The US economy added nearly half a million jobs in January, more than three times the number that economists had been expecting.

The Department of Labor issued its monthly jobs report on Friday. It said nonfarm payrolls rose by 467,000 in January. Economists had expected the figure to be 150,000.

Hiring in bars and restaurants was particularly strong.
The leisure and hospitality sector added more than 150,000 jobs. Retailers and companies in the transportation and warehousing sectors posted sturdy gains as well.

The report also said that the unemployment rate was nearly unchanged, at 4 percent.
President Joe Biden said the figures prove that the economy is rebounding. He said America's job machine is going stronger than ever, fueling the strong recovery and opportunity for hardworking women and men.

Economists say the hiring surge is a sign of the tight labor market. They say a shortage of workers is forcing companies to compete for staff and offer better wages.