US private sector hiring rebounded significantly in September following its weakest performance of 2026 in August, according to data released Wednesday by payroll processor ADP.
Private employers added 90,000 jobs last month, up from a revised 38,000 in August and easily surpassing market forecasts.
"It's a strong report," said Nela Richardson, ADP's chief economist. "After a three-month slowdown, job creation rebounded and pay growth remained solid."
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The expansion was primarily driven by the education, health care, and leisure and hospitality industries, with the service sector accounting for more than half of the total gains.
ADP noted that base pay for private sector employees grew 3.2 percent year-over-year, while gross pay climbed 4.7 percent over the same period. However, base wage growth continued to trail broader US inflation rates, signaling a persistent erosion of real purchasing power for most workers.
While ADP's numbers can differ from official government labor reports, they are closely analyzed ahead of the upcoming federal employment data due on Friday.
The latest figures suggest the US labor market is maintaining equilibrium, giving the Federal Reserve room to focus on its inflation-fighting priority after raising interest rates earlier this month for the first time in three years.
(With inputs from agency)
