Over the course of 2016, average hourly earnings rose 2.9 percent, the Bureau of Labor Statistics says. The unemployment rate was little changed: 4.7 percent, compared to 4.6 percent in November.
The U.S. added 178,000 new jobs in November, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which was about what was expected. However, wages dropped slightly, after an 11-cent gain in October.
The unemployment rate was little changed, ticking back down to 4.9 percent. Hourly earnings rose 10 cents over last month — in total, wages are up 2.8 percent year over year.
Economists had anticipated 160,000 new jobs, even factoring in a large strike by Verizon employees. Meanwhile, the unemployment rate declined because of people dropping out of the workforce.
Congratulations to the Class of 2016! They are graduating into the best job market in a decade, especially for those with degrees in business, technology or engineering.
Analysts had expected the economy to gain significantly more jobs. The economy has gained an average of about 250,000 jobs monthly for the past six months.
To economists, the phrase means job seekers roughly equal job openings. Unemployment is at 5 percent, but depending on where you live, your race or your education level, you still might not find work.
Figures for October and November were revised upward, with job creation numbers over the past three months at an average of 284,000. Unemployment held steady last month at 5 percent.
On Friday, the Labor Department said the July unemployment rate held steady at 5.3 percent. If you had to choose, would you take that to mean the economy is too cool or too hot? Weigh the evidence.
The July numbers were roughly in line with economists' expectations, and likely were strong enough to keep the Federal Reserve on track to raise interest rates.
On Friday, economists were left scrambling to explain why last month's employment growth was just half as good as they expected. Many fingers pointed at the harsh weather, along with port disruptions.
Nevada's unemployment rate has fallen to its lowest level since July 2008. The Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation reported...
The national unemployment rate is falling - down now below the pre-recession levels. Younger workers, though, are struggling to find work and Nevada is...
