Economic Buzz: US nonfarm payroll up by 162,000 in August

Total nonfarm payroll employment in the United States jumped by 162,000 in August, the Bureau of Labor Statistics said in its report published on Friday. The figure came in much higher than projected. Meanwhile, July's numbers were revised from a decline of 23,000 to a rise of 21,000.

Employment in food services and drinking places increased by 59,000. Local government education registered 42,000 new hirings. Construction added 22,000 jobs. On the other hand, employment in information decreased by 23,000. The unemployment rate remained at 4.1%. The number of unemployed people grew slightly to 7 million.

Average hourly earnings for all employees increased by 10 cents, or 0.3%, to $37.75. Average workweek rose by 0.1 hour to 34.4 hours.

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