The US Labor Market Report – February 2026

February Employment Overview

According to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nonfarm payroll employment saw a slight decline of 92,000 positions in February, while the national unemployment rate remained relatively stable at 4.4 percent.

Job numbers in the health care sector dropped, largely due to strike actions. Additionally, employment in both the information sector and the federal government continued to decrease.

This report draws on findings from two monthly surveys: the household survey, which examines labor force participation and unemployment across different demographic groups, and the establishment survey, which tracks nonfarm employment, work hours, and wages by industry.