US labor market in February

The US economy lost 92,000 jobs in February 2026, marking the largest employment reduction in four months. This figure sharply contrasts with the revised increase of 126,000 jobs in January and significantly undershot market expectations, which had projected a gain of approximately 59,000.

The employment decline was largely concentrated in the healthcare sector, where the number of jobs decreased by 28,000, partly due to strike activity. The largest reduction was recorded in doctors' offices, where employment fell by 37,000, while hospitals, conversely, added approximately 12,000 jobs.

Negative trends were also observed in other sectors. The information technology sector cut about 11,000 jobs, and the federal government—approximately 10,000. Employment declines were also recorded in transportation and warehousing (-11,000), as well as in the manufacturing sector (-12,000).

At the same time, certain segments of the labor market continued to show growth. In particular, the social assistance sector added approximately 9,000 jobs, with the main growth occurring in individual and family social services, where employment increased by 12,000.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics also revised data for previous months. The number of jobs in December was adjusted downward by 65,000—from the previously reported 48,000 to a reduction of 17,000. Data for January were also revised downward—from 130,000 to 126,000.

Considering these revisions, total employment for December and January combined was 69,000 jobs lower than previously reported.

Overall, in 2025, employment changes were relatively insignificant, indicating a gradual slowdown in labor market dynamics after more active growth in previous years.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.