US adds 162,000 jobs in August, unemployment rate unchanged

The unemployment rate held steady at 3.8 percent in August, while the Labor Department reported a notable acceleration in job creation, with public schools and food‑service establishments accounting for the bulk of the gains. The economy added 187,000 nonfarm jobs last month, a rise that outpaced the 150,000 jobs added in July and pushed the monthly increase to its strongest level since early 2024.

Public‑school employment rose by 33,000 positions, reflecting a surge in hiring for teachers, support staff and seasonal aides as districts prepared for the new academic year. Food‑service jobs climbed by 51,000, driven by higher demand in restaurants, catering and institutional dining facilities. Gains in health care, professional services and construction were modest, while the manufacturing sector posted a small net loss of 4,000 jobs. Average hourly earnings increased 0.2 percent, keeping wage growth in line with inflation expectations.

Economists view the steady unemployment rate and sector‑specific expansion as signs of a resilient labor market, though they caution that future hiring will depend on consumer spending trends and the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy. The latest figures suggest continued, albeit uneven, job growth as the economy navigates the balance between sustaining employment gains and containing price pressures.