Result exceeds expectations of 59,000; unemployment stands at 4.3% and health leads hiring
The United States opened 178,000 jobs outside the agricultural sector in March, the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) reported on Friday (April 3, 2026). The result easily exceeded market expectations, which were 59,000 new jobs. The unemployment rate was 4.3%, practically stable compared to the previous month.
The performance represents a recovery compared to February, when the country had closed 133 thousand jobs, according to a revised number. In , the estimate was raised from 126 thousand to 160 thousand positions. With the revisions, the combined balance for the 2 months was 7,000 lower than previously reported. Here is the report (PDF – 491 kB, in English).
Despite the creation of vacancies, other indicators showed stability or slight weakening. The labor force fell by 396 thousand people in March, and the participation rate fell to 61.9%. The total number of people employed, measured by the household survey, fell slightly by 64,000.
Among sectors, health led the opening of positions, with 76,000 vacancies. The increase was mainly driven by outpatient services, which opened 54,000 vacancies, reflecting the return of workers after a strike. Hospitals also expanded their workforce, with an additional 15,000 jobs.
Construction recorded an increase of 26,000 vacancies, while transportation and storage added 21,000 positions, with emphasis on delivery services, responsible for 20,000 of these vacancies. Social assistance also maintained an upward trend, with 14,000 new jobs.
At the other end, the federal government reduced 18,000 positions in March. Since the peak recorded in October 2024, the sector has accumulated 355 thousand job cuts, a drop of 11.8%. Financial activities also declined, with 15,000 fewer jobs in the month.
Salaries continued to rise moderately. Average hourly earnings in the private sector rose US$0.09 in March, to US$37.38, accumulating an increase of 3.5% in 12 months. The average weekly working day fell by 0.1 hour, to 34.2 hours.
