The labor market springs back to life in March as employers add 178,000 jobs

The U.S. labor market rebounded in March, with employers adding 178,000 jobs and the unemployment rate falling to 4.3%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The report, released Friday, showed a stronger-than-expected gain after February’s payroll number was revised down to a loss of 133,000 jobs. Reuters, AP and NPR all reported the same headline figures from the official release.

Health care, construction and manufacturing were among the sectors contributing to the increase in hiring, based on the reporting reviewed for this story. The March data suggests employers were still adding workers at a solid pace at the start of spring.

The report also arrives as policymakers and investors are weighing broader economic risks, including tensions tied to the war with Iran and its potential effect on energy prices and consumer demand. For now, the jobs numbers point to a labor market that remains resilient despite that uncertainty.

The BLS release is one of the most closely watched monthly indicators of the U.S. economy, and March’s figures will likely shape expectations for the months ahead.