U.S. adds 162,000 jobs as unemployment holds at 4.1%

U.S. employers added 162,000 nonfarm payroll jobs in August, while the unemployment rate remained at 4.1%, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported on September 4.

Food services and drinking places added 59,000 jobs. Local government education gained 42,000, largely reversing a decline in the preceding month. The information industry lost 23,000 positions.

Average hourly earnings for private-sector workers rose 0.3% during the month and 3.1% over the year. The agency also revised the combined June and July payroll estimates upward by 55,000.

The payroll count and unemployment rate come from separate surveys. The next monthly employment report is scheduled for October 2; these figures describe August and may be revised.