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US Employers Add 162,000 Jobs in August, Exceeding Forecasts

General27 sourcesSep 4, 2026
ContestedRigor 5627 sources

The Story

U.S. employers added 162,000 jobs in August, exceeding economists' forecasts, while the unemployment rate held steady at 4.1%. Forecasters had expected gains ranging from 50,000 to 65,000 jobs. The Labor Department also revised payroll figures for June and July upward by a combined 55,000 positions. July's initial report of a 23,000-job loss was revised to a 21,000-job gain, and June's increase was adjusted from 20,000 to 31,000. Job growth was in food services and drinking places, which added 59,000 jobs, and local government education, gaining 42,000 positions. Construction companies added 22,000 jobs, and manufacturing saw a 16,000-job increase. Healthcare added 13,000 jobs, a slower pace than its average. The information industry experienced a decline of 23,000 jobs. The U.S. labor force increased by 683,000 last month, with the participation rate rising to 61.6%. Average hourly wages rose 3.1% from a year earlier, the weakest year-over-year increase since May 2021. Heather Long, chief economist at Navy Federal Credit Union, stated this wage growth is well below inflation. Inflation has been a primary concern for households, with fuel prices reaching record levels following the U.S. and Iran's attack on Iran in late February. Renewed fighting has caused crude prices to rise again. President Donald Trump welcomed the report, stating on social media, "Great jobs number just announced, breaking all estimates (except mine!) by double and triple - And you haven’t seen anything yet!" White House Senior Deputy Press Secretary Kush Desai noted the 162,000 jobs added triple economists' expectations. The report could strengthen the case for a Federal Reserve interest rate hike at its September 16 meeting. Ellen Zentner, chief economic strategist for Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, said an upside surprise in payrolls will likely ramp up concerns about a rate hike. President Trump called for the Fed to lower the interest rates immediately. Diane Swonk, chief economist at KPMG, called the report incredible.

The Spread

What they agree on

  • U.S. employers added 162,000 jobs in August.
  • The unemployment rate in the U.S. remained steady at 4.1% in August.
  • The August job gains exceeded economists' forecasts, which generally ranged from 50,000 to 65,000 positions.
  • The Labor Department revised payroll gains for June and July upward by a combined 55,000 jobs.
  • Job growth in August was particularly strong in food services and drinking places, and local government education.

Where they split

  • Some outlets, including The Daily Signal and PJ Media, emphasize President Trump's reaction to the jobs report and its potential political implications for the midterm elections.
  • Courthouse News Service and The Independent include commentary from economists on the volatility or "strange" nature of the current labor market.
  • CBS News and NBC News specifically highlight the sluggish wage growth at 3.1% and its implications for workers and inflation.
  • Forbes and Financial Times lead their coverage with the potential implications of the jobs report for Federal Reserve interest rate decisions.

Source Perspectives

Left9 sources
Center10 sources
Right9 sources