US Private Hiring Accelerates in Early May

US private employers added an average of 29,000 jobs per week in the four weeks ending May 23, 2026, according to the ADP Research Institute, a slight decrease from the 30,500 weekly gain in the prior period. This marks the third consecutive week of easing job growth. However, last week's ADP monthly report for May showed private businesses added a net 122,000 jobs, the largest increase since January 2025. Dr. Nela Richardson, Chief Economist at ADP, noted, "Hiring was more broad-based in May than we've seen in the last few years. The labor market continues to show sustained momentum going into the summer hiring season."

US private employers added an average of 42,250 jobs per week in the four weeks to May 2, 2026, up from 33,000 in the prior period, according to the ADP Research Institute. The data signals a second consecutive week of strengthening hiring.

US private employers added an average of 33,000 jobs per week in the four weeks ending April 25, 2026, according to the ADP Research Institute, slightly up from the 30,250 weekly gain in the prior period. The data indicates job growth remained stable during the second half of April. Last week’s ADP monthly report showed private businesses in the US added a net 109,000 jobs in April, the largest increase since January 2025, following downward revisions in previous months. The data still reflects the Fed’s described "low-hire, low-fire" labor market, where employers avoid layoffs but have significantly reduced hiring amid slower labor force growth due to lower immigration.