Both the unemployment rate (6.2 percent) and the number of unemployed persons (9.7 million)changed little in July.

unemployment1
US Unemployment Rate, Seasonally Adjusted US Labor Department

  • Over the past 12 months, the unemployment rate and the number of unemployed persons have declined by 1.1 percentage points and 1.7 million, respectively.

  • The civilian labor force participation rate, at 62.9 percent, changed little in July. The participation rate has been essentially unchanged since April.

  • The number of persons employed part time for economic reasons (sometimes referred to as involuntary part-time workers), at 7.5 million, was unchanged in July. These individuals were working part time because their hours had been cut back or because they were unable to find a full-time job.

  • In July, employment grew in professional and business services, manufacturing, retail trade, and construction.

  • Professional and business services added 47,000 jobs in July and has added 648,000 jobs over the past 12 months.

  • Manufacturing added 28,000 jobs in July. Job gains occurred in motor vehicles and parts (+15,000) and in furniture and related products (+3,000).

  • In July, retail trade employment rose by 27,000.

  • Employment in construction increased by 22,000 in July.

  • Social assistance added 18,000 jobs over the month.

  • Mining added 8,000 jobs in July, with the bulk of the increase occurring in support activities for mining (+6,000). Over the year, mining employment has risen by 46,000.

  • In July, average hourly earnings for all employees on private nonfarm payrolls edged up by 1 cent to $24.45.
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Unemployment