U.S. jobs report shows 130,000 positions added last month

The U.S. economy added 130,000 jobs last month, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported, beating economists' forecast of about 55,000; the national unemployment rate remained near 4.3 percent.

The U.S. economy added 130,000 jobs last month, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported. That gain exceeded economists' forecast of roughly 55,000 jobs. The unemployment rate stayed near 4.3 percent, a level described as close to four-year highs. The report follows weaker monthly employment readings late last year. Reported details: - Total payrolls rose by 130,000 in the month, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. - The gain was about 80,000 more jobs than in December and marked the first month above 100,000 since April 2025. - Health care added 82,000 jobs, including 50,000 in ambulatory health care services. - Social assistance (family services) increased by 42,000 jobs, and construction added 33,000. - The federal government saw a decline of 34,000 jobs, and financial activities lost 22,000. Summary: The monthly gain reverses some recent weakness in payrolls and is noted in the article as a political bright spot for President Donald Trump. Unemployment remains elevated relative to past years, and some industries recorded job losses alongside gains in others. Undetermined at this time.