US adds a robust 254,000 jobs and unemployment dips to 4.1% in sign of still-sturdy labor market

AP Economics Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) — America’s employers added a surprisingly strong 254,000 jobs in September, easing concerns about a weakening labor market and suggesting that the pace of hiring is still solid enough to support a growing economy. Last month’s gain was far more than economists had expected, and it was up sharply from the 159,000 jobs that were added in August. And after rising for most of 2024, the unemployment rate dropped for a second straight month, from 4.2% in August to 4.1% in September. The latest figures suggest that many companies are still confident enough to fill jobs despite the continued pressure of high interest rates.