The United States added 165,000 new jobs to the labor market in October 2026. This job increase was significantly higher than the monthly average of 48,000 jobs over the past 12 months, while the unemployment rate remained nearly unchanged at 4.1 percent.
Employment Details for October 2026
According to a report released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), total non-farm employment increased by 165,000 jobs this month. The number of unemployed individuals in October 2026 reached 7.1 million, showing little change from the previous month. The unemployment rate has remained within a narrow range of 4.1 to 4.3 percent since March.
The BLS report also indicated that the unemployment rate among major occupational groups showed little change in October. The unemployment rate for adult men was recorded at 3.9 percent, for adult women at 3.6 percent, and for teenagers at 13.9 percent. Additionally, unemployment among White individuals was 3.7 percent, Black individuals 6.6 percent, Asian individuals 2.8 percent, and Hispanic individuals 4.7 percent.
Changes in Various Economic Sectors
In October, the professional and business services sector showed significant growth with 70,000 new jobs, compared to the monthly average of 15,000 jobs over the past 12 months. Additionally, employment in the healthcare sector increased by 42,000 new jobs, and hiring in the transportation and warehousing sector also recorded 25,000 new jobs.
Furthermore, hiring in the manufacturing sector continued, with 19,000 new jobs created this month. This sector has added 101,000 new jobs since December 2025. Overall, hiring in other sectors, including mining, construction, retail, and government services, showed little change.
The average hourly earnings of employees in the private non-farm sector increased by 14 cents or 0.4 percent to $38.00. Over the past 12 months, hourly earnings have increased by an average of 3.1 percent. Overall, the average workweek for all employees in this sector remained at 34.4 hours.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics also revised employment estimates for the past two months. Job growth in August was revised up to 186,000 jobs, and the September employment figure was adjusted to 60,000 jobs. Thus, the total job increase in August and September was recorded as 84,000 jobs more than previously reported.
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