U.S. Labor Department says April job growth tops expectations

U.S. Labor Department says April job growth tops expectations
April jobs beat forecasts

The U.S. labor market adds 115,000 jobs in April 2026 as the unemployment rate remains steady, according to a statement tied to the latest Employment Situation Report. The Labor Department says the result marks a second straight month of stronger-than-expected gains and points to continued private sector hiring under the Trump administration.

Highlights

  • U.S. Department of Labor reports April job growth at 115,000, doubling expectations and bringing total private sector gains to over 700,000 under the administration.
  • April unemployment rate remains steady, while manufacturing weekly earnings increase 5.2% year-on-year, supporting evidence of an accelerating economic recovery.
  • Administration expands private sector employment and reduces federal government size, claiming taxpayer savings of billions of dollars annually.

April employment report and administration message

As reported by the U.S. Department of Labor, Acting Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling says April job creation exceeds market expectations, with 115,000 jobs added during the month. He says the gain doubled expectations and that total private sector job growth under the administration now stands at more than 700,000 jobs.

Sonderling says the unemployment rate remains steady and describes the latest figures as evidence that the U.S. economic recovery is accelerating. In his statement, he attributes the hiring momentum to President Donald Trump's policies and says employers are continuing to invest in American workers.

Workforce and sector implications

Sonderling says job growth continues in construction, while manufacturing weekly earnings rise 5.2% from a year earlier. He links those trends to the administration's tax and workforce policies, arguing they are supporting skilled workers and job creators.

He also says the administration is expanding private sector employment while reducing the size of the federal government, which he says saves taxpayers billions of dollars a year. The department says it remains committed to workforce development policies aimed at preparing workers for higher-paying and in-demand jobs.

Our earlier coverage of the U.S. April jobs report highlighted how House Republicans, led by Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg, used the latest labor data to argue that pro-growth policies are supporting continued job gains. The piece also noted why the monthly employment report remains a key benchmark in U.S. policy debates, shaping narratives around costs, workforce opportunity, and the pace of the labor market.

This material may contain third-party opinions, none of the data and information on this webpage constitutes investment advice according to our Disclaimer. While we adhere to strict Editorial Integrity, this post may contain references to products from our partners.
Weekly Top Bonuses
up to $2,500
deposit bonus for all clients
CLAIM BONUS
Your capital is at risk.