Employers in the United States added 178,000 jobs in March, far exceeding economist expectations of 59,000, while the unemployment rate fell to 4.3 percent. This rebound followed a weak February, when payrolls dropped by 133,000. The White House highlighted the strong figures on social media.
The March jobs report showed gains across several sectors. Healthcare led with 76,000 new positions, about half from workers returning after strikes. Construction added 26,000 jobs, transportation and warehousing 21,000, leisure and hospitality 44,000—boosted partly by warmer weather—and manufacturing 15,000. Finance shed 15,000 jobs, however, and federal government employment declined by 18,000, now 355,000 below its October 2024 peak under the Biden administration. The White House tweeted on April 3: “SMASHING ECONOMISTS’ EXPECTATIONS!” alongside the data graphic. Average hourly earnings rose 0.2 percent to $37.38. Markets were closed for Good Friday on April 4, but the robust report could shape investor sentiment upon reopening. Officials note a resilient labor market may ease pressure on the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates amid persistent inflation.
