The U.S. labor market demonstrated steady progress in September 2025, adding 119,000 nonfarm payroll jobs while the unemployment rate held firm at 4.4%, according to the latest report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This modest growth, though below earlier expectations, highlights a resilient private sector contributing nearly all the gains, with 97,000 new positions created there. Wages continued their upward trajectory, rising 3.8% over the year, reversing trends from previous administrations and putting American workers on track for significant income boosts.
Key sectors drove the expansion, with leisure and hospitality leading the way by adding 47,000 jobs, representing a 0.28% monthly growth– the highest percentage increase among major industries. Health care followed closely, gaining 43,000 positions, while construction added 19,000. Food services and drinking places within leisure and hospitality surged by 37,000, underscoring a rebound in consumer-facing services. The White House attributed these increases to President Trump’s pro-growth, America First policies, which have prioritized domestic hiring and economic revitalization. Main drivers behind the job gains include increased consumer spending, rising investments, and a focus on American-born workers, as labor force participation ticked up and long-term unemployment declined sharply.
“The September jobs report more than doubled market expectations— adding 119,000 new jobs to the American economy. In stark contrast to the disastrous Biden economy, almost all of these new jobs were in the private sector and went to American-born workers instead of illegal aliens,” said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
Regionally, Alaska saw 800 jobs added in August 2025 (according to the latest available state data), bringing total nonfarm employment to 339,000. Construction and manufacturing saw the highest 12-month gains in August.
Economists like Steve Moore praised the national figures, noting robust investment and consumer trends. However, challenges persist, with losses in transportation and federal government roles. Overall, the report signals a stabilizing economy, though analysts warn of potential headwinds from inflation and global uncertainties. As 2025 progresses, sustained wage growth could further empower families, aligning with ongoing policy efforts to bolster U.S. competitiveness.