US economy added 303,000 jobs in March, largest monthly increase since May 2023

The U.S. economy added 303,000 jobs in March, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Friday.

The number was higher than forecasted and represents the largest one-month boost in payrolls since May 2023, according to NBC News. 

Economists forecasted roughly 200,000 jobs having been added last month.

The gains follow 270,000 jobs added in February and the 256,000 in January.

The bureau, a division of the Labor Department, also reported last month's unemployment rate was 3.8%, compared to 3.9% in February.