US Labor Market Shows Mixed Results in August

The US labor market continued to show mixed results in August 2026, with nonfarm payroll employment increasing in 35 states. The total number of jobs added nationwide was 162,000, following a gain of 21,000 jobs in July. California led the month-over-month gains with an increase of 39,400 jobs, followed by Florida and Wisconsin.

However, 15 states and the District of Columbia (D.C.) recorded declines in employment, with New York posting the largest loss at 23,500 jobs. The unemployment rate remained relatively low in several states, while D.C. continued to record the nation's highest rate at 5.7%.

The construction sector added a net 22,000 jobs nationwide in August, although employment trends varied across states. Ohio recorded the largest monthly gain with an increase of 4,600 construction jobs, while Colorado recorded the largest loss with a decline of 2,200 jobs.