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U.S. May ADP employment rises by 122,000, biggest gain since January last year

U.S. May ADP employment rises by 122,000, biggest gain since January last year

The private-payroll reading came in above the 117,000 forecast and ahead of the prior 109,000, while rising job openings and low layoffs pointed to firmer labor-market momentum.

Fact Check
CNBC's June 3, 2026 article directly confirms ADP private payrolls grew by 122,000 in May, beating expectations. The ADP Media Center release dated May 6, 2026 confirms the prior April figure of 109,000, matching the claim's 'prior 109,000'. The Odaily flash corroborates the 122,000 figure, the 117,000 forecast, the 109,000 prior, and explicitly states it was the biggest gain since January last year. All numeric elements of the claim are corroborated by multiple sources.
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Summary

U.S. private-sector employment increased by 122,000 in May, marking the largest rise since January last year. The ADP report exceeded the 117,000 consensus forecast and improved from the previous reading of 109,000, suggesting labor-market conditions strengthened during the month. The release also said job openings are increasing and layoffs remain low, signaling the labor market may be accelerating despite higher energy costs tied to the Iran war. If confirmed by official government data, the trend could bolster expectations that the Federal Reserve will raise rates rather than cut them in the coming months.

Terms & Concepts
  • ADP report: Private-sector payrolls employment indicator
  • private-sector employment: Jobs added by non-government employers