Bureau of Labor Statistics

Economists had expected between 170,000 and 176,000 new jobs last month. The unemployment rate rose slightly, to 5 percent from 4.9 percent.

The monthly jobs report fell short of expectations, both in terms of job growth and the unemployment rate. Economists had anticipated 180,000 new jobs and a slight drop in unemployment.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics' report shows stronger job growth than economists had been expecting. Meanwhile, NPR's Yuki Noguchi puts the very idea of a monthly jobs report in perspective.

The U.S economy added 287,000 jobs in June, according to the monthly report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Analysts had expected the economy to add some 170,000 jobs.

Economists had anticipated 160,000 new jobs, even factoring in a large strike by Verizon employees. Meanwhile, the unemployment rate declined because of people dropping out of the workforce.

Analysts had expected the economy to gain significantly more jobs. The economy has gained an average of about 250,000 jobs monthly for the past six months.

The 0.1 percentage-point rise in unemployment was driven by some good news: More people who have been out of work started looking for a job again.

Job gains last month were stronger than in January and outperformed expectations — however, an anticipated rise in wages didn't materialize. Average hourly earnings dropped by three cents an hour.

The January jobs report indicated unemployment was at 4.9 percent, the lowest rate since the recession. But the U.S. only added 151,000 jobs, missing economists' expectations of 190,000 new jobs.

Figures for October and November were revised upward, with job creation numbers over the past three months at an average of 284,000. Unemployment held steady last month at 5 percent.