March Jobs Report: U.S. Adds 178,000 Jobs

In March 2026, the U.S. economy added 178,000 nonfarm payroll jobs, rebounding from February’s decline.

Revisions to prior months were mixed. January’s total was revised up to +160,000, while February was revised further down to -133,000, bringing combined employment 7,000 lower than previously reported.

The unemployment rate held steady at 4.3%, with 7.2 million Americans unemployed, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Is the U.S. Job Market Growing?

March’s job gains suggest the labor market remains stable, with modest forward momentum.

Growth was driven by rebounds in sectors like healthcare, following February’s strike-related losses, as well as gains in construction and transportation. At the same time, declines in federal government and financial activities highlight ongoing pockets of weakness.

While the unemployment rate remains relatively low by historical standards, overall job growth continues to be uneven, with hiring gains concentrated in a handful of industries.

U.S. Unemployment Rates by Group – March 2026

• Adult women: 4.0%
• Adult men: 3.8%
• Teenagers: 13.7%
• Whites: 3.6%
• Blacks: 7.1%
• Asians: 3.7%
• Hispanics: 4.8%

Unemployment rates across most demographic groups changed little in March, though the rate for Asian workers declined. Teen unemployment also eased from the prior month.

Key Employment Statistics for March 2026

• Long-term unemployed (27 weeks or more): 1.8 million, representing 25.4% of all unemployed, up by 322,000 over the year.
• Average hourly earnings: Rose by 9 cents to $37.38, up 3.5% over the past year. Production and nonsupervisory employees earned $32.07, up 5 cents.
• Average workweek: Edged down to 34.2 hours. Manufacturing hours held at 40.2 hours, while production and nonsupervisory employees averaged 33.8 hours.
• Labor force participation rate: 61.9%
• Employment-population ratio: 59.2%

The number of workers employed part time for economic reasons held steady at 4.5 million, indicating little change in underemployment.

Sectors with Notable Job Trends in March

Healthcare

Healthcare employment rebounded strongly, adding 76,000 jobs in March.

Gains were concentrated in ambulatory health care services (+54,000), particularly in offices of physicians as workers returned from strike activity. Hospitals also added 15,000 jobs.

Despite recent volatility, healthcare continues to be a consistent driver of job growth.

Construction

Construction employment increased by 26,000 jobs in March.

While the sector showed little net change over the past year, March’s gains point to renewed activity.

Transportation and Warehousing

Transportation and warehousing added 21,000 jobs, driven by a surge in couriers and messengers (+20,000).

Despite the monthly gain, employment in the sector remains down by 139,000 since its peak in February 2025.

March Jobs Report Summary

The March 2026 jobs report shows a return to job growth, with payroll employment increasing by 178,000.

Healthcare led the gains as workers returned from February’s strike-related disruptions, while construction and transportation also contributed to growth. However, declines in federal government and financial activities highlight ongoing structural shifts.

Unemployment held steady at 4.3%, wage growth remained moderate at 3.5% year over year, and average hours worked edged slightly lower.

Overall, the labor market remains stable but uneven, with steady gains in key sectors balanced by continued softness in others.

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