U.S. Economy Adds 136,000 Jobs in September, Slightly Missing Forecast Mark

by Alex Tostado

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. economy added 136,000 nonfarm payroll jobs in September, falling just shy of economists’ forecast of 145,000 jobs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). In addition, the BLS revised job growth upward in July by 7,000 to 166,000, and by 38,000 in August to 168,000. The healthcare industry led the way in September, adding 39,000 jobs, which was in line with its average monthly gain over the prior 12 months. Meanwhile, the unemployment rate declined 20 basis points from August to 3.5 percent. In September, average hourly earnings for all employees on private, nonfarm payrolls was $28.09, which was down by 1 cent from August. Over the past 12 months, average hourly earnings have increased by 2.9 percent.

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