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Payroll employment rises by 275,000 in February; unemployment rate increases to 3.9%

Total nonfarm payroll employment rose by 275,000 in February, and the unemployment rate increased to 3.9 percent. Job gains occurred in health care, in government, in food services and drinking places, in social assistance, and in transportation and warehousing.

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03/07/2024 Productivity increases 3.2% in Q4 2023; unit labor costs increase 0.4% (annual rates)

03/06/2024 County Employment and Wages (QCEW) database now fully updated through 3rd quarter 2023

03/06/2024 January job openings, hires, and total separations change little

03/01/2024 Jobless rates down in 6 states in 2023; employment-population ratios up in 10 states

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BEYOND THE NUMBERS

Three scenarios of healthcare workers helping patients. Woman healthcare worker listening to a female patient while taking notes on a clipboard. Woman listening to an elderly woman while typing on a laptop. Male healthcare worker helping an older patient lift dumbbells over his head.

Projected employment growth for social service occupations, 2022–32

This Beyond the Numbers article explores the various trends supporting growth for community and social service occupations. read more

COMMISSIONER’S CORNER

Occupational Changes among African American Workers

In 2023, more Blacks were employed in professional and related occupations than any other occupational group. read more

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW

Outdoor parking lot of various types and colors of passenger vehicles in several rows.

A consumption measure for automobiles

The consumption measures of long-lived items are an important part of measuring the economic well-being of households. read more

COMMISSIONER'S CORNER

Welcome Commissioner McEntarfer!

Before the end of January, BLS will welcome the 16th Commissioner of Labor Statistics, Dr. Erika McEntarfer. read more

BLS REPORTS

Woman using calculator, with notebook, laptop, and stacks of coins.

Highlights of women's earnings

This report compares data for women and men who usually work full time, focusing on age, race and ethnicity, education, occupation, and more. read more

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Latest Numbers

Consumer Price Index (CPI):
+0.3% in Jan 2024

Unemployment Rate:
3.9% in Feb 2024

Payroll Employment:
+275,000(p) in Feb 2024

Average Hourly Earnings:
+$0.05(p) in Feb 2024

Producer Price Index - Final Demand:
+0.3%(p) in Jan 2024

Employment Cost Index (ECI):
+0.9% in 4th Qtr of 2023

Productivity:
+3.2% in 4th Qtr of 2023

U.S. Import Price Index:
+0.8% in Jan 2024

U.S. Export Price Index:
+0.8% in Jan 2024