New Delhi, Sept. 4 -- US nonfarm payroll employment increased by 162,000 in August, significantly above the average monthly gain of 31,000 over the previous 12 months, while the unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.1 per cent, according to the official data release by the US Bureau of Labour Statistics on Friday.

The August increase was led by a 59,000 rise in employment in food services and drinking places, well above its average monthly gain of 12,000 over the past year. Local government education added 42,000 jobs, largely offsetting a decline in the previous month.

Manufacturing employment continued its upward trend, increasing by 16,000 in August and rising by 58,000 since its recent low in December 2025. Machinery manufacturi...