There were more new jobs than expected. Analysts had expected an average gain of 65,000 new jobs for the month, after an increase of 185,000 in March.
The report shows a labor market that could pick up steam after a sluggish year. Hiring continued in a number of sectors and follows other statistics that show layoffs remain relatively low.
“After nearly a year of uneven hiring, the two straight increases of over 100,000 are truly good news,” said Olu Sonola, head of U.S. economics at credit rating agency Fitch Ratings, in a written comment.
He continued:
“The labor market is not shining, but it is proving more difficult to break than many feared.”
