US Labor Market Sees Slower Job Growth in June 2026

June Employment Report Highlights

The latest data show that total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 57,000 in June 2026, marking the lowest monthly job gain in four months, following three consecutive months of stronger-than-expected gains. Despite the slowdown, June’s job gain remained above the average monthly increase of 36,000 over the prior 12 months.

Revisions to previous months’ data pointed to somewhat weaker labor market momentum than initially reported. The change in total nonfarm payroll employment for April and May was revised down by a combined 74,000 jobs, reducing the earlier estimates for those months. May’s gain now stands at 129,000 following the downward revision.

June’s result also undershot market expectations, as forecasts had anticipated an increase of 110,000 jobs. The gap between actual and forecast job creation underscored the softer tone of the latest report relative to prior months.

Sector Breakdown and World Cup Effect

Employment trends in June varied across industries. Professional and business services led job creation with an increase of 36,000 positions. Social assistance added 25,000 jobs, while health care employment rose by 22,000. These sectors continued to show steady hiring momentum.

In contrast, employment in leisure and hospitality declined by 61,000. The decrease reflected weaker-than-usual seasonal hiring and was likely an effect of the World Cup.

Employment showed little or no change in several other major industries. These included mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction; construction; manufacturing; wholesale trade; retail trade; transportation and warehousing; information; financial activities; and government. The relative stability across these sectors, alongside the pronounced decline in leisure and hospitality, shaped the overall composition of June’s employment data.

FAQ

How many jobs did the US economy add in June 2026?
The US economy added 57,000 jobs in June 2026.

How did June’s job growth compare with May and forecasts?
June’s gain of 57,000 jobs was well below May’s downwardly revised 129,000 and below forecasts of 110,000.

Which sectors added the most jobs in June 2026?
Professional and business services, social assistance, and health care recorded the largest employment increases in June 2026.

Which sector saw the largest decline in employment, and why?
Leisure and hospitality experienced the largest decline, losing 61,000 jobs due to weaker-than-usual seasonal hiring, likely reflecting an effect of the World Cup.