Employment fell by 92,000 jobs in February, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Friday, as the unemployment rate increased one-tenth of a point to 4.4%.
The professional and business services sector lost 5,000 jobs, including 1,400 in accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping and payroll services. Employment in information services also trended downward in February, losing 11,000 jobs as more technology companies relied increasingly on artificial intelligence. The industry has lost an average of 5,000 jobs per month over the last 12 months.
Federal government employment has continued to decline, subtracting 10,000 last month as the Trump administration continues to cut the federal workforce. Since it reached a peak in October 2024, federal government employment is down 330,000 jobs, or 11.0%. Employment in social assistance continued to grow in February, adding 9,000 jobs.
Average hourly earnings rose 15 cents, or 0.4%, to $37.32 in February. Over the past 12 months, average hourly earnings have grown 3.8%.
The BLS also revised downward the job numbers in December and January, with the combined job total 69,000 lower than previously reported.
