The US labour market recorded an increase of 165,000 nonfarm jobs in October 2026, according to the Employment Situation report released by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) on November 6.
The unemployment rate stood at 4.1%, compared with 4.2% in September. The number of unemployed people was approximately 7.1 million. The BLS said the unemployment rate and the number of unemployed people changed little during the month.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
US nonfarm payroll employment increased by 165,000 in October.
The unemployment rate was 4.1%, compared with 4.2% in September.
Professional and business services added 70,000 jobs.
Healthcare employment increased by 42,000.
Transportation and warehousing added 25,000 jobs.
Manufacturing employment rose by 19,000.
Professional and business services recorded the largest gain among the major sectors highlighted in the report, adding 70,000 jobs. Healthcare employment increased by 42,000, while transportation and warehousing added 25,000 positions. Manufacturing employment rose by 19,000.
The October employment increase was higher than the average monthly gain of 48,000 recorded over the preceding 12 months.
Average hourly earnings for employees on private nonfarm payrolls increased by 14 cents, or 0.4%, to 38 US dollars in October. Earnings were up 3.1% over the previous 12 months.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
Employment and wage figures provide important information about the strength of the US economy. Job creation influences household income, consumer spending and business activity. The increase in employment offers a positive signal, while the rise in people working part-time for economic reasons provides additional context about labour-market conditions.
The report also recorded an increase of 339,000 in the number of people working part-time for economic reasons, bringing the total to 4.8 million. These workers preferred full-time employment but were working reduced hours or could not find full-time jobs.
The BLS revised its previous employment estimates upward. August's job gain was revised from 133,000 to 186,000, while September's figure was revised from 29,000 to 60,000. Together, the revisions added 84,000 jobs to the previously reported figures for those two months.
The October payroll figures are preliminary and may be revised as additional information becomes available.
