Posted on October 2, 2026

On Friday, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that total nonfarm payroll employment rose by 29,000 in September, following an average monthly gain of 45,000 over the prior 12 months.

The unemployment rate edged up 0.1 percentage point to 4.2%, with 7.1 million people unemployed. Both measures have changed little over the year.

Growth was led by the following sectors:

• Health care added 17,000 jobs, compared with the 12-month average of 33,000.
• Construction added 11,000 jobs, compared with an average monthly gain of 10,000 over the prior 12 months.
• Manufacturing added 9,000 jobs and has gained 72,000 since a recent low in December 2025.

Job losses were concentrated in financial activities, which fell by 7,000. Since a recent peak in May 2025, financial activities payrolls have declined by 129,000, with most of the losses in insurance carriers and related activities, which are down 90,000.

Employment showed little change over the month in other major industries, including mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction; wholesale trade; retail trade; transportation and warehousing; information; professional and business services; social assistance; leisure and hospitality; other services; and government.

Monthly Revisions

Revisions result from additional reports received from businesses and government agencies since the last published estimate and from recalculations of seasonal factors.

The change in total nonfarm payroll employment for July was revised down by 31,000, from 21,000 to -10,000, and the change for August was revised down by 29,000, from 162,000 to 133,000. With these revisions, employment in July and August combined is 60,000 lower than previously reported.

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FEA compiles the Wood Markets News from various 3rd party sources to provide readers with the latest news impacting forest product markets. Opinions or views expressed in these articles do not necessarily represent those of FEA.