2026.07.0212:32:45UTC+00US Job Growth Slows Sharply in June

The US economy added 57,000 jobs in June 2026, a sharp slowdown from a downwardly revised 129,000 in May and well below market expectations of 110,000. This was the weakest monthly job gain in four months, following three consecutive months of stronger-than-expected hiring. Still, June’s increase was broadly consistent with the average monthly gain over the previous 12 months (+36,000).

Job growth in June was led by professional and business services (+36,000), social assistance (+25,000), and health care (+22,000). By contrast, employment in leisure and hospitality fell by 61,000, reflecting weaker-than-usual seasonal hiring, likely influenced by the World Cup.

Employment was little changed over the month in most other major sectors, including mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction; construction; manufacturing; wholesale trade; retail trade; transportation and warehousing; information; financial activities; and government.

Revisions lowered estimated job growth for April and May by a combined 74,000 positions.