From a sector standpoint, manufacturing added 36,000 and construction gained 28,000 while mining contributed 7,000. Professional and technical services grew by 22,000 and health care rose 20,000.
The ranks of the unemployed rose by 151,000 to 7.13 million, while the employment level fell 74,000 to 153.4 million. Also, those counted as not in the labor force rose 128,000 to 94.8 million.
August payroll numbers historically have been the most volatile due to seasonal distortions, often coming in weak at first reading only to be revised higher. In 2011, the initial reading came in at zero, but later was revised up to 104,000. In 2016, the first report showed 151,000, while the final number moved up to 176,000.
This month’s report comes at a crucial time for the economy.
Growth lately has been showing signs of accelerating, with second-quarter gross domestic product growth revised this week up to 3 percent and expectations for more of the same in the third quarter.
The Federal Reserve has been watching the numbers closely as well. The Fed has indicated plans to raise its benchmark interest rate target another quarter-point this year, but could be held back due to weak inflation. Specifically, policymakers have been looking for signs of accelerated wage growth, which has been stuck around 2.5 percent for most of the year.
This is a breaking news story. Check back here for updates.
Correction: An earlier version contained incorrect information on the payrolls and unemployment rate numbers.
