Economy · United States · Business activity

US ISM manufacturing employment

52.7 in September 2026, compared with 51.2 in August 2026.

Monthly · index, 50 = no change · 45.3 a year earlier · Updated 11 hrs ago

Range, past 10 years52-week and 10-year range The lowest and highest values over a period, with a marker for where the latest value sits between them. Learn more: 43.4 Jul 202452.8 Jul 2026
Over 3 monthsYear on year, month on month, quarter on quarter How a figure compares with the same period a year earlier (y/y), or with the period just before (m/m, q/q). Year-on-year removes seasonal swings; shorter comparisons show turning points sooner. Learn more: +6.0%from 49.7
Over 12 monthsPercentage points and basis points The difference between two percentages. A rate rising from 4.00% to 4.25% is up 0.25 percentage points, or 25 basis points; it is not up 0.25%. Learn more: +16.3%from 45.3
Long-run averageLong-run average The average of every reading in the series' history. A rough guide to what is normal, though economies change and some series never return to their old average. Learn more: 47.1since 2023
Against its historyPercentile against history Where the latest reading ranks among every reading since the series began. The 90th percentile means it is higher than 90% of past readings. Learn more: 96thpercentile: higher than 96% of readings since 2023

HistorySeasonally adjusted A figure with the regular calendar pattern removed (Christmas, school holidays, harvests), so one month can be compared fairly with the next. Learn more

index, 50 = no change, monthly

42.545.047.550.052.555.0Nov 2023July 2025Sept 2026

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The latest 24 readings in this range.

Whether manufacturers are adding or cutting staff compared with a month earlier.

Released days before the jobs report, it is read as a hint of factory hiring.