The US economy likely added 130K payrolls in January 2026, much higher than a downwardly revised 48K rise in December and well above forecasts of 70K. Job gains occurred in health care (82K), particulalrly ambulatory health care services (50K); social assistance (42K); and construction (33K). The manufacturing sector added 5K jobs. In contrast, federal government lost 34K jobs as some federal employees who accepted a deferred resignation offer in 2025 came off federal payrolls. Employment in financial activities was down by 22K. Employment showed little change over the month in mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction; wholesale trade; retail trade; transportation and warehousing; information; professional and business services; leisure and hospitality. Meanwhile, total nonfarm employment growth for 2025 was revised down to +181K from +584K, implying average monthly job gains of just 15K, well below the previously reported 49K.