US Employers Added 165,000 Jobs in October, Surpassing Forecasts, as Unemployment Rate Dips to 4.1%

The U.S. labor market showed unexpected strength in October, with employers adding 165,000 non-farm payrolls. This figure significantly exceeded economists' forecasts of 65,000 new jobs and marked a substantial increase from the revised 60,000 jobs added in September 2026. The unemployment rate also saw a slight dip to 4.1%, remaining within a narrow range observed since March. This robust job growth, the highest since May 2026, indicates that hiring is accelerating despite ongoing economic challenges like inflation. Employment gains were notable in professional and business services, healthcare, and transportation and warehousing.