The US economy exceeded expectations and added 272,000 jobs in May, giving President Joe Biden an unexpected boost ahead of his first debate against former president Donald Trump later this month.
The unemployment rate changed little at 4 percent. But the number exceeded what economist expected. The ADP Employment report projected 152,000 jobs added in May.
The number gives Biden a jolt when many Americans feel the economist is sluggish.
“The great American comeback continues, but we still have to make more progress,” he said. “On my watch, 15.6 million more Americans have the dignity and respect that comes with a job. Unemployment has been at or below 4% for 30 months—the longest stretch in 50 years. And a record high share of working-age women have jobs.”
Health care saw the largest increase, adding 68,000 jobs in May while government added 43,000 jobs.
In addition, wages grew by 0.4 percent in the past month and have grown by 4.1 percent in the past 12 months.