What it is
The Jobs report, also known as the Employment Situation Summary or nonfarm payrolls, is a comprehensive monthly release from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) on the state of the U.S. labor market. It includes key metrics such as the unemployment-rate, nonfarm payroll employment (number of new jobs added), average hourly earnings, and the labor-force-participation-rate. This report is critical for understanding economic health and inflationary pressures.
This report is among the most closely watched economic indicators, heavily influencing Federal Reserve monetary policy decisions. Strong job growth and rising wage-growth can signal a robust economy, potentially leading the Fed to consider a hawkish stance to curb inflation. Conversely, weaker reports might prompt a dovish approach. Investors react to the report's release, with significant deviations from expectations often causing volatility in bond, stock, and currency markets.
Why it matters
The Jobs report significantly impacts Federal Reserve interest rate decisions, directly affecting your investments, borrowing costs, and economic outlook.
Reviewed under editorial standardsUpdated September 26, 2026Not investment advice