U.S. employers added 162,000 jobs in August — nearly triple what economists expected — while the unemployment rate held steady at 4.1%, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported.
Reuters and CNBC both flagged the print as the strongest monthly gain in months. Economists polled by Reuters had looked for about 56,000 jobs; Dow Jones consensus sat near 53,000. July payrolls were revised up to a 21,000 gain from a previously reported loss, and June was revised higher as well.
Leisure and hospitality led the rebound, with restaurants and bars adding about 59,000 jobs. Local government education added about 42,000. The information sector shed about 23,000 roles — a slice some economists tied to AI adoption. Average hourly earnings rose 0.3% on the month and 3.1% over the year.
Labor-force participation rebounded to 61.6% from 61.4%. Markets dialed rate-hike odds higher for the Federal Reserve’s Sept. 15–16 meeting, with CME FedWatch cited near 60% for a quarter-point move after the release. Next week’s inflation reports remain the swing factor.
Sources: https://www.reuters.com/business/us-nonfarm-payrolls-surge-august-unemployment-rate-steady-41-2026-09-04/ ; https://www.cnbc.com/2026/09/04/jobs-report-august-2026.html ; https://www.foxbusiness.com/economy/us-jobs-report-august-2026
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