US private-sector businesses added 122,000 jobs in May 2026, the strongest monthly increase since January 2025, according to ADP data published June 3 [1, 2]. This increase beat market expectations, which ranged from 110,000 to 118,000 new jobs [1, 2]. Nela Richardson, ADP's chief economist, said, "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" [1].
The April 2026 private-sector job growth was revised slightly lower, from 109,000 to 105,000 [1, 2]. May's gains came from eight of ten sectors, including education and health services adding 57,000 jobs; trade, transportation and utilities adding 36,000; professional and business services up 11,000; construction and leisure/hospitality sectors each adding 8,000 [1]. Losses occurred in information services with 9,000 jobs cut and natural resources and mining down by 3,000 [1].
According to a separate ADP report source, the services sector overall rose by 114,000 jobs in May, while manufacturing added 8,000, though no detailed sector breakdown was provided in that data [2].
Smaller companies with fewer than 50 employees added 67,000 jobs in May. Firms with more than 500 employees contributed 40,000 new jobs, and medium-sized companies added 17,000 [1].
Annual pay rose 4.4% for employees who stayed in the same job and 6.5% for those who switched jobs in May 2026, reflecting continued wage growth alongside the employment gains [1].
The ADP report was released on June 3, providing an early look at private-sector employment trends before official government data later in the month [1, 2].
