The Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) has released the April jobs report showing 115,000 jobs gained [DATA HERE]. Inside the numbers, federal government employment continued to decline in April (-9,000). Since reaching a peak in October 2024, federal government employment is down by 348,000, or 11.5 percent since the 2024 election.

The March report was also revised upward from 178,000 to 185,000.  The overall jobs gain was double what most ‘experts’ and economic pundits had expected.  The unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.3 percent.

[Source BLS, Table-2]

BLS – […] Total nonfarm payroll employment edged up by 115,000 in April, after showing little net change over the prior 12 months. In April, job gains occurred in health care, transportation and warehousing, and retail trade. Federal government employment continued to decline. (See table B-1.)

In April, health care added 37,000 jobs, in line with the average monthly gain of 32,000 over the prior 12 months. Over the month, job gains occurred in nursing and residential care facilities (+15,000) and home health care services (+11,000).

Transportation and warehousing employment increased by 30,000 in April, reflecting a gain in couriers and messengers (+38,000). However, employment in transportation and warehousing is down by 105,000 since reaching a peak in February 2025.

Retail trade added 22,000 jobs in April. Employment increased in warehouse clubs, supercenters, and other general merchandise retailers (+18,000) and in building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers (+13,000). These gains were partially offset by job losses in department stores (-7,000) and in electronics and appliance retailers (-2,000). Retail trade employment had shown little net change over the prior 12 months.

Employment in social assistance continued to trend up in April (+17,000), reflecting a gain of 24,000 jobs in individual and family services.

Federal government employment continued to decline in April (-9,000). Since reaching a peak in October 2024, federal government employment is down by 348,000, or 11.5 percent. (more)

Building supply (retail) shows strong growth (+12,500); that’s good – that’s Main Street.  Leisure and Hospitality showed strong growth (+14,000); mostly from restaurants, that’s good – again, Main Street.  Shrinking the federal government by another 9,000 – that’s priceless.

[MEDIA] – April jobs report: Economy adds 115,000 jobs, far better than expected. Payrolls rose by 115,000 last month, and the unemployment rate stayed at 4.3%, the Labor Department said Friday. Economists surveyed by Bloomberg had estimated a median gain of 65,000 jobs following March’s blockbuster increase of 178,000 roles, which was revised upward to 185,000. (more)