The U.S. added 850,000 jobs in June — a substantial increase from previous months — as the economy continues its recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
According to NBC News, the report exceeded expectations, as economists had projected the U.S. would add about 700,000 jobs.
The Bureau added that the unemployment rate ticked up slightly from 5.8% to 5.9%.
"This much is already clear: We're on track, and we're on the right track," President Joe Biden said Friday in remarks from the White House.
June's gains come two months after the U.S. added just 266,000 jobs to the economy in April, far fewer than expected. That disappointing report prompted questions regarding the recovery policies put in place by the U.S.
The U.S. added a modest 559,00 jobs in May.
Despite the gains, employers across the country are still struggling to hire workers — particularly in the retail and restaurant sectors. The Department of Labor reports that workers are leaving retail at record rates.
Biden called that competition among employers a good thing, adding that it was better for workers who will now likely see increased pay and benefits as a result of that competition.
"None of this happened by accident," Biden said, crediting the COVID-19 stimulus package he proposed and signed into law earlier this year after it was passed.