Tech sector employment falls sharply from 2022 peak levels
Tech sector employment declined from 2022 peak to 2.7 million workers.
Event / Economy
US Jobs Report September 2026
September 2026 employment report shows 29,000 private sector jobs added, below expectations, with unemployment rising to 4.2 percent. Healthcare adds 17,000 jobs while data center construction drives 12,300 specialty trade positions. Federal employment reaches 50-year lows. Information sector contracts from 3.1 million to 2.7 million positions.
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2026-10-03 to 2026-10-31 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 3 Oct, 02:17 UTC
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What happened
U.S. non-farm payroll employment rose by 29,000 jobs in September 2026
The U.S. Labor Department released its September employment report on Friday, October 2, 2026, showing that non-farm payroll employment increased by 29,000 jobs during the month. This figure was substantially below economist expectations of 85,000 new jobs. The prior month's August figure was revised downward to 133,000 jobs from an initially reported 162,000 jobs.
Healthcare sector adds 17,000 jobs in September 2026
The healthcare sector added approximately 17,000 jobs in September 2026, representing a significant portion of total job gains but below the sector's average monthly gain of 33,000 jobs over the past year. Economists attributed the slower pace to federal funding challenges affecting healthcare provider ability to expand employment.
Information sector employment declines to 2.7 million from 2022 peak
The information sector employment declined from a 2022 peak of 3.1 million to 2.7 million jobs as of September 2026, representing a significant contraction in the sector. White-collar sectors were among those experiencing job losses during the period.
September 2026 jobs report shows 29,000 private sector jobs added
The United States added 29,000 private sector jobs in September 2026, falling significantly below the expected 90,000 jobs. This represents a slowdown in job growth compared to prior months. Previous months' figures were revised downward: July was revised to -10,000 jobs and August to 133,000 jobs.
Federal government employment reaches lowest level in 50 years
Federal employment in Washington, D.C., reached its lowest level in 50 years as of September 2026. Government sector employment declined by 17,000 jobs during the month. This follows policy efforts to reduce federal bureaucracy.
Data center construction drives nonresidential specialty trade contractor jobs
Nonresidential specialty trade contractors—electricians and construction workers on data center projects—added 12,300 jobs in September 2026. Data center-related job postings have surged approximately 130 percent since June 2024, while overall US job postings have declined. The data center boom is positioned as the largest capital expenditure project in US history.
US unemployment rate rises to 4.2 percent in September 2026
The unemployment rate increased to 4.2 percent in September 2026, up from 4.1 percent in August. The increase was attributed to 485,000 more people entering the labor force to look for work. Labor force participation rose to 61.8 percent, the highest level since May 2026.
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2 alternative perspectives
Federal workforce hits 50-year low as government employment contracts
Federal employment reaches lowest point in 50 years amid broader labor market slowdown.
Healthcare and data center sectors drive specialized job creation
Healthcare and data center construction sectors show job growth amid broader labor market slowdown.
Private sector job growth slows dramatically as unemployment ticks up
Private sector job growth collapsed and unemployment rose in September, signaling labor market deceleration.