US employers added a solid number of jobs in May while the unemployment rate remained unchanged, underscoring the resilience of the labour market despite concerns over slowing economic growth and the impact of trade policies.
The Labour Department said on Friday that non-farm payrolls increased by 139,000 jobs in May, following a revised gain of 147,000 in April. Economists had expected employment growth to moderate but remain positive as businesses navigated uncertainty surrounding tariffs and the global economic outlook.
The unemployment rate held steady at 4.3% for a third consecutive month, indicating that demand for workers remained relatively stable despite signs of cooling in some sectors of the economy.
Average hourly earnings rose by 0.4% in May from the previous month and were 3.9% higher than a year earlier, suggesting that wage pressures remain present in the labour market.
Healthcare, leisure and hospitality, and professional services accounted for much of the employment growth, while manufacturing continued to face challenges linked to weaker business activity and trade-related uncertainty. The data will be closely monitored by officials at the US Federal Reserve as they assess the strength of the economy and determine the future path of interest rates.
Policymakers have adopted a cautious stance, citing uncertainty over inflation and the broader economic effects of tariffs. Although the labour market has slowed from the rapid pace recorded in recent years, analysts said the latest figures indicate the economy is still generating sufficient jobs to support consumer spending and sustain economic expansion.
Financial markets viewed the report as evidence that the labour market remains resilient, easing immediate concerns about a sharp economic downturn.