The United States added 227,000 jobs during November, according to employment data released ahead of the Federal Reserve’s policy meeting. Healthcare led sector gains with 54,000 positions, followed by leisure and hospitality with 53,000 jobs and government with 33,000 positions. Transportation equipment manufacturing contributed 32,000 jobs, reflecting a partial rebound from disruptions in the prior month.
The unemployment rate increased to 4.2%, up from 4.1% in October. The November figures represent a recovery from October’s weak performance, when the country added only 12,000 jobs amid disruptions from severe weather events and a labor strike affecting major manufacturers. That monthly figure marked the slowest pace since December 2020. The rebound in November reflected the resolution of some of these temporary constraints, though certain sectors continued to experience softening demand.
The jobs report emerged as policymakers prepared for the Federal Reserve’s December meeting. Central bank officials are anticipated to implement a third interest rate reduction for the year, citing moderating inflation and signs of labor market deceleration. The report serves as a final significant labor market reading before a change in presidential administration, with economists examining the potential implications of incoming policies on hiring patterns and workforce dynamics.
Separate data from ADP, a major payroll processor, indicated that companies added 146,000 positions in October, below economist forecasts. Manufacturing sector weakness was particularly pronounced, along with softness in financial services and leisure-hospitality categories. Analysts are actively assessing how proposed policy changes, including immigration measures, may influence employment trends in coming months.
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