US jobs report: employers added 165,000 jobs in October, unemployment 4.1%, BLS says
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported on Friday 6 November 2026 that total nonfarm payroll employment rose by 165,000 in October and the unemployment rate changed little at 4.1 per cent, down from 4.2 per cent in September. The gain was roughly two and a half times the forecasts of about 59,000–65,000 and more than three times the average monthly gain of 48,000 over the prior twelve months. BLS also revised August up to 186,000 and September up to 60,000 — a combined 84,000 more than first reported. Professional and business services added 70,000 jobs, health care 42,000 and transportation and warehousing about 25,000; average hourly earnings rose 0.4 per cent in the month to $38.00, up 3.1 per cent over the year. October's figures are preliminary and subject to revision.