WASHINGTON–The U.S. economy added 177,000 jobs in April, which was more than many analysts had been projecting.  

The unemployment rate, which is based on a separate survey from the jobs figures, remained at 4.2%.

The jobs number was below the 185,000 jobs added in March, while the job gains for February and March were revised down by a combined 58,000 jobs.

Federal-government layoffs were a drag on payrolls. Federal government employment declined by 9,000 in April.

“The April jobs report was solid even in the face of mild downward revisions to prior months. Sectors believed to be most exposed to tariffs were resilient through the second week of April when data was collected,” said America’s Credit Unions’ chief economist, Curt Long. “There are reasons to remain concerned that industries like trucking will see significant job losses in future months, as shipping volume is already contracting. But this is a reassuring report that likely pushes any rate cut from the Federal Reserve to the second half of the year at the earliest. In the event that economic turbulence appears, credit unions will play a critical role in providing financial assistance to their local communities.” 

On Pace With Average

While many analysts expect President Trump’s tariffs to drag on employment, the new jobs numbers were generally aligned with the average monthly gain of 152,000 jobs over the prior year. 

Healthcare, transportation and warehousing, financial activities, and social assistance were the leading sources of hirings.