April 2025 Jobs Report: Employers Add 177,000 Jobs

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The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that U.S. employers expanded payrolls by 177,000 jobs last month. That figure is above economists’ projections of 130,000 jobs.

The April jobs report also notes that employers added 58,000 fewer jobs than previously reported for February and March combined.

Healthcare led the way in job growth last month

Employers in private education and health services were key contributors to U.S. job creation in April, expanding payrolls by 70,000 jobs. These industries also saw notable job gains last month:

Transportation and warehousing: 29,000 jobs added

Leisure and hospitality: 24,000 jobs added

Financial activities: 14,000 jobs added

Professional and business services: 17,000 jobs added, including 3,600 jobs in temporary help services

Construction: 11,000 jobs added

Government: 10,000 jobs added

Wholesale trade: 5,800 jobs added

Unemployment rate held steady at 4.2%

The national unemployment rate in April was 4.2%, unchanged from March.

The unemployment rate for college-degreed workers who are 25 or older decreased slightly last month. The rate was 2.5%, down from 2.6% in March. These professionals are the most highly sought-after hires by employers.

Skills-based hiring takes center stage as the demand for specialized talent persists

While economic uncertainty has led to more cautious workforce planning, hiring for critical and specialized roles remains a top priority for many businesses. The BLS notes in its latest Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) report that job openings declined to 7.2 million in March—down by 288,000. However, that figure is still above historical averages, reflecting sustained underlying demand.

The quits rate also ticked up slightly to 2.1% in March, suggesting many workers remain confident about voluntarily exploring their options in the labor market. In response, employers are prioritizing strategic hires, focusing on roles essential to operations and long-term growth. Many businesses are also investing in upskilling initiatives to help strengthen their internal capabilities.

Across industries, there’s a strong push toward skills-based hiring. Nearly 90% of employers surveyed by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) say they plan to increase or maintain hiring for the Class of 2025, with two-thirds focusing less on GPA and more on demonstrated skills. The demand for professionals with technical skills in accounting and finance, marketing and creative, human resources (HR), legal, and technology remains robust.

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