April 2025 employment data digest

APRIL 2025 EMPLOYMENT DATA DIGEST * The U.S. economy added 177,000 jobs in April, down from 185,000 jobs added in March.  * The overall unemployment rate was unchanged at 4.2 percent. The

55+ unemployment rate increased from 2.9 percent to 3.1 percent. For men ages 55+, it increased, from 2.9 percent to 3.2 percent. The unemployment rate for women ages 55+ was unchanged at

2.9 percent.  * In April, 32 percent of jobseekers ages 55+ were long-term unemployed, compared with 24.5 percent of jobseekers ages 16 to 54.   * The total labor force participation rate

was up slightly, from 62.5 percent to 62.6 percent. For those ages 55+, it was also up, from 38.2 percent to 38.4 percent. The (unadjusted) rate for those ages 65+ was also up slightly, from

19 percent to 19.1 percent. U.S. WORKFORCE: * 177,000 jobs added in April ↓ * Unemployment rate: 4.2 percent ↔ * Number of unemployed persons: 7.2 million ↑ * Labor force participation

rate: 62.6 percent ↑ * Long-term unemployed ages 16–54: 24.5 percent ↑            55 AND OLDER U.S. WORKFORCE: * 38.1 million 55+ workers employed in April ↑ * 55+ unemployment rate: 3.1

percent ↑ * Number of 55+ unemployed persons: 1.2 million ↔ * 55+ labor force participation rate: 38.4 percent ↑ * 55+ long-term unemployed: 32.0 percent ↑ _Source: Bureau of Labor

Statistics. Arrows denote a directional change from the prior month._ ABOUT THE PPI MONTHLY EMPLOYMENT DATA DIGEST The AARP Public Policy Institute’s (PPI) latest monthly digest of

employment data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) examines the findings from the Employment Situation Report. It takes a closer look at employment data for people ages 55 and over,

including labor force participation, employment rates, and duration of unemployment.  For more analysis from PPI expert Jennifer Schramm on employment trends and older workers, see our blog.