September results and revised comparisons
Payroll growth slowed to 29,000 from a revised 133,000 in August. July is now a decline of 10,000, compared with the previously reported 21,000 gain. August was previously reported at +162,000.
Average hourly earnings rose 0.1% to $37.81 and increased 3.0% over the year. The average workweek was 34.4 hours; labor-force participation was 61.8%.
BLS / EMPLOYMENT SITUATION
April–September payrolls, unemployment and revisions
Payroll growth slowed in September; July now shows a decline. August payrolls remain preliminary.
Monthly nonfarm payroll change
Thousands of jobs · seasonally adjusted
- Apr
- +148K
- May
- +63K
- Jun
- +31K
- Jul
- −10K
- Aug
- +133K
- Sep
- +29K
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Unemployment rate
Household survey · seasonally adjusted
- Apr
- 4.3%
- May
- 4.3%
- Jun
- 4.2%
- Jul
- 4.1%
- Aug
- 4.1%
- Sep
- 4.2%
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
The latest payroll revisions
Both recent payroll estimates were reduced in the October 2 release.
- Month
- Jul
- Previously reported
- +21K
- Latest estimate
- −10K
- Revision
- −31K
- Month
- Aug
- Previously reported
- +162K
- Latest estimate
- +133K
- Revision
- −29K
Combined revision: −60K
Source: BLS October 2 release; payroll series CES0000000001 and unemployment series LNS14000000.
Read the slowdown alongside wages and revisions
The September gain and downward revisions give a weaker payroll picture than the previous release. A single report does not establish the next policy decision or a stock-market direction.
Payrolls and wages come from the establishment survey, while unemployment and participation come from the household survey. They measure different aspects of the labor market.
BLS · September employment report
Key results
01
Payrolls +29K
August revised to +133K; July revised to −10K.
02
Unemployment 4.2%
Participation was 61.8%, versus 61.6% in August.
03
Hourly earnings +0.1%
Year-over-year growth was 3.0%; average weekly hours were 34.4.
U.S. jobs report FAQ
What did September payrolls show?
An increase of 29,000, with unemployment at 4.2%.
How large were the revisions?
July was revised from +21,000 to −10,000 and August from +162,000 to +133,000: a combined reduction of 60,000.
When is the next report?
October employment data are scheduled for November 6, 2026 at 8:30 AM ET.