The U.S. economy posted solid job growth in January as employers hired at a steady pace to start 2026 as the Federal Reserve evaluates the need for rate cuts in the months ahead.
The Labor Department on Wednesday reported that employers added 130,000 jobs in January. That figure was above the expectations of economists polled by LSEG, who estimated the economy would add 70,000 jobs.
The unemployment rate was 4.3%, slightly lower than economists' expectations of 4.4%.
Healthcare companies added 82,000 jobs in January, with gains in ambulatory healthcare services (+50,000), hospitals (+18,000), and nursing and residential care facilities (+13,000). The sector's gains were above its monthly average of 33,000 jobs added per month in 2025.
Construction firms added 33,000 jobs in January, with the gain focused among nonresidential specialty trade contractors (+25,000).
The manufacturing sector added 5,000 jobs in January, beating the expectations of the economists polled by LSEG, who estimated a loss of 5,000 jobs.
The Labor Department on Wednesday reported that employers added 130,000 jobs in January. That figure was above the expectations of economists polled by LSEG, who estimated the economy would add 70,000 jobs.
The unemployment rate was 4.3%, slightly lower than economists' expectations of 4.4%.
Healthcare companies added 82,000 jobs in January, with gains in ambulatory healthcare services (+50,000), hospitals (+18,000), and nursing and residential care facilities (+13,000). The sector's gains were above its monthly average of 33,000 jobs added per month in 2025.
Construction firms added 33,000 jobs in January, with the gain focused among nonresidential specialty trade contractors (+25,000).
The manufacturing sector added 5,000 jobs in January, beating the expectations of the economists polled by LSEG, who estimated a loss of 5,000 jobs.