US job gains bounced back in June, with employers adding 224,000 jobs, according to Labor Department data released Friday.
The job additions surpassed economists' forecasts of a gain of about 160,000. This is a clear improvement from last month's report, which showed job gains of 75,000 in May, well below expectations of 165,000.
Professional services sector led the way with 51,000 job additions in June, while health-care providers added 35,000 jobs and transportation and warehouse companies added 24,000.
Construction companies hired 21,000 workers and manufacturers added 17,000 jobs.
Retail sector, however, shed another 6,000 jobs.
The U.S. unemployment rate for June, however, increased slightly to 3.7% from 3.6%.