The official US jobs report for May 2026 is scheduled for release on Friday, June 4, 2026 [1, 2, 3]. Bloomberg Economics forecasts payroll growth of 95,000 for the month, while a median economist survey expects a gain closer to 89,000 [1, 2, 3]. Anna Wong, chief US economist at Bloomberg Economics, said, "Bloomberg Economics expects the May jobs report to show payrolls rising by 95,000" [1].
If realized, the payroll increase would lift the three-month average job growth to its highest level in over a year [2, 3]. The unemployment rate is expected to hold steady at 4.3%, according to survey estimates [2, 3]. Bloomberg Economics added, "We believe net hiring troughed early last fall and has been improving gradually ever since. May’s job report should provide more evidence that hiring has picked up, while the unemployment rate is steady. Job openings also likely accelerated, despite persistent fears that AI is reducing demand for workers." [3]
The healthcare sector is predicted to continue its strength in hiring, contributing to steady job gains [3]. Cyclically sensitive industries such as construction, leisure, and hospitality may benefit from warm weather, supporting more hiring in those areas [3]. Manufacturing employment could see a boost as customers stockpile goods ahead of potential price increases driven by the ongoing conflict involving Iran [3].
April construction spending data, driven by data center buildout, is expected soon and may reinforce a positive outlook for construction jobs [3].
Several other labor market indicators are due in early June and will provide additional context for the jobs report. These include April job openings and ADP private-sector hiring data on June 2, the ISM services PMI and Challenger job-cut announcements on June 3, the Federal Reserve's Beige Book report on June 3, and weekly jobless claims reported alongside the jobs data on June 4 [3].
