US Crushes Jobs Forecast with 115,000 April Gains

(MENAFN) The US economy generated 115,000 jobs in April — nearly double market expectations of 65,000 — while the unemployment rate held steady at 4.3%, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Friday.

The number of unemployed Americans remained broadly flat at 7.4 million. The labor force participation rate stood at 61.8%, with the employment-population ratio at 59.1%.

Sector Breakdown
Health care led all industries with 37,000 new positions, driven by gains in nursing and residential care facilities as well as home health care services. Transportation and warehousing followed with 30,000 jobs added, fueled by a 38,000-job surge among couriers and messengers — though the sector still sits 105,000 jobs below its February 2025 peak. Retail trade contributed 22,000 positions, with growth concentrated in warehouse clubs, supercenters, general merchandise retailers, and building material and garden equipment stores.

Federal Employment Continues Steep Decline
Federal government payrolls shed another 9,000 jobs in April. Since peaking in October 2024, federal employment has fallen by 348,000 — a cumulative decline of 11.5%.

Wages and Hours
Average hourly earnings for private nonfarm employees rose 6 cents, or 0.2%, to $37.41 in April, translating to a 3.6% annual gain. The average private-sector workweek edged up by 0.1 hour to 34.3 hours.

Prior Months Revised
Earlier payroll figures were also adjusted. February's total was revised downward by 23,000 to a net loss of 156,000, while March was revised upward by 7,000 to a gain of 185,000. Combined, the two months reflect 16,000 fewer jobs than previously reported.

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