U.S. Economy Lost 92,000 Jobs in February — Third Negative Month in Five
The BLS Employment Situation report for February 2026 shows the U.S. economy lost 92,000 jobs (consensus expected +59,000). Unemployment rose to 4.4%. Labor force participation fell to 62.0%, lowest since December 2021. December was revised from +48,000 to -17,000 — a 65,000-job swing. The economy has averaged essentially zero net job creation over the past six months. Federal government employment is down 330,000 since October 2024.
Key takeaways
- U.S. economy lost 92,000 jobs in February (consensus expected +59,000)
- Unemployment rose to 4.4%; labor force participation fell to 62.0% (lowest since Dec 2021)
- December revised from +48,000 to -17,000 — a 65,000-job swing
- Federal government employment down 330,000 since October 2024
Primary source
BLSFQHC Talent. (2026, March 6). U.S. Economy Lost 92,000 Jobs in February — Third Negative Month in Five. Primary source: BLS. Retrieved April 28, 2026, from https://www.fqhctalent.com/intel/feb-2026-jobs-report-negative
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