The U.S. added only 29,000 jobs in September as job market lacks spark

Markets By Scott Horsley • October 2, 2026, 2:12 PM UTC
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The U.S. added only 29,000 jobs in September as job market lacks spark
U.S. employers added 29,000 jobs in September as the unemployment rate inched up to 4.2%. Job gains for July and August were revised down by a total of 60,000 jobs, extending a lackluster run for the job market.
Restaurants and bars added 11,000 jobs in September, about a third of all the jobs added during the month. Job gains for July and August were revised downwards.

U.S. employers added 29,000 jobs in September as the unemployment rate inched up to 4.2%. Job gains for July and August were revised down by a total of 60,000 jobs, extending a lackluster run for the job market.

(Image credit: Justin Sullivan)

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https://www.npr.org/2026/10/02/nx-s1-5989140/jobs-labor-wages-federal-reserve
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