The Unemployment Rate represents the percentage of the total labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment during the previous month. It is one of the most closely watched economic indicators as it reflects the health of the labor market and overall economic vitality. A declining rate suggests economic expansion and potential upward pressure on wages.
The rate is derived from the Household Survey (Current Population Survey) conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, covering approximately 60,000 households.
| Date | Actual | Forecast | Surprise |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 16, 2026 | — | 8.20 | — |
| Aug 21, 2026 | 7.80 | 9.50 | -1.70 |
| Jul 24, 2026 | 9.90 | 8.60 | +1.30 |
| Jun 15, 2026 | 9.40 | 8.50 | +0.90 |
| May 21, 2026 | 8.70 | 9.60 | -0.90 |
| Apr 22, 2026 | 9.70 | 8.60 | +1.10 |
| Jul 25, 2025 | 9.40 | 8.80 | +0.60 |
| Jul 16, 2025 | 6.90 | — | — |
| Jun 17, 2025 | 9.70 | 8.70 | +1.00 |
| May 23, 2025 | 8.90 | 8.30 | +0.60 |
| May 14, 2025 | 6.90 | — | — |
| Apr 22, 2025 | 8.50 | 9.10 | -0.60 |
| Mar 14, 2025 | 9.40 | 10.40 | -1.00 |
| Mar 12, 2025 | 7.20 | — | — |
| Jul 26, 2024 | 9.40 | 9.00 | +0.40 |
| Jul 11, 2024 | 6.60 | — | — |
| Jun 19, 2024 | 8.70 | — | — |
| May 22, 2024 | 8.90 | 9.00 | -0.10 |
| Apr 24, 2024 | 9.20 | 7.90 | +1.30 |
| Mar 15, 2024 | 8.50 | 9.00 | -0.50 |
| Mar 12, 2024 | 6.80 | — | — |
| Jul 28, 2023 | 9.20 | 7.60 | +1.60 |
| Jun 21, 2023 | 7.90 | 8.00 | -0.10 |
| May 25, 2023 | 7.50 | 7.60 | -0.10 |
| Apr 26, 2023 | 7.70 | — | — |
| Mar 17, 2023 | 8.20 | — | — |
| Jul 29, 2022 | 8.60 | — | — |
| Jun 22, 2022 | 8.50 | — | — |
| May 25, 2022 | 8.20 | — | — |
| Apr 27, 2022 | 8.20 | — | — |
| Mar 18, 2022 | 7.90 | — | — |
| Date | First print | Current | Revision |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 21, 2026 | 6.50 | 8.70 | +2.20 ↑ |
