U.S. Adds only 130,000 Jobs in January 2026

The United States added 130,000 jobs to start the year, while 2025 job gains were revised downward, the most recent report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed, Joe Fisher reported for United Press International (UPI).

December’s revision was smaller than the previous month, decreasing by 2,000 to a total of 48,000 jobs added. (Photo: U.S. Department of Labor Facebook) 

January’s report showed an uptick in nonfarm payrolls over the previous two months, though gains remain modest. Meanwhile, wage growth reached 3.7% on a year-over-year basis.

Employment figures for November were revised down by 15,000 to a total of 41,000 jobs added.

December’s revision was smaller, decreasing by 2,000 to a total of 48,000 jobs added.

The unemployment rate fell slightly in January, from 4.4% in December to 4.3%. Unemployment rates based on gender, race and ethnicity changed little.

The health care industry added about 82,000 jobs, led by roughly 50,000 in ambulatory health care services. Social assistance jobs increased by about 42,000, and construction added 33,000.

Federal government employment continued to shrink, down by 34,000 jobs in January.

This includes some federal employees who accepted deferred resignation offers last year when the Department of Government Efficiency recommended broad cuts to the workforce.