The U.S. economy surpassed expectations by adding 225,000 jobs in January, continuing strong recent hiring trends. At the same time, the unemployment rose slightly to 3.6 percent, as more people sought out jobs.
Growth in construction, health care, transportation and warehousing was especially strong, a U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report said. Warm weather in January contributed to added jobs in construction and transportation sectors.
For the second consecutive month, manufacturing jobs declined.
Economists anticipated a slower growth rate of 160,000 new jobs in January. The average monthly job growth in 2019 was 175,000.
To view the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics full report, featuring numerous detailed charts, click here.
