The U.S. economy likely added about 60,000 jobs last month, signaling modest improvement after a weak hiring environment in 2025, according to economists surveyed by FactSet and reported by the Associated Press.
While the figure would fall below January’s stronger gain of about 130,000 jobs, it would mark a clear rebound from the 2025 monthly average of roughly 15,000 new jobs. The unemployment rate is expected to remain steady at 4.3 percent.
US employers likely added 60,000 jobs last month, subdued but a marked improvement over 2025 hiring https://t.co/DyswYvbEUS
— O.C. Register (@ocregister) March 6, 2026
Private sector data supports the trend. Payroll processor ADP reported that companies added about 63,000 jobs in February, the strongest increase since July.
Analysts say severe winter weather and a strike involving Kaiser Permanente workers likely reduced hiring totals last month. Broader uncertainty tied to the ongoing conflict with Iran and earlier trade policy disruptions also continues to weigh on business decisions.
Economists say lower labor supply, driven by retirements and immigration enforcement, means fewer jobs are now needed to keep unemployment stable.
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TIPP Staff
