US Economy Adds 130,000 Jobs, Unemployment Drops

Despite positive economic indicators, many Americans still feel the economy is not working for them

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The US economy added an estimated 130,000 jobs last month, and the unemployment rate fell to 4.3 percent, according to new Bureau of Labor Statistics data. However, a majority of Americans still say the economy is not working well for them, despite these positive economic indicators.

Why it matters

The disconnect between the strong economic data and how people feel about the economy highlights the complex factors that influence perceptions of economic well-being, including issues like income inequality, cost of living, and job quality that may not be fully captured by top-line statistics.

The details

The latest jobs report shows the US economy continuing to add jobs at a healthy pace, with the unemployment rate dropping to 4.3%. This suggests the labor market remains robust. However, surveys consistently find that most Americans feel the economy is not working well for them, even as broader indicators like GDP growth and the stock market indicate an economy that is performing well.

  • The US economy added an estimated 130,000 jobs in February 2026.
  • The unemployment rate fell to 4.3% in February 2026.

The players

Bureau of Labor Statistics

The principal fact-finding agency for the U.S. government in the broad field of labor economics and statistics.

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The takeaway

The divergence between strong economic data and public perceptions of the economy underscores the need to look beyond top-line figures and address underlying issues like income inequality, cost of living, and job quality that shape how people experience the economy in their daily lives.