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The U.S. economy added 29,000 jobs in September while the unemployment rate increased to 4.2%, both showing little change from August’s report, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Total nonfarm payroll employment changed little in September (+29,000), following an average monthly gain of 45,000 over the prior 12 months. Employment in all major industries changed little over the month.
Employment in the construction sector changed little in September with 11,000 jobs added. The industry had added an average of 10,000 jobs per month over the prior 12 months. In September, employment in nonresidential specialty trade contractors continued to trend up, with the addition of 12,000 jobs.
Manufacturing employment added 9,000 jobs in September, consistent with August’s reading, but up by 72,000 since a recent low in December 2025. Over the month, employment increased in plastics and rubber products manufacturing by 5,000 jobs and in machinery manufacturing by 5,000 jobs.
BLS also reported revisions to July and August’s employment reports. The change in total nonfarm payroll employment for July was revised down by 31,000, from +21,000 to -10,000, and the change for August was revised down by 29,000, from +162,000 to +133,000. With these revisions, employment in July and August combined is 60,000 lower than previously reported.
