U.S. adds 215,000 jobs in March, unemployment inches up to 5 percent

Construction workers in Washington, D.C.

(Image credit: Paul J. Richards/Getty Images)

published 1 April 2016

The U.S. economy exceeded expectations by adding 215,000 jobs in March. The unemployment rate rose slightly to 5 percent from 4.9 percent, largely because the labor force, or the group of people who have jobs or are looking for them, grew by some 400,000 people, suggesting that more and more people are actively seeking jobs. Average hourly earnings rose slightly by 0.3 percent month-on-month, and were up 2.3 percent from the same period last year.

Employment numbers for January and February were revised slightly, lowering the two months' combined employment gains by 1,000. In the first three months of 2016, job gains have averaged 209,000 per month.