The U.S. economy saw significant job gains in September, with employers expanding payrolls by 336,000 jobs. That figure far outpaces analysts’ forecasts of about 170,000 new jobs.
The September jobs report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) also shows that employers added 119,000 more jobs than previously reported in July and August combined.
The national unemployment rate last month was 3.8%, according to the BLS. That figure is unchanged from August, and it’s the highest rate seen since February 2022.
Meanwhile, the unemployment rate for college-degreed professionals who are 25 or older — the workers most highly sought-after by many employers — edged down slightly to 2.1% in September. In August, the rate was 2.2%.
The BLS reports that the leisure and hospitality industry fueled payroll expansion last month with employers adding 96,000 positions.
Government employers also experienced high job growth in September, adding 73,000 jobs. Employers in the private education and health services sector weren’t far behind, adding 70,000 jobs.
These industries also saw payroll expansion in September, according to the BLS:
Professional and business services: 21,000 jobs added
Retail trade: 19,700 jobs added
Manufacturing: 17,000 jobs added
Wholesale trade: 11,700 jobs added
Construction: 11,000 jobs added
Transportation and warehousing: 8,600 jobs added
Utilities: 4,800 jobs added
