The US economy likely added 80,000 jobs in July 2026, up from 57,000 in June, signaling a modest rebound after payroll growth slowed from the stronger pace seen in the spring. The private sector is expected to account for 78,000 of those gains, with government employment likely rising by 2,000. Healthcare is projected to lead July’s job growth, supported by an anticipated rebound in leisure and hospitality payrolls.
The unemployment rate is expected to hold steady at 4.2%, hovering near its lowest level in a year. Average hourly earnings are likely to increase 0.3% from the previous month and 3.5% from a year earlier, matching June’s pace. Taken together, the figures are expected to point to a relatively stable labour market.
