Hiring in the US defied expectations with 147,000 jobs added in June, according to the latest figures.
The gain was much bigger than the 110,000 additions many analysts had predicted, with government and healthcare the sectors driving the rise.
The unemployment rate declined to 4.1%, down from 4.2% in May, the Labor Department said.
However, concerns remain around hiring in the private sector, and analysts point to a growing caution among firms, with many employers hesitant to take on new staff or replace those who leave.