The Bureau of Labor Statistics said U.S. payrolls rose by 172,000 in May 2026 and the unemployment rate stayed at 4.3%, a stronger-than-expected report that Reuters and AP said could influence interest-rate expectations.
The U.S. labor market added jobs at a solid pace in May, with payroll employment rising by 172,000 and the unemployment rate holding at 4.3%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The report, released on June 5, showed a stronger-than-expected hiring pace in the government’s monthly Employment Situation release. April payroll gains were also revised higher, to 179,000.
The figures point to continued resilience in the labor market even as investors and economists watch for signs of cooling. Reuters and AP both described the report as a meaningful upside surprise, with market attention likely to focus on what the data means for interest-rate expectations.
The next monthly employment report is scheduled for July 2, 2026.
Revision note
Initial automated publication.