US Payrolls Rise 162,000 in August, Unemployment Holds Steady

The US nonfarm payroll employment increased by 162,000 in August, surpassing the average monthly gain of 31,000 over the previous 12 months. The unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.1 per cent.

The August increase was led by a 59,000 rise in employment in food services and drinking places, which is significantly higher than its average monthly gain of 12,000 over the past year. Local government education added 42,000 jobs, largely offsetting a decline in the previous month.

Manufacturing employment continued its upward trend, increasing by 16,000 in August and rising by 58,000 since its recent low in December 2025. Healthcare employment rose by 13,000, although the gain was slower than its average monthly increase of 32,000 over the previous 12 months.

The information industry, however, was a notable drag, losing 23,000 jobs in August after averaging monthly losses of 8,000 over the previous year. Wage growth remained steady, with average hourly earnings for private nonfarm payroll employees rising 10 cents, or 0.3 per cent, to $37.75 in August.