US Labor Market Rebounds in August with 162,000 Jobs Added

NewsData.io · United States · Sep 5, 2026

U.S. employers added 162,000 jobs in August, more than double analyst forecasts of 65,000, while the unemployment rate held steady at 4.1%. Upward revisions added 55,000 jobs to June and July payrolls, though monthly job creation this year still averages just over 80,000 — well below pre-tariff norms. Wage growth slowed to 3.1% year-over-year, the weakest pace since May 2021, and the information sector shed 23,000 jobs last month amid AI displacement. Worker shortages driven by immigration crackdowns and baby boomer retirements continue to pressure employers, with many turning to AI and efficiency gains rather than expanded hiring.