The US economy added 162,000 jobs in August 2026, nearly double the 65,000 analysts had forecast, while the unemployment rate held steady at 4.1%. Leisure and hospitality led gains with 62,000 new positions, rebounding from steep losses in previous months. Healthcare and local government education also added jobs. Major U.S. stock indexes edged lower Friday morning after the report, and the probability of a 25‑basis‑point rate hike in September climbed to about 60%, according to CME FedWatch. Investors now await August inflation data, due September 11.
The United States economy added 162,000 jobs in August 2026, beating analyst expectations, as Watcher.Guru stated. The Bureau of Labor Statistics report showed the unemployment rate remained at 4.1%.
August’s job gains were the best since March and a sharp rebound from July’s tally. The figures contradicted analyst forecasts of a net gain of only 65,000 jobs and an uptick in unemployment to 4.2%.
The leisure and hospitality sector generated 62,000 jobs after posting losses of 21,000 and 54,000 in July and June, respectively. Most of those gains came from restaurants and bars, which added 59,200 positions.
Healthcare and social assistance contributed 28,400 jobs, continuing a steady trend. Local government education added 41,900 jobs, reversing a large loss of 57,500 in July.
Many economists view August inflation data, scheduled for release September 11, as more important to the Federal Reserve’s decision‑making than the latest jobs figures. The odds of a 25‑basis‑point rate hike in September rose modestly Friday morning to around 60%, up from about 50‑50 on Thursday, according to CME FedWatch.
The S&P 500, Dow 30, and Nasdaq composite indexes each fell slightly on Friday morning after the jobs report.
