U.S. Loses 92,000 Jobs in February as Unemployment Rises to 4.4%
Mar 6th 2026
A Labor Department report shows the U.S. lost 92,000 jobs in February and revised prior months lower, raising fresh concerns about growth and possible impacts on Federal Reserve policy.
- Employers cut 92,000 jobs in February, according to the Labor Department.
- The unemployment rate rose to 4.4% in February.
- December and January job totals were revised down, with December now showing a net loss of 17,000 jobs.
- Job losses were broad, hitting manufacturing, construction and the federal government, and health care lost 28,000 jobs partly due to a nurses strike.
- The weaker report could affect the Federal Reserve's plans for future interest rate cuts.
- Average hourly wages were up 3.8% year over year in February.
- Average gasoline prices rose to $3.32 a gallon, up 7 cents overnight and 21 cents from a year ago amid higher energy prices tied to the war in Iran.