WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the Bureau of Labor Statistics announced that 115,000 jobs were added in April. The overall unemployment rate remained at 4.3% in April from 4.3% in March. These job gains once again significantly beat economists’ expectations of between 60,000 and 70,000 jobs and signal strength in the U.S. economy.
The unemployment rate for women fell slightly to 3.9% from 4.0%. Part of the decline in women’s unemployment rate is due to a decline in women’s labor force participation. That decline aligns with the overall labor force participation falling slightly to 61.8% in April from 61.9% in March. Meanwhile, men’s labor force participation remained at 69.4% in April from 69.4% in March. Both rates for men and women are still below pre-pandemic levels.
March saw strong growth in health care, leisure and hospitality, and retail trade. Meanwhile, information lost 13,000 jobs, and the government lost 8,000 jobs.
The University of Michigan’s gauge of consumer sentiment fell to 49.8 in April, down from 53.3 in the prior month amid uncertainty around fuel prices, partially related to the Iranian military conflict.
Patrice Onwuka, Vice President for Economic Policy, issued the following statement:
“The April jobs report brings us more good news with another consecutive month of strong jobs growth. 119,000 jobs added beat expectations, and is a positive signal to Americans that economic growth is translating into new jobs. Monthly payrolls averaged 76,000, which is up significantly from last year’s average of about 42,000 during the same period.
“Employers are on a hiring spree in big sectors for women: healthcare, social assistance, retail, and leisure and hospitality. It should be noted that the former are industries flourishing as Americans age and live longer, and the latter great places for flexibility to balance work with family caregiving responsibilities—very important to keep ing women in the workforce. Transportation and warehousing also experienced strong growth as companies are investing their new permanent tax benefits from the One Big, Beautiful Bill into expanding their operations.
“This report follows a slew of good economic news this week, from manufacturing rebounds to solid consumer demand. Importantly, 100% of the job growth has now shifted from government to the private sector, which is not taxpayer money propping up the labor market but real value creation in the economy.”
###
Independent Women’s unique, persuasive methods and trusted brand shape public preferences, policies, and movements to create a better future for everyone.
Independent Women’s Center for Economic Opportunity aims to educate the public about how government policies impact people’s opportunities for economic development and upward mobility.
