The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported U.S. non-farm payrolls rolls 916,000 in March, lowering the unemployment rate to 6.2 percent.
The number of jobs added was the most since August 2020. The unemployment rate dropped from 6.2 percent in February.
“These improvements in the labor market reflect the continued resumption of economic activity that had been curtailed due to the coronavirus pandemic,” BLS Commissioner William Beach said. “Job growth was widespread, led by gains in leisure and hospitality, public and private education, and construction.”
In addition, revisions to January and February reports added 156,000 jobs than BLS previously counted. Dow Jones analysts had been expecting around 675,000 jobs to be added in March.
The strongest rebound in jobs came in the leisure and hospitality sectors, BLS reported, added 280,000 jobs in March. Nearly two-thirds (176,000) came in food services and drinking places.
Education added 190,000 jobs between local, state and private sectors. Construction added 110,00 jobs.
