Economy added 4.8 million jobs in June

The national economy posted a healthy employment gain for the second consecutive month, according to preliminary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The economy added a net 4.8 million jobs in June on a seasonally-adjusted basis, which followed a gain of 2.7 million jobs in May.

Job growth was broad-based across industries in June, led by a 1.5 million gain at eating and drinking places. Retail trade (+740,000), health care and social assistance (+475,000), arts, entertainment and recreation (+366,000), manufacturing (+356,000), professional and business services (+306,000) and accommodations (+239,000) were among the top industries for job growth in June.

Despite the gain of 7.5 million jobs during the last two months, the economy is still nearly 15 million jobs down from its February peak.   

Track more economic indicators and read more analysis and commentary from the Association's chief economist Bruce Grindy.