December’s job report saw a gain of 256,000 nonfarm jobs, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ monthly employment report. Employment gains happened in health care, government and social assistance.
December’s unemployment rate was 4.1%, down from 4.2% in November. The civilian labor force participation rate is at 62.5%, unchanged from November.
The report found that average hourly earnings for employees on private, nonfarm payrolls was $35.69. Over the past 12 months, average hourly earnings have increased by 3.9%.
