US payrolls rebound in March: 178,000 jobs added; unemployment dips to 4.3%

The US economy added 178,000 jobs in March 2026, marking the strongest monthly gain since December 2024. The increase followed a revised loss of 133,000 jobs in February, when a healthcare-sector strike weighed on hiring. The unemployment rate edged down to 4.3% in March from 4.4% in February 2026.