US Labor Market Adds Modest 29,000 Jobs in September

The US labor market experienced a modest gain in September, adding 29,000 nonfarm payroll positions, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is weaker than the 45,000 monthly average recorded across the preceding 12 months.

The unemployment rate remained steady at 4.2 percent, while 7.1 million people were counted as unemployed. The jobless rate has been within a tight band of 4.1 percent to 4.3 percent since March.

Sector-wise, healthcare led the pack with 17,000 new positions, but at a slower pace than its 33,000 monthly average over 12 months. Construction contributed 11,000 jobs, close to its recent monthly norm of 10,000. Manufacturing added 9,000 positions and has risen 72,000 since a recent low in December 2025.

However, the financial activities sector cut 7,000 jobs in September, with insurance carriers and related activities accounting for 90,000 of those losses since a peak in May 2025.