Employers added 165,000 jobs, more than double the 65,000 economists had expected|Petteri Sulonen|CC BY 2.0

America’s job market showed fresh signs of strength in October, easing concerns that hiring was losing momentum, according to data released by the Department of Labor yesterday.

Employers added 165,000 jobs, more than double the 65,000 economists had expected, with August and September numbers adjusted upward. The unemployment rate also edged down to 4.1%.

The biggest hiring gains came from professional services, healthcare and transportation. Manufacturing also added 19,000 jobs, partly reflecting growing investment in artificial intelligence infrastructure.

Not every industry shared the gains; construction companies cut 3,000 positions, while hotels, restaurants and other hospitality businesses lost 13,000 jobs.

The data point to a strong labor market, which could influence the Fed’s decision on interest rates at next month’s meeting.

Despite the hiring rebound, finding work remains difficult for many Americans.