December labor report: 2025 ends off with 50,000 jobs added

Addison Group

The US economy added 50,000 new jobs in December compared to 64,000 new jobs added in November, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The unemployment rate inched down to 4.4% compared to 4.6% in November.

Unemployment rate, seasonally adjusted, December 2023 - December 2025

Healthcare grew by 21,000 roles last month. In 2025, healthcare employment averaged 34,000 new roles each month.

State and local government roles saw an increase of 13,000 new jobs, while federal government added 2,000 new roles in December. Overall, federal government-level roles have shed 277,000 jobs since the beginning of 2025.

Leisure and hospitality saw an increase of 47,000 new roles. While professional and business services lost 9,000 roles.

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