December labor report: 2024 ends on a high note

The US labor market smashed economists’ expectations in December by adding 256,000 jobs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The unemployment rate dipped slightly to 4.1% from 4.2% in November.

Healthcare, government, and leisure and hospitality saw the largest job gains.

Healthcare added 46,000 new jobs in December and saw an average of 57,000 jobs added monthly in 2024. Government added 33,000 new jobs last month and saw an average of 37,000 jobs each month in 2024.

Leisure and hospitality added 43,000 new roles in December, while the professional and business services sector added 28,000 jobs last month.

December job growth outperformed economists’ predictions. With a positive labor report, the Fed could pause interest rate reductions.

Ready to start the new year with expert talent on your team? Addison Group is your partner. For more than 20 years, we’ve focused on quality over quotas. That means we listen to your goals and make matches that last. Let’s work together.

---

Download the December labor report

Source: December 2024 Monthly Jobs Report, Bureau of Labor Statistics