U.S. job growth in May doubled expectations and the gains in March and April were higher than initially reported, the U.S. Commerce Department’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported Friday. Total nonfarm employment increased a seasonally-adjusted 172,000, twice the 80,000 growth analysts had predicted. Meanwhile, job growth in March was revised up 29,000 to 214,000 and April’s increase was revised up 64,000 to 179,000, resulting in combine job growth 93,000 higher than previously reported, the new BLS report reveals. The seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate was unchanged from April, holding at 4.3%, and has remained in a narrow range of 4.3% to 4.5% since July 2025. Federal government employment was unchanged from April, holding at 2.68 million. Over the past 12 months, the federal government has shrunk by 271,000 jobs. Total government employment increased by 55,000, however, due to a 52,000 increase in local government. By industry sector, notable changes from April include: Leisure and hospitality added 70,000 jobs, well above the average monthly gain of 14,000 during the prior 12 months. Over the month, food services and drinking places added 48,000 jobs. Local government rose by 55,000, largely reflecting a gain in non-education jobs. Health care added 35,000 jobs in May, in line with the average monthly gain of 38,000 over the prior 12 months. Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction increased by 5,000 in May and is up by 10,000 since February. Financial activities employment declined by 22,000 in May and is down by 107,000 since a recent peak in May 2025. Over the month, job losses occurred in insurance carriers and related activities (-11,000) and commercial banking (-3,000). “Employment showed little change over the month in other major industries, including construction, manufacturing, wholesale trade, retail trade, information, professional and business services, and other services,” BLS reports. The business and economic reporting of CNSNews is funded in part with a gift made in memory of Dr. Keith C. Wold.