Private Sector Hiring Gains Momentum in Late August

The data reflects a notable uptick in labor market activity compared to mid-August, when weekly job gains hovered at 10,000. While these figures remain preliminary and subject to revision as additional payroll data flows into the system, the trend suggests a strengthening in private sector demand heading into the final quarter of the year. The NER Pulse, produced in collaboration with the Stanford Digital Economy Lab, utilizes a four-week moving average to smooth out volatility in real-time reporting.

ADP’s methodology relies on a two-week lag to ensure a more accurate representation of employment trends. By capturing data through a high-frequency lens, the report provides a granular view of hiring shifts that often precede official monthly government statistics. The next update from the research team is scheduled for release on September 22, 2026.