August 2026 jobs report: Employers add 162,000 jobs

The latest jobs report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows the U.S. economy rebounded in adding 162,000 jobs in August. While economists polled by The Wall Street Journal forecast a reported gain of 53,000 jobs, this increase exceeds the forecast and is well above the average monthly gain of 31,000 over the prior 12 months. The August report points to a labor market that remains active, though hiring conditions continue to vary by industry and role.

The report also included upward revisions to earlier estimates: The change in total nonfarm payroll employment for June was revised up by 11,000, from 20,000 to 31,000, and July was revised up by 44,000, from a loss of 23,000 to a gain of 21,000. With these revisions, employment in June and July combined is 55,000 higher than previously reported.

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National unemployment rate held steady at 4.1%

As anticipated by economists, the national unemployment rate was unchanged at 4.1% in August, and the number of unemployed people changed little at 7 million.

The unemployment rate for college-degreed workers was 2.7%, remaining steady since May 2026. These professionals are among the most sought-after hires for many employers, especially for roles that require specialized skills and experience.

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Food services, local government education and professional services help drive August job gains

Several sectors added jobs in August, according to the BLS. Food services employment led with a gain of 59,000 jobs, well over the average monthly gain of the prior 12 months. Government employment also increased, with 42,000 jobs added in local government education.

Professional and business services added 10,000 jobs in August, including 6,800 in temporary help services. Temporary help employment has now increased every month in 2026, marking the longest positive growth streak for the temporary staffing sector in nearly 5 years.

Employers in these industries also expanded payrolls in August:

Construction: 22,000 jobs added

Manufacturing: 16,000 jobs added

Healthcare: 13,000 jobs added

Industries that lost jobs in August include information (-23,000) and financial activities (-11,000).

Hiring demand for skilled talent persists in an uneven labor market

August’s job gains signal continued hiring activity, but the broader market remains uneven across industries. Robert Half research shows 66% of U.S. employers plan to increase permanent hiring before year-end, up from 57% one year ago. More than half (56%) also expect to hire contract professionals to access specialized expertise, address skills gaps and keep critical priorities moving forward.

Many professionals are assessing their next career move, too. In a Robert Half survey, 46% of U.S. workers say they plan to look for a new job in the second half of 2026, up from 38% in the first half of the year and 27% one year ago. Top motivating factors include better benefits and perks, career growth opportunities, and flexibility.

Lean teams and skills gaps are also putting pressure on employers as they work to advance key priorities. Among hiring managers, 58% say finding skilled professionals proves more difficult now vs. last year, while 63% of employers report significant project delays due to a lack of needed expertise and 48% have canceled projects. For professionals with in-demand skills, this environment can create opportunities to contribute to high-impact work tied to growth, productivity and transformation.

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Take a deeper look at the hiring trends shaping the second half of 2026. Robert Half’s newly updated Demand for Skilled Talent report explores employers’ hiring plans and challenges, succession planning, demand for AI skills and other workforce priorities as companies evaluate the talent they need to move critical initiatives forward.

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