US Job Market Shows Growth in March Amid Revised Employment Data

Q: What sectors saw the most job growth in March?

The healthcare sector added **76,000 jobs**, followed by construction with **26,000 jobs** and transportation and warehousing with **21,000 jobs**.

Original: US adds jobs in March despite downward revision to Jan-Feb employment data

News 18•Apr 4, 20263 min

In a Nutshell

In March 2026, the US labor market added 178,000 jobs, with the unemployment rate remaining stable at 4.3%. However, previous employment figures for January and February were revised downwards, indicating weaker growth than initially reported. The healthcare sector led job gains, adding 76,000 positions.

Key Points

01US nonfarm payroll employment increased by 178,000 jobs in March 2026.
02The unemployment rate remained stable at 4.3%.
03Revisions show January and February employment was 7,000 lower than initially reported.
04Healthcare sector saw the largest job growth, adding 76,000 jobs.
05Average hourly earnings rose by 0.2% to $37.38.

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Full Summary

The US labor market demonstrated resilience in March 2026, with nonfarm payroll employment increasing by 178,000 jobs. The unemployment rate held steady at 4.3%. However, revisions to earlier data revealed that job growth in January and February was weaker than initially thought, with a net decrease of 7,000 jobs from previous reports. Notably, the healthcare sector was a significant contributor, adding 76,000 jobs, largely due to a return of workers from a strike in ambulatory health care services. Other sectors such as construction and transportation and warehousing also saw job gains, with 26,000 and 21,000 new jobs respectively. Conversely, the financial sector experienced a decline, losing 15,000 jobs. Wage growth remained modest, with average hourly earnings increasing by 0.2% to $37.38. The average workweek slightly decreased to 34.2 hours. The next Employment Situation report is set to be released on May 8, 2026.

Key Figures

178,000

Jobs added in March 2026

4.3%

Unemployment rate

76,000

Jobs added in healthcare sector

$37.38

Average hourly earnings

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Why It Matters

The job growth in March indicates a stable labor market, which could lead to increased consumer spending and economic confidence. However, the decline in the financial sector may affect job seekers in that industry.

Who is affected

Job seekers, particularly in healthcare and construction sectors, as well as those in the financial services industry.

What to know

Job seekers should focus on opportunities in growing sectors like healthcare and construction while remaining aware of challenges in the financial sector.

FAQ

The healthcare sector added 76,000 jobs, followed by construction with 26,000 jobs and transportation and warehousing with 21,000 jobs.

Revisions indicated that employment growth for January and February was 7,000 jobs lower than previously reported, with January revised up by 34,000 and February down by 41,000.

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