Washington, DC – The White House declared “major progress” Thursday after new data showed the U.S. economy added 119,000 jobs in September, more than double economists’ forecasts, with nearly all gains coming from the private sector.
Officials said the figures mark continued momentum under President Donald J. Trump’s economic agenda, describing the report as proof that wage growth and employment among American-born workers are rebounding after years of inflation and slowdown.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement that the results demonstrate “President Trump’s pro-growth, America First agenda is already making great progress” and will continue to “deliver positive results for American families and businesses.”
The Department of Labor data showed private employers added 97,000 positions in September, led by 43,000 jobs in health care and 19,000 in construction. Wages were up 3.8% over the year, with the administration claiming that real earnings have increased by roughly $700 since Trump took office.
Labor force participation also improved, while long-term unemployment declined sharply. The White House emphasized that “all job gains have gone to native-born Americans,” reversing what it described as a “Biden-era trend.”
Private sector leads hiring surge
Economists had projected about 50,000 new jobs for the month, but the official report “beat all 67 forecasts in Bloomberg’s survey,” according to the administration. The unexpected strength came as the Atlanta Federal Reserve’s GDPNow model projected third-quarter economic growth at 4.2%, signaling what officials described as “a strong comeback” for U.S. output.
The unemployment rate ticked slightly higher, a change analysts attributed to more people reentering the job market. “When you’re looking for work, you’re actually counted among the unemployed,” ABC News correspondent Alexis Christoforous explained.
Economists react to stronger-than-expected data
Economist Steve Moore called the report “hugely encouraging,” citing strong consumer spending and investment. “People are under-hyping this economy big time,” he said.
Bloomberg’s Enda Curran described the headline number as “a big upside surprise,” while The Wall Street Journal reported that “hiring defied expectations in September.” The New York Times echoed the sentiment, calling the results “much stronger than expected.”
Market analysts also noted signs of household stability, with credit card delinquencies reportedly at just 1.3% and trending lower. Strategic Wealth Partners CEO Mark Tepper said, “The consumer is still spending and paying their bills on time. We’re in a good situation.”
Key Points
- U.S. employers added 119,000 jobs in September, more than doubling forecasts.
- Private sector hiring accounted for 97,000 of those gains, with health care and construction leading growth.
- Wages rose 3.8% year-over-year as labor participation and employment among American-born workers increased.