U.S. Unemployment Rate Rises to 4.6% in November Amid Modest Job Gains

In November 2025, the U.S. unemployment rate rose to 4.6%, marking the highest level in four years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The economy added 64,000 jobs during the month, a modest rebound following a loss of 105,000 jobs in October.

The increase in unemployment was notably pronounced among Black Americans and teenagers. The unemployment rate for Black workers climbed to 8.3% from 7.5% in September, while the rate for teenagers rose to 16.3% from 13.2%.

Wage growth also decelerated, with average hourly earnings increasing at an annual rate of 3.5%, the slowest pace since 2021. This slowdown suggests that many Americans may not be experiencing significant increases in their paychecks.

The White House emphasized the addition of private-sector jobs and the return of more Americans to the labor force. Kevin Hassett, Director of the National Economic Council, attributed the uptick in the unemployment rate partly to more workers seeking jobs, stating that private-sector employment had been a source of strength.

Economists expressed concern over the rising unemployment rates among Black Americans and teenagers, noting that these demographic groups often serve as early indicators of broader labor market trends.

The Federal Reserve recently cut interest rates for the third consecutive time in an attempt to bolster the labor market amid signs of economic strain.