Unemployment Rate
4.3%
The unemployment rate was unchanged, and nonfarm payroll increased by 115,000 in April. Healthcare, transportation and warehousing, and retail trade saw increases, while decreases continued in the federal government.
The labor force participation rate changed little to 61.8%. Average hourly earnings increased by 6 cents (0.2%) to $37.41. The average workweek edged up to 34.3 hours.
According to the American Staffing Association, temporary help employment was 1.57% of total nonfarm employment in April.
Major Industry Employment
Notable Gains and Losses
- Healthcare and Social Assistance: +53,900
- Transportation and Warehousing: +30,300
- Retail Trade: +21,800
- Leisure and Hospitality: +14,000
- Construction: +9,000
- Temporary Help Services: +7,900
- Manufacturing: -2,000
- Government: -8,000
- Financial Activities: -11,000
Read the full report at BLS.gov.
Monthly revisions may occur due to additional reports received since the latest published estimates and from the recalculation of seasonal factors. For more information, visit BLS.gov.
Workforce and Economic News
In the Race to Deploy AI, Leaders Must Prioritize Human Capabilities
HR Dive – May 7, 2026
Most employers agree AI will require new skills, yet many still prioritize automating routine tasks over developing talent, creating a growing gap between technology investment and human capability. To stay competitive, leaders should rebalance their strategies by investing in upskilling, strengthening governance, and equipping managers to guide change so AI delivers measurable business impact.
Why the Career ‘Maxxing’ Trend Is Everywhere in the Workplace
Forbes – May 7, 2026
The rise of “career maxxing” reflects a growing belief among workers that simply doing their jobs is no longer enough, driving pressure to continuously optimize skills, personal branding, and performance to stay competitive. Investing in skill development, setting realistic expectations, and reinforcing healthy work norms helps prevent optimization culture from undermining engagement and productivity.
Mental Health Awareness Month: Five Workplace Realities Employers Should Act on
Spring Health – May 6, 2026
Mental health benefits have become a key driver of hiring and retention, with most employees considering them in job decisions. As AI-driven workplace challenges and persistent barriers like time and cost are increasing employees’ stress and limiting access to available support, leaders can treat mental health as an operational priority. Clearly communicating resources, improving access, and equipping managers to proactively address concerns provides support for workers.
America Employed
Insights from Express Employment International
8 in 10 Employees Say They Need AI Training—After Their Companies Already Rolled Out the Tools
ExpressPros.com – April 22, 2026
AI is reshaping how work gets done, but most employees say they’ve been handed the tools without the training to use them effectively, according to a recent Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey. More than 8 in 10 U.S. job seekers (83%) say companies need to formally train employees on how to use AI, rather than expecting them to learn on their own. And hiring managers agree, as 86% say formal AI training should be a company priority. That urgency reflects just how quickly AI has shifted from optional to expected in the workplace.
90% of US Hiring Managers Say One Thing Speeds Up the Process—And Most Candidates Don’t Use It
ExpressPros.com – April 8, 2026
A referral may be the closest thing to a “shortcut” in today’s job market, and a new Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey shows just how powerful that endorsement can be. A striking 90% of U.S. hiring managers say employee referrals make hiring more efficient, and 91% say a strong internal reference can open doors that would otherwise stay closed. Yet despite its impact, most job seekers aren’t tapping into it.
