Federal government employment fell by 9,000
(UCBJ) — Total U.S. nonfarm payroll employment increased by 115,000 in April 2026, while the unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.3%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Job gains were led by healthcare, transportation and warehousing, and retail trade. Federal government employment continued to decline. Healthcare added 37,000 jobs, followed by transportation and warehousing (+30,000), and retail trade (+22,000). Social assistance also continued its upward trend, adding 17,000 jobs.
Federal government employment fell by 9,000 in April and is down 348,000 since its peak in October 2024. Average hourly earnings for private-sector workers rose to $37.41, up 6 cents on the month and 3.6% over the past year. The average workweek edged up slightly to 34.3 hours.
The unemployment rate remained steady at 4.3%, with 7.4 million people unemployed. Labor force participation and employment-population ratios showed little change. Revisions showed February and March employment combined were 16,000 lower than previously reported.
The BLS notes that while overall job growth continued, most major industries saw little change during the month.
Photo by Nate Johnston on Unsplash.
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