U.S. economy adds 235,000 jobs in February

The U.S. added 235,000 jobs in February, while the unemployment rate nudged down a tenth of a percentage point to 4.7 percent. The monthly report released Friday by the Bureau of Labor Statistics fell roughly in line with economists' expectations: Healthy economic growth continuing January's strong showing.

The number of unemployed Americans saw little change last month, as well, hovering at roughly 7.5 million people.

At the same time, the January payroll number was revised to 238,000 jobs, up from last month's initial estimate of 227,000.

Solid gains in construction, manufacturing and health care helped drive February's robust numbers. And there was cause for optimism in wages, as well: Average hourly earnings last month increased 2.8 percent from a year ago.

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Photo by Laura Watilo Blake