Private businesses in the US added a net 109,000 jobs in April 2026, the largest increase since January 2025 and above market forecasts of 99,000. The stronger-than-expected data still reflects the Federal Reserve’s described "low-hire, low-fire" labor market, where employers avoid layoffs but have significantly reduced hiring amid slower labor force growth due to lower immigration. The service-providing sector led gains with 94,000 jobs, driven by education and health services (+61,000), trade, transportation and utilities (+25,000), and financial activities (+9,000). The goods-producing sector contributed 15,000 jobs, mainly from construction (+10,000). Small businesses were the top contributors, adding 65,000 jobs, followed by large companies (+42,000), while medium-sized firms added 2,000.