The U.S. unemployment rate stayed at 4.3% in May for the third month in a row, but different groups face different challenges finding a job or keeping one. Here are key unemployment rates by demographics.

Nonfarm payrolls were expected to increase by 80,000 in May while the unemployment rate held at 4.3%.

The improvement was bolstered by a strong showing from women veterans on the jobs market and came despite growing fears of AI-triggered layoffs.

Unemployment rates have been creeping up in 19 states from April 2025 to April 2026, with Connecticut and Florida leading the surge, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data released June 2.

K vs. +85K consensus and +179K prior (revised from +115K), according to data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics on Friday.

By Lucia Mutikani WASHINGTON, June 4 (Reuters) - The number of Americans filing claims for unemployment benefits increased more than expected last week, touching their highest level in four months, but the underlying trend remained consistent with a stable labor market.

Long-term unemployment can have ramifications on financial, emotional and family health that linger even after reentry into the workforce.

May's positive jobs report could increase the chances of an interest rate hike this year. AFP May's positive jobs report could increase the chances of an interest rate hike this year by the Federal Reserve,