WASHINGTON — U.S. employers added 172,000 jobs in May, exceeding economists’ expectations, as the labor market showed resilience amid economic pressures including inflation, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported on Friday.
The unemployment rate held steady at 4.3 percent, according to the government data. Job gains occurred in leisure and hospitality, health care and local government, while employment in financial activities declined.
The figure marked the third consecutive month of job gains above 100,000. Economists polled ahead of the release had forecast an increase of about 85,000 to 105,000 jobs.
Leisure and hospitality added 70,000 jobs in May, well above its recent average, the BLS said. Health care and local government also contributed to the gains.
The report included upward revisions to prior months. March and April figures were revised higher by a combined 93,000 jobs, according to the Labor Department.
Average hourly earnings rose 0.3 percent in May and 3.4 percent from a year earlier, in line with recent trends.
The data comes as the economy faces challenges from elevated inflation, partly linked to global energy prices and international developments. Private payroll processor ADP reported earlier that companies added 122,000 jobs in May.
"Total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 172,000 in May, and the unemployment rate was unchanged at 4.3 percent," the BLS stated in its summary.
Some economists noted the labor market remains in a period of moderation following stronger growth in prior years. The report provides a snapshot of conditions before potential further impacts from external factors.
As of Friday, analysts were examining the implications for monetary policy and the broader economic outlook. The BLS releases the next employment situation report in early July.
Details on specific breakdowns by industry and demographics remain available in the full government report. Further revisions to the May data are possible in coming months.
