June 2025 Job Market Update: Nonfarm Payroll Growth, Wage Trends, and What Investors Need to Know
The June 2025 job market report reveals steady growth with nonfarm payrolls increasing by 147,000 jobs, surpassing expectations and continuing a resilient employment expansion. The unemployment rate edged down slightly to 4.1%, reflecting stronger hiring despite ongoing economic uncertainties. Wage growth showed a modest increase of 0.2% in June, with average hourly earnings rising to $36.30, marking a 3.7% gain over the past year. Job gains were concentrated in state and local government and healthcare sectors, while industries like manufacturing and leisure showed slower growth. Labor force participation remains slightly below pre-pandemic levels, but prime working-age participation improved. Overall, the labor market remains solid, signaling cautious optimism for investors and policymakers monitoring employment trends and wage growth in the U.S. economy.
