with previous month revisions. A single monthly result does not always show the full trend.
Jobs Report Today US: What Comes Next?
The jobs report today US data will be followed by other economic reports.
Businesses and investors may also watch interest rates, consumer spending, job openings, unemployment claims, and wage growth. These indicators can provide additional information about the U.S. labor market.
The next monthly Employment Situation report, covering October 2026, is scheduled for November 6, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time.
Jobs Report United States: What to Watch
The jobs report United States data are closely watched because employment affects many parts of the economy.
Strong hiring can increase household income, while job losses can place pressure on workers and families. However, monthly figures can change after revisions.
The U.S. jobs numbers should therefore be considered alongside other jobs data and economic indicators.
The current report also provides a useful comparison with earlier periods, including October 2025 and December 2025. Looking at longer trends can give more context than focusing only on short-term changes.
When Is the Jobs Report Release Date?
People often search for the jobs report release date to find out when new employment data will be available.
The monthly U.S. Employment Situation report is generally released at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time on a scheduled Friday. The exact date changes each month.
For September 2026, the report was released on October 2 at 8:30 a.m. ET.
Readers looking for the monthly jobs report should check the latest BLS release for updated employment, unemployment, payroll, and wage figures.
Jobs Report 2026: Key Takeaways
The latest us job report shows several important trends:
- Nonfarm payrolls increased by 29,000.
- The unemployment rate remained at 4.2%.
- Health care added 17,000 jobs.
- Construction added 11,000 jobs.
- Manufacturing added 9,000 jobs.
- Financial activities lost 7,000 jobs.
- Average hourly earnings reached $37.81.
- Annual wage growth was 3.0%.
- Earlier payroll figures were revised lower.
Overall, the most recent jobs report shows continued job gains, but hiring was slower than the recent average. The next employment report will provide more information about the direction of the U.S. job market.
The job reports today, the latest jobs report, and future monthly releases can help readers follow changes in hiring, unemployment, wages, and the wider labor market throughout 2026.
