U.S. Economy Adds 29,000 Jobs in September, Unemployment Rises to 3.7%

Why it matters locally: North Carolina's economy, with its diverse sectors including manufacturing and healthcare, is directly influenced by national employment trends and labor market indicators like those reported. Changes in retail and professional services employment at the national level can signal shifts that impact businesses and job seekers across the state.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. economy generated 29,000 jobs in September, a decrease from the 168,000 jobs added in August, according to data released Friday. Analysts had projected an increase of 145,000 jobs for the month. The unemployment rate rose to 3.7% from 3.5% in August. This marks the first increase in the unemployment rate in 16 months. The number of people categorized as long-term unemployed, defined as those jobless for 27 weeks or more, totaled 1.3 million. This group represented 22.3% of the total unemployed population. The labor force participation rate remained at 63.2%. Average hourly earnings for private sector employees increased by 0.2% in September, following a 0.3% increase in August. Over the past 12 months, average hourly earnings have risen by 2.8%. The average workweek for all private non-farm employees held steady at 34.4 hours. Several sectors experienced job gains in September. Healthcare employment increased by 22,000 jobs, driven by additions in ambulatory healthcare services and hospitals. Manufacturing added 18,000 jobs. Leisure and hospitality saw an increase of 17,000 jobs. Conversely, other sectors recorded job losses. Retail trade employment decreased by 41,000 jobs. Professional and business services employment fell by 14,000 jobs. Information services employment also saw a decline. The September jobs report is the final one released before the November 3 elections. These elections will determine the party control of the U.S. Congress.