July Jobs Report: Hiring Slows as Unemployment Rate Holds Steady

The July 2026 jobs report revealed a slowdown in hiring as the unemployment rate held steady at 4.1%. The nonfarm payroll employment dipped by 23,000 jobs, while the civilian unemployment rate remained nearly flat.

Healthcare was the primary sector adding new payroll positions, with 22,000 employees hired, but even this growth moderated compared to a year ago.

Other industries showed minimal movement, and some sectors contracted, including retail trade, which shed 19,000 jobs. The national unemployment rate is slightly improving for certain demographic groups, such as teenagers and Hispanic workers.