Private Employers Added Jobs Through Early September
The U.S. private sector maintained a weekly pace of 20,000 new jobs in the period ending September 5.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Employment
Live Poll
Do you believe the U.S. labor market is currently getting stronger?
Private employers in the United States added an average of 20,000 jobs per week for the period ending September 5, 2026. This hiring pace marked an increase from the previous four-week average of 16,250 weekly jobs.
Why it matters
The latest figures show a rebound in hiring velocity compared to the lower rates recorded in late August. This data provides an updated look at the labor market dynamics currently influencing the broader national economy.
Private-sector hiring reached an average of 20,000 weekly jobs for the period ending September 5, up from 16,250 during the prior four weeks. This trend is measured by the NER Pulse using seasonal adjustments.
The players
ADP
ADP is a major provider of human resources management software and services that processes payroll for one in six U.S. workers.
The details
While the overall weekly pace accelerated, sector-specific performance remained mixed throughout August. Education and health services added 45,000 jobs, but the manufacturing and professional and business services sectors shed 17,000 and 16,000 positions, respectively.
Timeline
January 2026 saw the slowest monthly job growth print.
Mid-June 2026 marked a peak in hiring at 24,000 jobs per week.
August 22, 2026, saw a weekly average of 12,000 to 12,250 jobs.
September 2, 2026, was the release date of the ADP monthly National Employment Report.
September 5, 2026, concluded the four-week reporting period for the weekly pulse.
Macro View
This data provides a granular update to the trends observed in the ADP monthly National Employment Report. It follows a pattern of fluctuations seen throughout 2026, reflecting the evolving nature of the current economic cycle.
The fluctuating pace of job growth may impact local hiring stability and overall wage growth expectations for the average family. Readers should monitor regional employment trends to understand potential shifts in job security within their specific industry.
The takeaway
The recent increase in weekly job additions suggests a recovery in hiring momentum after mid-summer lulls. Understanding these shifts can help workers better gauge the strength of the labor market in their respective professional sectors.
Further reading
For more on labor trends, visit Employment.
Live Poll
Do you believe the U.S. labor market is currently getting stronger?
