The U.S. economy lost 23,000 in July, while the unemployment rate fell slightly to 4.1%.
The figures showed declines in local government education and retail trade, according to the figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The job loss was unexpected, with analysts estimating a gain of as much as 100,000.
Jobs in movies and music actually grew during the month, by 9,900, to 332,700, reversing some previous declines. Jobs in broadcasting and among content providers fell by 1,500 to 335,800.
As is typically the case, the bureau revised figures for previous months, but shed 103,000 jobs from May and June estimates.
There were job gains in other categories, including health care, but the bureau said that the 22,000 positions added were at a slower pace than in previous months.
Average hourly earnings changed little, by two cents, to $37.62. Average hourly earnings have increased by 3.2% over the past year.
More to come.
