The US economy added 227,000 jobs in November 2024, signaling a robust recovery from October’s revised gain of 36,000. October’s figures had been notably affected by temporary disruptions such as Boeing strikes and Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The November data surpassed expectations of 200,000 new jobs, showcasing resilience in key sectors of the economy. This marks a continuation of steady employment growth, with an average increase of 186,000 jobs per month in 2024.

Growth in Key Sectors

Employment gains were led by health care, which added 54,000 jobs, and leisure and hospitality, which grew by 53,000 positions. Government employment also expanded by 33,000, while the social assistance sector contributed 19,000 new jobs. In manufacturing, transportation equipment saw an increase of 32,000 jobs, reflecting the return of workers who had been on strike. These gains demonstrate the diverse areas of strength within the economy, particularly in service-oriented and public sectors.

Weakness in Retail Trade and Other Industries

While several sectors experienced notable job growth, others faced challenges. Retail trade lost 28,000 jobs, continuing a trend of declines in the industry. Employment remained relatively unchanged in mining, quarrying, oil and gas extraction, construction, wholesale trade, transportation and warehousing, information, financial activities, and professional and business services. These flat or declining figures highlight areas where economic activity remains subdued, despite broader labor market gains.

Upward Revisions Add Momentum

Revisions to previous months further underscore the strength of the US labor market. September and October’s combined employment figures were revised upward by 56,000 jobs, reflecting a more favorable trend than initially reported. As the year comes to a close, these numbers suggest that the economy has shown resilience despite significant external disruptions, pointing to a stable foundation for continued growth in 2025.