U.S. Jobless Rate Surges to 4.3 Percent

2026-02-12 02:24:29

(MENAFN) America's labor market showed signs of cooling in January 2026, with employers adding 130,000 positions as the jobless rate climbed to 4.3%—up from 4% recorded in the same month last year, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Wednesday.

The employment snapshot arrived later than anticipated after a partial federal shutdown pushed back the report's original Friday release date.

The nation's unemployed population remained at 7.4 million workers, marking a notable increase from the 6.9 million Americans without jobs one year ago when the unemployment figure stood at 4%.

Healthcare and social assistance drove hiring momentum during the year's opening month, with construction also contributing significant workforce expansion.

Federal government payrolls and financial sector positions contracted, however, tempering gains recorded across other industries.

Demographic breakdowns revealed divergent trends: teenage unemployment dropped to 13.6%, while jobless rates among adult men and women held relatively stable.

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