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- calendar_today November 2, 2026
Recent releases from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reveal key trends in employment levels and wage growth across major industries in the United States, based on the most authoritative federal data available.
Employment Growth and Industry Details
According to the BLS September 2026 Employment Situation Summary, total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 29,000 in September and the unemployment rate held steady at 4.2%. These figures indicate a relatively stable labor market, as employment in all major industries changed little over the month. Health care continued its upward trend, adding 17,000 jobs in September, particularly in ambulatory health care services and hospitals. Manufacturing saw small gains, up 9,000 jobs, with increases in plastics and rubber products and machinery manufacturing. Meanwhile, employment in financial activities declined by 7,000, and this sector is down by 129,000 since its May 2025 peak, largely due to losses in insurance carriers and related activities. Other major industries—including construction, retail, transportation, information, and government—experienced minimal changes during September 2026. [See the full Employment Situation Summary].
Wage and Compensation Trends
The BLS reports that average hourly earnings for all employees on private nonfarm payrolls rose by $0.05 in September, reaching $37.81. Over the past 12 months, average hourly earnings have risen by 3.0%. Similarly, average hourly earnings for production and nonsupervisory employees increased by $0.07 to $32.60. In a broader view, the Employment Cost Index (ECI) shows total compensation costs for civilian workers increased 0.8% from June to September 2026 and 3.4% over the year, with wages and salaries up 3.1% and benefit costs up 3.9%.[Read the ECI summary in the Employment Situation release] and [review the ECI News Release].
Employment and Wages Across the U.S.
The BLS Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW) offers detailed quarterly counts of employment and wages by industry, covering more than 95% of U.S. jobs. This program provides data at national, state, and local levels, informing policymakers and businesses about changes in regional and sectoral employment and pay, and supporting comparisons across geography and industry. [Explore the QCEW for more industry-level data].
Overall, official BLS reports show the U.S. labor market remains steady, with modest payroll gains, generally stable unemployment, and continued—though moderate—wage growth across most industries.
