The latest official U.S. unemployment rate is 4.2% for September 2026, seasonally adjusted. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) published the figure on October 2, 2026; the rate was 4.1% in August.
What the 4.2% unemployment rate measures
The unemployment rate is the share of the civilian labor force counted as unemployed. In the BLS’s September 2026 household survey, 7.109 million people were unemployed and the civilian labor force totaled 170.262 million; the resulting rate is reported as 4.2% after rounding. See the BLS seasonally adjusted household data.
The measure comes from the household survey, which tracks people’s labor-force status. It is distinct from the establishment survey, which measures nonfarm payroll employment, hours, and earnings by industry. A monthly payroll job change is not the unemployment rate and is not its denominator. BLS explains both measures in its September 2026 Employment Situation release.
How it compares with August
The seasonally adjusted rate rose from 4.1% in August to 4.2% in September 2026, an increase of 0.1 percentage point. For a meaningful month-to-month comparison, use the same BLS series and adjustment basis, name both reference months, and express the change in percentage points rather than percent.
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When the next unemployment rate will be released
The unemployment rate is a monthly estimate, not a real-time count. The BLS release schedule listed November 6, 2026, as the publication date for the October 2026 Employment Situation. Check the BLS release schedule for the latest timing.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Where the official figure comes from
The Employment Situation is published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Its Current Population Survey overview describes the household survey behind labor-force measures. When quoting the rate, include its reference month and release date so readers can tell how current the figure is.
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