U.S. Jobs Report Calendar
Latest U.S. Jobs Report and 2026 NFP Dates
The latest U.S. jobs report showed payrolls rose 29,000 in September 2026 and unemployment was 4.2%. See wages, revisions, history, and the next release.
Maintained by Archie Chang · Data and formulas checked October 2, 2026 · Methodology & sources
Latest official result
September 2026 U.S. jobs report
Released October 2, 2026 · preliminary · seasonally adjusted headline measures
Total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 29,000 in September, after a revised increase of 133,000 in August. The unemployment rate was 4.2%.
Nonfarm payrolls
+29,000
+133,000 in revised August
Unemployment rate
4.2%
4.1% in August
Average hourly earnings
$37.81
+$0.05 monthly · +3.0% yearly
Labor-force participation
61.8%
61.6% in August
Average workweek
34.4 hrs
Unchanged from 34.4 hrs
July and August revisions
July 2026: +21,000 → −10,000
August 2026: +162,000 → +133,000
Combined, the two months were revised down by 60,000 from previously reported levels.
Monthly nonfarm payroll change: 13-month trend
The 12 months before September averaged +45,000 per month.
Series: CES0000000001
| Period | Payroll change |
|---|---|
| September 2025 | +76,000 |
| October 2025 | −140,000 |
| November 2025 | +41,000 |
| December 2025 | −17,000 |
| January 2026 | +160,000 |
| February 2026 | −156,000 |
| March 2026 | +214,000 |
| April 2026 | +148,000 |
| May 2026 | +63,000 |
| June 2026 | +31,000 |
| July 2026 | −10,000 |
| August 2026 (second preliminary) | +133,000 |
| September 2026 (first preliminary) | +29,000 |
Primary data sources: BLS September 2026 Employment Situation · BLS total nonfarm payroll series · BLS unemployment-rate series · BLS hourly-earnings series · BLS labor-force participation series
Payrolls and earnings come from the establishment survey. Unemployment and participation come from the separate household survey. Estimates can be revised and are not a forecast or trading signal.
Direct answer
The next Nonfarm Payrolls release is scheduled for Friday, November 6, 2026 at 8:30 AM Eastern Time. It covers October 2026.
Countdown to the next release
Friday, November 6, 2026 · 8:30 AM ET
--
Days
--
Hours
--
Minutes
--
Seconds
Next scheduled release
Friday, November 6, 2026
8:30 AM ET · covers October 2026
Most recent release
Friday, October 2, 2026
8:30 AM ET · covered September 2026
Complete 2026 Release Schedule
What this release measures
The Employment Situation combines two BLS surveys. The establishment survey estimates payroll jobs, hours, and earnings, while the household survey measures employment status and the unemployment rate.
“Nonfarm payrolls” excludes farm workers, private household employees, proprietors, and a few other categories. The headline monthly change is an estimate of payroll employment across most of the U.S. economy.
Why the Federal Reserve watches it
Maximum employment is one half of the Federal Reserve’s dual mandate. Payroll growth, unemployment, participation, and wage growth help policymakers judge whether labor demand is overheating or cooling.
One report rarely determines a rate decision by itself. The Fed evaluates the jobs report alongside inflation, spending, output, and financial conditions—and payroll estimates can be revised.
How to read the schedule
- The latest-result section uses the BLS October 2, 2026 Employment Situation release and current official CES/CPS time series. September values are preliminary, and July and August payrolls were revised.
- Every date and 8:30 AM ET publication time in the table comes from the official BLS 2026 release calendar.
- “Period covered” is the reference month reported, which is normally the month before the release date.
- The schedule shows release timing, not a forecast. FedRateCalc does not invent consensus estimates or surprise scores.
- BLS can revise its calendar, so follow the official source link before trading or making a time-sensitive decision.
Primary schedule source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the latest U.S. jobs report show?
The BLS reported that total nonfarm payroll employment rose by 29,000 in September 2026. The unemployment rate was 4.2%, average hourly earnings were $37.81, and the labor-force participation rate was 61.8%. September payroll and earnings estimates are preliminary.
When is the next nonfarm payrolls report?
As reviewed on October 2, 2026, the next Employment Situation report is scheduled for Friday, November 6, 2026 at 8:30 AM Eastern Time. It covers October 2026.
What time is nonfarm payrolls released?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics schedules the Employment Situation release for 8:30 AM Eastern Time. The time is Eastern Standard Time or Eastern Daylight Time depending on the date.
Is the jobs report the same as nonfarm payrolls?
Nonfarm payroll employment is one of the headline measures in the monthly Employment Situation report. The same report also includes the unemployment rate, labor-force participation, hours, and average hourly earnings.
Can payroll numbers be revised?
Yes. BLS revises payroll estimates as additional employer survey responses arrive and later incorporates an annual benchmark based on unemployment-insurance tax records.