U.S. payrolls rose 29,000 in September 2026; unemployment edged up to 4.2%
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported on October 2, 2026, that total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 29,000 in September 2026 while the unemployment rate rose to 4.2 percent from 4.1 percent in August 2026.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Employment Situation news release (September 2026 results) shows total nonfarm payroll employment up 29,000 for the month and the national unemployment rate at 4.2 percent, a 0.1 percentage-point increase from August 2026.
The report shows private payrolls up 46,000 in September 2026. Industry gains included health care and social assistance (+23,000), manufacturing (+9,000) and leisure and hospitality (+10,000). Average hourly earnings for all private employees were $37.81 in September 2026, up from $37.76 in August 2026, and the labor force participation rate rose to 61.8 percent.
BusinessIndy examines this development and its implications for Indiana businesses and communities using the linked sources.