The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics recently released its employment report for the month of October. It has shown that total nonfarm payroll employment grew by 165,000 jobs in October, while the unemployment rate fell slightly to 4.1%.
In the prior 12 months, the average monthly gain in total nonfarm payroll employment was 48,000, which increased significantly in October. Last month, employment increased in professional and business services, health care and transportation and warehousing. Professional and business services saw the largest gains, adding 70,000 jobs in October. Health care added 42,000 jobs, including 16,000 in hospitals, 11,000 in home health care services and 5,000 in outpatient care centers. Transportation and warehousing also added 25,000 jobs.
The unemployment rate remained relatively unchanged, falling by 0.1%, now currently at 4.1%. The country’s unemployment rate last reached this number in August 2026, just two months ago. The average hourly earnings for all employees on private nonfarm payrolls saw an increase of 14 cents in October, now at $38. Over the last 12 months, average hourly earnings have increased by 3.1%.
In November 2025, the U.S. unemployment rate was 4.5%. Over the past 11 months, that number has fluctuated, but has remained constantly below that mark. The data shows hopeful trends, as the unemployment rate looks to continue dropping.
The data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for October 2026 offers optimism for the nation’s labor market. The unemployment rate has gradually been falling and has sat between 4.1 and 4.2% since May 2026. The number of jobs added has also been promising, as total nonfarm payroll employment increased in eight of the 10 months so far this year.
October’s numbers defied expectations, offering a positive sign for the future. The data has shown signs of a consistent and strong labor market.