U.S. Adds 177,000 Jobs in April; Unemployment Holds at 4.2% as Wage Growth Cools

The U.S. economy added 177,000 jobs in April, outpacing economists’ expectations of about 130,000, Labor Department data showed on Friday. Hiring slowed from March’s revised 185,000 gain but remained solid, and the unemployment rate was unchanged at 4.2%, underscoring a labor market that continues to defy broader economic uncertainty.

Wage growth moderated, with average hourly earnings rising 0.2% from March and 3.8% from a year earlier, both a touch below consensus forecasts. Private employers contributed 167,000 positions while government payrolls increased by 10,000. The average workweek edged up to 34.3 hours, and the labor-force participation rate improved to 62.6%. Revisions to earlier months trimmed a net 58,000 jobs from February and March totals.

April’s report suggests employers are still willing to add staff despite concerns generated by President Donald Trump’s recently announced blanket tariffs on trading partners. Over the past six months the economy has created an average of roughly 193,000 jobs, providing continued support for consumer spending and overall growth as the second quarter begins.