Private sector job growth in the United States accelerated sharply in February, according to the latest ADP Nonfarm Employment Change data. The indicator rose to 63,000 in February 2026, up from just 11,000 in January 2026, signaling a notable strengthening in hiring momentum.
The January reading of 11,000 had suggested a significant cooling in private payroll growth, prompting concerns over a potential softening in labor market conditions. The rebound to 63,000 in February, based on figures updated on 4 March 2026, indicates that employers have revived hiring plans, potentially easing some of those worries.
While ADP data can differ from official government payroll statistics, the sharp month-on-month improvement will be closely watched by investors and policymakers as a fresh sign of resilience in the U.S. labor market early in 2026.
