US employers cut a surprising 92,000 jobs last month as unemployment rate rises to 4.4%

Associated Press (AP)EN 4 min read 100% complete by By PAUL WISEMANMarch 6, 2026 at 03:23 PM

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In February, US employers unexpectedly cut 92,000 jobs, causing the unemployment rate to rise to 4.4%, according to the Labor Department. This contrasts with January's addition of 126,000 jobs and falls short of economists' expectations of 60,000 new jobs. Revisions also reduced previously reported job gains from December and January by 69,000. Experts attribute the weak employment figures to economic uncertainty surrounding the war with Iran, which has increased oil prices and costs for businesses and consumers. Job losses were widespread, including a decrease of 11,000 jobs in the construction sector, potentially due to cold weather. The report casts doubt on earlier hopes for a labor market rebound after a lackluster performance in 2025.