The U.S. private employers added 41,000 jobs in December, marking a return to job growth after losses in November, according to data released by ADP. The increase reversed a revised loss of 29,000 jobs in November but came in below the Dow Jones estimate of 48,000.
Hiring had declined in three of the previous four months, underscoring continued weakness in the labor market late in 2025.
Job gains were concentrated in service industries. Education and health services added 39,000 positions, while leisure and hospitality gained 24,000.
JUST IN: U.S. private payrolls rebounded less than expected in December, the ADP's national employment report showed Wednesday. https://t.co/XYngTx1kbr
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Trade, transportation, utilities, and financial services also posted modest increases. Those gains were partly offset by losses in professional and business services and in information sectors.
Manufacturing payrolls fell by 5,000, contributing to a net decline in goods-producing industries. Nearly all new jobs were created by firms with fewer than 500 workers, while large employers added little.
Wage growth remained steady, with pay increases moderating for both job holders and job changers. The report comes ahead of the closely watched government jobs data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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TIPP Staff
