U.S. Employers Add 172,000 Jobs in May, Unemployment Holds at 4.3 Percent

U.S. employers added 172,000 jobs in May, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Friday, marking the third straight month of gains. The unemployment rate remained at 4.3 percent. Job increases were concentrated in leisure and hospitality, local government, and health care. Financial activities recorded a decline.

Combined, the two months added 93,000 more jobs than previously reported. Average hourly earnings for all private nonfarm employees increased 12 cents, or 0.3 percent, to $37.53. Over the past year, average hourly earnings rose 3.4 percent.

Leisure and hospitality added 70,000 positions.

Local government employment rose by 55,000, while health care contributed 35,000 new jobs. Construction and durable goods manufacturing each gained 17,000 positions. The goods-producing sector overall added 28,000 jobs. Non-durable goods manufacturing lost 10,000 positions.

>"The U.S. labor market has climbed out of a rut. " — The Wall Street Journal, June 5, 2026 The average workweek for all private nonfarm employees held steady at 34.3 hours. In manufacturing, the workweek remained at 40.4 hours with overtime edging up to 3.1 hours.