The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that U.S. employers added 64,000 jobs in November, led by gains in health care and construction. The unemployment rate rose to 4.6%, the highest mark since September 2021.

This month’s report included data for October and November, following the government shutdown that caused the BLS not to publish an October report. According to the BLS, the number of unemployed people is currently 7.8 million. The unemployment rate for prime age workers—those between ages 25 and 54—ticked up to 3.7% from 3.5% in August.

The labor force participation rate, the share of the population that is looking for work, changed little at 62.5%.

In November, employment trended up from October in sectors including:

• Health care (+46,300)
• Construction (+28,000)
• Accommodation and food services (+2,400)
• Accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping, and payroll services (+2,000)

Employment fell from October to November in sectors including:

• Couriers and messengers (-17,900)
• Leisure and hospitality (-12,000)
• Federal government (-6,000)
• Manufacturing (-5,000)

Average hourly earnings for all employees on private nonfarm payrolls increased by 5 cents, or 0.1%, to $36.86 in November. Twelve months ago, average hourly earnings were $35.61. 

In a fast-moving business environment, agility is everything. Partnering with a team that delivers flexible, forward-thinking workforce strategies ensures you stay competitive while controlling costs—without sacrificing access to exceptional talent.

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Sources: BLS