The Digester
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U.S. payrolls rise 178,000 in March; unemployment 4.3%

U.S. job growth surprised to the upside in March with 178,000 payrolls added and the unemployment rate edging down to 4.3%, led by gains in health care and revisions to prior months.

Apr 3rd 2026 · United States

Insights

  • Nonfarm payrolls increased by 178,000 in March, reversing February's 133,000 decline.
  • The March gain beat the Dow Jones consensus estimate of 59,000.
  • February payrolls were revised down by 41,000 while January was revised up by 34,000 to 160,000.
  • The three month average of payroll gains is about 68,000.
  • The unemployment rate fell to 4.3% and health care added 76,000 jobs.

Sources