Private-sector employers in the US added a net 122,000 jobs in May 2026, the largest monthly increase since January 2025. This followed a downwardly revised gain of 105,000 jobs in April and exceeded market expectations of 117,000.
“Hiring was more broad-based in May than we’ve seen in the last few years. The labor market continues to show sustained momentum going into the summer hiring season,” said Dr. Nela Richardson, Chief Economist at ADP.
By industry, job creation was led by education and health services (+57,000), followed by trade, transportation, and utilities (+36,000); professional and business services (+11,000); leisure and hospitality (+8,000); construction (+8,000); financial activities (+7,000); and manufacturing (+3,000). In contrast, the natural resources and mining sector cut 3,000 positions, while the information sector lost 9,000 jobs.
By firm size, companies with fewer than 50 employees added 67,000 jobs, large firms with 500 or more employees added 40,000, and medium-sized businesses contributed 17,000.
Annual pay growth for job-stayers held steady at 4.4%, while wage growth for job-switchers edged up to 6.6%.
