US employers cut 92,000 jobs last month as unemployment rate rises
By PAUL WISEMAN, AP Economics Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) — The labor market in the United States took a hit last month as American employers unexpectedly cut 92,000 jobs, resulting in the unemployment rate rising to 4.4%. This unexpected decline in job numbers signals ongoing challenges in the labor market.
In February, hiring deteriorated from the previous month, with only 60,000 new jobs added compared to the expected 126,000. Additionally, revisions to December and January payrolls revealed a cut of 69,000 jobs.
The job market had been anticipated to bounce back this year following a lackluster 2025. Factors contributing to the slow growth included President Donald Trump’s tariff policies and high interest rates. Sectors such as construction, healthcare, manufacturing, and hospitality experienced job cuts, further impacting the overall job market.
Despite the challenges, some sectors like financial firms saw an increase in job opportunities. Average hourly wages also saw a modest increase, rising 0.4% from January and 3.8% from the previous year.
The uncertain economic outlook, compounded by the ongoing war with Iran, continues to create hesitation among employers to hire new workers. The aftermath of Trump’s trade policies and high-interest rates has left a lasting impact on the job market, making businesses cautious about their hiring decisions.
However, as businesses adapt to the changing economic landscape and technological advancements like artificial intelligence, the job market may see a shift towards more efficient hiring practices. With fewer people competing for jobs due to retirements and deportations, the break-even point for job growth is lower than before.
In conclusion, the current job market presents challenges and opportunities for both employers and job seekers. As the economy navigates through uncertainties, businesses are reevaluating their hiring strategies to ensure sustainable growth in the future.
AP Economics Writer Christopher Rugaber contributed to this report.
