January 2026 Employment Report

In January, nonfarm payrolls added 130,000 jobs, performing better than the previous month and above industry expectations. The unemployment rate changed little at 4.3%. For reference, the unemployment rate one year ago was 4.0%. Of those who are unemployed, 32.2% have been unemployed for less than 5 weeks. Since 1948, the unemployment rate has averaged 5.7%.

Average nonfarm hourly wages in January 2026 increased by .5% to $37.17. Over the past 12 months, average hourly earnings have increased 3.6%. Within the Trade, Transportation, and Utilities subcategory, average hourly wages in January were $32.34, up 4.0% year-over-year. 

Additional employment and wage data are available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Both NPGA and PERC have a variety of workforce tools to make attracting and retaining employees easier. Additional tools and resources for members can be accessed on the Workforce section of NPGA’s website. One such tool marketers can use to assist in recruiting is the NPGA Registered Apprenticeship Program. 

For more information, contact NPGA’s Senior Manager of State Association Relations, Eric Sears.