ExclusiveUS Added 172,000 Jobs in May

The U.S. economy added a robust 172,000 jobs in May, and the unemployment rate remained steady at 4.3 percent, the Bureau of Labor Statistics announced on Friday. The newly released data shows that the labor market remained resilient despite soaring energy prices after the Iran war. The job gains last month were broad-based. Local governments added 55,000 workers, restaurants and bars 48,000, In another sign of job market strength, Labor Department revisions added a combined 93,000 jobs in March and April. Job growth averaged 188,000 a month from March through May, marking the best three months of hiring since early 2024. However, wage gains were modest despite the pickup in hiring. Average hourly wages rose 0.3 percent from April and 3.4 percent from May 2025.