US Jobs Update September 2026: Unemployment Rate and New Employment Data Explained
The latest U.S. employment report provides a detailed look at the labor market in September 2026. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nonfarm payroll employment increased by 29,000, while the unemployment rate was 4.2%. The report also provides information about wages, labor-force participation, long-term unemployment and revisions to previous employment estimates.
September 2026 Jobs Report at a Glance
New Nonfarm Jobs
29,000
Unemployment Rate
4.2%
Unemployed People
7.1 million
Labor Force Participation
61.8%
Employment-Population Ratio
59.2%
Annual Wage Growth
3.0%
How Many Jobs Were Added in September 2026?
U.S. nonfarm payroll employment increased by 29,000 jobs in September 2026. The increase was below the average monthly employment gain of approximately 45,000 jobs during the previous 12 months.
Employment changed little across most major industries during the month. Health care was one of the sectors that continued to record employment growth.
US Unemployment Rate in September 2026
The U.S. unemployment rate was 4.2% in September 2026. Approximately 7.1 million people were unemployed during the month.
According to the BLS, the unemployment rate has remained in a relatively narrow range of 4.1% to 4.3% since March 2026.
Labor Force Participation Rate
The labor force participation rate was 61.8% in September 2026. This represents the share of the civilian noninstitutional population that was either employed or actively looking for work.
The employment-population ratio was 59.2% during the month.
Health Care Continues to Add Jobs
Health care employment increased by approximately 17,000 jobs in September. Ambulatory health care services and hospitals added employment, while nursing and residential care facilities recorded a decline.
Health Care
Employment increased by approximately 17,000 jobs.
Ambulatory Health Care
Employment increased by approximately 13,000 jobs.
Hospitals
Hospital employment increased by approximately 12,000 jobs.
Wage Growth in September 2026
Average hourly earnings for private nonfarm employees increased by 5 cents, or 0.1%, in September to $37.81 per hour.
Over the 12 months ending in September, average hourly earnings increased by 3.0%.
Previous Jobs Data Was Revised
The September report also revised employment estimates for July and August. Combined employment for those two months was revised downward by 60,000 jobs compared with previously published estimates.
| Month | Previous Estimate | Revised Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| July 2026 | +21,000 | -10,000 |
| August 2026 | +162,000 | +133,000 |
Long-Term Unemployment
Approximately 1.9 million people had been unemployed for 27 weeks or longer in September 2026.
Long-term unemployed people represented approximately 27.1% of all unemployed people during the month.
Part-Time Workers Looking for Full-Time Jobs
About 4.5 million people were employed part time for economic reasons in September. These workers wanted full-time employment but were working part time because their hours had been reduced or because they could not find full-time work.
What the September Jobs Report Means
The September employment data points to relatively modest payroll growth while the unemployment rate remains within its recent range.
Wage growth remains positive, while revisions to earlier employment estimates show that the labor market was somewhat weaker than previously reported for July and August.
The monthly jobs report is one indicator of the labor market and should be considered alongside other employment, wage and economic data.
When Is the Next US Jobs Report?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics has scheduled the October 2026 Employment Situation report for November 6, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time .
September 2026 Jobs Report: Key Numbers
| Indicator | September 2026 |
|---|---|
| Nonfarm Payroll Employment | +29,000 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.2% |
| Unemployed People | 7.1 million |
| Labor Force Participation | 61.8% |
| Employment-Population Ratio | 59.2% |
| 12-Month Wage Growth | 3.0% |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the US unemployment rate in September 2026?
The U.S. unemployment rate was 4.2% in September 2026, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
How many jobs were added in September 2026?
Nonfarm payroll employment increased by 29,000 jobs in September 2026.
How many people were unemployed in September 2026?
Approximately 7.1 million people were unemployed in September 2026.
What was the US labor force participation rate?
The labor force participation rate was 61.8% in September 2026.
Did wages increase in September 2026?
Yes. Average hourly earnings increased 3.0% over the 12 months ending in September 2026.
When will the next US jobs report be released?
The October 2026 Employment Situation report is scheduled for November 6, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time.
Final Takeaway
The September 2026 U.S. jobs report showed 29,000 new nonfarm jobs and an unemployment rate of 4.2%. Wage growth remained positive, while health care continued to add employment.
The downward revisions to July and August employment data are also important because they indicate that earlier job growth was weaker than initially reported. The October jobs report will provide the next major update on the direction of the U.S. labor market.
Official Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - The Employment Situation
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - Current Population Survey
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Situation Release Schedule
