September Jobs Report Exceeds Expectations with 119,000 New Jobs
Washington, D.C., Friday, 21 November 2025.
The September jobs report, delayed due to a government shutdown, reveals 119,000 new jobs, far surpassing forecasts of 50,000. Unemployment rose slightly to 4.4%, the highest since 2021.
Delayed Report and Its Immediate Impact
The release of the September jobs report on November 20, 2025, was delayed due to a prolonged government shutdown, which spanned nearly a month and a half. This delay resulted in the postponement of critical economic data, including the October jobs report, which will now be combined with November’s figures for a December release [9]. Despite the delay, the report’s insights into job gains and unemployment rates are pivotal for understanding the current economic climate [2][4].
Sectoral Analysis and Employment Trends
In September, the U.S. economy added 119,000 new jobs, with significant contributions from the health care sector, which alone accounted for 43,000 jobs. The hospitality industry also showed resilience, adding 37,000 jobs, particularly in bars and restaurants [2][3]. However, sectors such as transportation and warehousing experienced declines, with a loss of 25,000 jobs. Meanwhile, the federal government shed 3,000 jobs, reflecting broader fiscal adjustments [2].
Wage Growth and Unemployment Dynamics
Average hourly earnings rose by 0.2% in September, contributing to a year-over-year increase of 3.8%. Despite the job gains, the unemployment rate inched up to 4.4%, the highest since October 2021. This increase is attributed to a rise in the labor force participation rate, which reached 62.4%, reflecting more individuals actively seeking employment [2][3].
Economic Implications and Future Projections
The unexpected job gains in September have implications for future economic policies, particularly concerning the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decisions. The Federal Reserve is scheduled to meet in December 2025 to discuss these economic indicators and their potential impact on interest rates. The current data suggest that the likelihood of a rate cut has diminished, as the labor market shows signs of resilience despite previous concerns [3][5].