In September, the U.S. labor market showed only modest progress, adding a mere 29,000 non-farm jobs. Meanwhile, the unemployment rate remained largely unchanged at 4.2%.
The data comes from the official employment report released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which also highlights significant downward revisions for the previous two months.
Revised Employment Data from Previous Months
September's job addition fell short of the 12-month average of 45,000 new jobs per month, signaling continued sluggish growth in the labor market.
The national unemployment rate held steady at 4.2%, showing little change from August, with the number of unemployed individuals hovering around 7.1 million.
According to the BLS, since March, the U.S. unemployment rate has fluctuated within a narrow range of 4.1% to 4.3%.
Labor Force Participation and Demographic Insights
The labor force participation rate was 61.8%, with the employment-population ratio at 59.2%. Among key demographic groups, the unemployment rate for Hispanic or Latino Americans was 4.7% in September, showing no statistically significant change from the previous month.
Unemployment rates were 3.9% for adult men and 3.6% for adult women. For Black workers, unemployment rose to 7.0%, while it was 3.6% for whites and 2.9% for Asians. These figures represent broad national groups and do not specifically reflect the situation for Cuban workers or those in Florida.
Sector-Specific Employment Changes
One of the most significant aspects of the report is the revision of previous months' employment figures. The BLS adjusted July's job growth from an initially reported 21,000 positions to a net loss of 10,000 jobs. August was also revised from 162,000 to 133,000 new jobs. Combined, July and August ended with 60,000 fewer jobs than previously reported.
Revisions are common in labor reports as the BLS incorporates additional responses from businesses and government agencies and recalculates certain seasonal factors.
Although employment remained relatively unchanged across most major sectors, the health sector continued to expand, adding about 17,000 jobs in September. This growth was slower than the 12-month average of 33,000 jobs per month. Within the health sector, outpatient services added around 13,000 workers, while hospitals gained 12,000. In contrast, nursing and residential care facilities lost approximately 9,000 positions.
Wages and Long-term Unemployment
The average hourly wage for private-sector employees increased by five cents in September, reaching $37.81. Compared to the previous year, average wages rose by 3.0%. For production and non-supervisory employees in the private sector, the average hourly wage increased by seven cents, settling at $32.60. The average workweek for private-sector employees remained at 34.4 hours.
The number of long-term unemployed individuals—those jobless for at least 27 weeks—hovered around 1.9 million, making up 27.1% of all unemployed people in September. Additionally, there were about 414,000 discouraged workers, individuals who wanted to work but had stopped looking actively because they believed no jobs were available for them.
Implications for Job Seekers
The addition of 29,000 jobs in September represents a national figure and does not imply that job opportunities have vanished. However, the report indicates that the net creation of positions is low compared to the pace of recent years, with many sectors barely changing their workforce in September.
For job seekers, this underscores the importance of evaluating which sectors and regions continue to hire. The health sector remains a growth area according to the BLS, though conditions can vary significantly from one state or metropolitan area to another.
Florida's Unique Job Market
National figures do not replace specific data from Florida or the opportunities available in the southern part of the state. In Miami-Dade, for example, there are ongoing job openings in administration, maintenance, technology, cleaning, and other areas.
Recently, several public vacancies in Miami-Dade with their requirements, salaries, and application procedures were compiled. Florida also raised its general minimum wage to $15 per hour as of September 30, completing the schedule of increases approved by state voters in 2020.
Future Employment Reports
The BLS is set to release the October employment report on Friday, November 6, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time. This report will help determine whether September's weak growth was an isolated incident or if the labor market continues to generate jobs at a reduced pace.
Currently, the data presents a clear combination: low new job creation, stable unemployment, and wages that are still growing compared to the previous year.
Frequently Asked Questions about U.S. Employment Report
What was the unemployment rate in September?
The unemployment rate in September remained largely unchanged at 4.2%.
How did the health sector perform in terms of job creation?
The health sector added about 17,000 jobs in September, although this was below the 12-month average of 33,000 jobs per month.
What changes occurred in the employment figures for July and August?
The BLS revised July's job growth from 21,000 positions to a net loss of 10,000 jobs, and August's figures were adjusted from 162,000 to 133,000 new jobs.