ADP: U.S. Businesses Add 63,000 Jobs in February — Health Care Lead

Economic Snapshot

ADP (ticker: ADP) reported 63,000 net new jobs in February, the largest monthly gain in seven months. Most of the additions were concentrated in health care, and the result is cited as a sign the previously frozen U.S. labor market may be beginning to thaw.

Published: March 4, 2026 at 8:20 a.m. ET

Key data points

• Total jobs added (February): 63,000
• Largest monthly gain: seven months
• Sector concentration: health care (most new jobs)

Market relevance for traders and analysts

• Near-term macro signal: A seven-month peak in private payroll gains can shift short-term labor-market sentiment and influence positioning ahead of official government payrolls.
• Sector focus: Health care-led hiring suggests defensive and service-oriented labor demand remains a driver of private payroll growth.
• Ticker relevance: ADP (ticker: ADP) remains a frequently referenced private payroll indicator for traders monitoring employment trends before government reports.

Takeaways

• The 63,000 increase in ADP-measured private payrolls marks the strongest monthly rise in seven months and highlights health care as the primary contributor to February gains.
• For institutional investors and professional traders, the uptick reinforces tracking of private payroll releases and sector-level hiring to refine labor-market exposure.

Quick-read summary

ADP recorded 63,000 new jobs in February, the biggest monthly increase in seven months, with most gains in health care. The release adds to signs that a previously frozen U.S. labor market may be loosening, warranting attention from traders and analysts monitoring employment momentum.