The economy added 20,000 jobs in February 2019. This number fell far short of economists’ forecasts, which predicted that the economy would add 180,00 jobs last month.
Unemployment edged downward to 3.8% (versus 4.0% the previous month).
The country lost 31,000 construction jobs as construction employment overall declined.
Employment in transportation and warehousing, retail trade, and manufacturing showed little to no change.
The average wage rose 3.4% versus a year ago, to $27.66 per hour.
| 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 4.0% | 4.1% | 4.8% |
| February | 3.8% | 4.1% | 4.7% |
| March | – | 4.1% | 4.5% |
| April | – | 3.9% | 4.4% |
| May | – | 3.8% | 4.3% |
| June | – | 4.0% | 4.4% |
| July | – | 3.9% | 4.3% |
| August | – | 3.9% | 4.4% |
| September | – | 3.7% | 3.7% |
| October | – | 3.7% | 4.1% |
| November | – | 3.7% | 4.1% |
| December | – | 3.9% | 4.1% |
Sources: Triangle Business Journal, Bureau of Labor Statistics