The U.S. economy saw higher-than-expected jobs gains in September, with employers expanding payrolls by 254,000 positions. That figure far outpaces analysts’ forecasts of about 150,000 new jobs.
The September jobs report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) also shows employers added 72,000 more positions than previously reported in July and August combined.
Unemployment rate edges down to 4.1%
The national unemployment rate last month was 4.1%, a slight decrease from August’s rate of 4.2%.
Meanwhile, the unemployment rate for college-degreed professionals who are 25 or older — the workers most highly sought-after by many employers — dropped to 2.3% in September. In August, the rate was 2.5%.
Private education and health services a top driver for September’s job growth
Employers in education and health services added 81,000 jobs last month. The leisure and hospitality industry also saw healthy gains, adding 78,000 positions.
These industries saw notable payroll expansion in September as well, according to the BLS:
Government: 31,000 jobs added
Construction: 25,000 jobs added
Professional and business services: 17,000 jobs added
Retail trade: 15,600 jobs added
Other industries reporting job gains last month include financial activities (+5,000), information (+4,000) and utilities (+3,400).