August jobs report shows U.S. added 162,000 jobs, more than double economists' forecasts

Updated on: September 4, 2026 / 3:13 PM EDT / CBS News

August jobs report shows U.S. added 162,000 jobs, more than double economists' forecasts

TL;DR

  • U.S. employers added 162,000 jobs in August, surpassing economists' forecast of 65,000.
  • The unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.1% in August.
  • Job gains were strongest in food services and bars (59,000) and local government education (42,000).
  • Wage growth slowed to 3.1% in August, the lowest since May 2021.
  • The August jobs report may increase the likelihood of a Federal Reserve interest rate hike, but inflation data will be crucial.
  • The Labor Department revised June and July payroll gains upward by a total of 55,000.