US job growth slows to 29,000 in September, unemployment rises to 4.2%
All outlets report that the U.S. Labor Department said only 29,000 jobs were added in September, a sharp drop from August’s revised 133,000. The unemployment rate increased to 4.2% from 4.1%. No major discrepancies were noted among the reports.
First reported 3 hours ago · latest update 1 hour ago
The United States labor market experienced a significant deceleration in job growth during September 2026. According to data released by the Labor Department, the economy added 29,000 jobs throughout the month, marking a sharp decline in hiring activity compared to previous periods.
This figure represents a notable drop from the hiring levels observed in August. Revised data from the Labor Department indicates that the economy added 133,000 jobs in August, highlighting the extent of the slowdown as the third quarter concluded.
Alongside the decrease in new job creation, the national unemployment rate saw a slight uptick. The rate rose to 4.2% in September, increasing from the 4.1% recorded in August. Despite this rise, officials continue to characterize the current unemployment level as low by historical standards.
The combination of slowing job growth and the marginal increase in the unemployment rate provides new data for analysts assessing the current trajectory of the American economy. These figures reflect the latest official assessment of labor market conditions as reported by federal authorities.
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US job growth slows sharply in September; unemployment rate rises to 4.2% - Reuters
US job growth slows sharply in September; unemployment rate rises to 4.2% Reuters
2 hours agoUS economy adds just 29,000 jobs in September as hiring slows sharply - Financial Times
US economy adds just 29,000 jobs in September as hiring slows sharply Financial Times
3 hours agoUS jobs report September 2026: Hiring slows sharply to 29,000 jobs, unemployment rises to 4.2%
Hiring dropped from a revised 133,000 in August, the Labor Department reported. The unemployment rose to a still-low 4.2% from 4.1% in August
2 hours agoUS job growth slows sharply in September, unemployment rate rises to 4.2%
The US job market showed signs of struggle in September, with a mere 29,000 jobs being added and unemployment rising to 4.2 percent. This news surprised analysts and led to corrections in past employment figures. Despite steady employment in sectors like healthcare and construction, the increase in average hourly earnings to 3.0% provided little comfort.
1 hour ago · TRISHA MAHAJAN