Non Farm Payrolls Dates 2026
The next Non-Farm Payrolls (NFP) report is on .
The latest NFP report, released on October 2, 2026 for September, showed 29K jobs added, below the 89K forecast (previous: 162K).
Non Farm Payrolls (NFP) is one of the most important economic indicators in the forex market. Released monthly by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the NFP report shows the number of jobs added or lost in the U.S. economy, excluding farm workers, government employees, private household staff, and employees of nonprofit organizations.
The NFP release usually occurs on the first Friday of every month, and it often triggers significant volatility in major forex pairs such as EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/JPY, and XAU/USD (gold). For traders, keeping track of NFP dates is critical for planning strategies, managing risk, and taking advantage of market opportunities.
NFP Calendar
Previous NFP Releases
2026 10 releases
| Release date | Actual | Forecast | Previous |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 02, 2026 (Sep) | 29K | 89K | 162K |
| Sep 04, 2026 (Aug) | 162K | 55K | 21K |
| Aug 07, 2026 (Jul) | -23K | 85K | 20K |
| Jul 02, 2026 (Jun) | 57K | 114K | 129K |
| Jun 05, 2026 (May) | 172K | 85K | 179K |
| May 08, 2026 (Apr) | 115K | 65K | 185K |
| Apr 03, 2026 (Mar) | 178K | 65K | -133K |
| Mar 06, 2026 (Feb) | -92K | 58K | 126K |
| Feb 11, 2026 (Jan) | 130K | 66K | 48K |
| Jan 09, 2026 (Dec) | 50K | 66K | 56K |
Why is the NFP Report Important?
The Non Farm Payrolls report provides insight into the overall health of the U.S. labor market, which directly impacts Federal Reserve policy decisions on interest rates and monetary policy. Strong job growth often strengthens the U.S. dollar, while weaker numbers can weigh on the currency and boost demand for risk assets.
How NFP Affects The Forex Market
The Non Farm Payrolls report is one of the most influential events in the forex market. Each release provides a snapshot of U.S. employment growth and instantly shifts expectations for the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy. Because the U.S. dollar is the world’s reserve currency, the NFP has a ripple effect across nearly all major forex pairs.
When the report shows stronger-than-expected job growth, traders often anticipate higher interest rates from the Fed. This typically strengthens the U.S. dollar and puts pressure on pairs like EUR/USD and GBP/USD, while pairs like USD/JPY may rally. Conversely, weaker employment numbers usually weigh on the dollar, boosting demand for riskier assets and commodities such as gold (XAU/USD).
The volatility around the NFP release also creates short-term trading opportunities. Spreads widen, liquidity thins, and price swings can be sharp. Many professional traders prepare strategies in advance ranging from breakout trading to waiting for post-release pullbacks depending on their risk appetite.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is NFP?
Non-Farm Payrolls is a monthly U.S. report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. It shows how many jobs the economy added or lost last month, excluding farm work and a few other categories.
What time is NFP released?
At 8:30 AM Eastern Time. That is 12:30 UTC during daylight saving time and 13:30 UTC the rest of the year.
Is NFP always released on the first Friday of the month?
Usually, but not always. When the first Friday falls too early in the month or on a holiday week, the BLS can move the release to another day. Check the calendar above for the confirmed date.
Which pairs move the most on NFP?
USD pairs react most, especially EUR/USD, GBP/USD and USD/JPY. Gold (XAU/USD) also tends to see sharp moves.
Why does NFP move the market?
It is a key signal for the U.S. economy and for Federal Reserve rate decisions. A result far from the forecast can change rate expectations and the dollar within seconds.
Is it safe to trade during NFP?
It carries extra risk. Spreads can widen and prices can slip around the release. Many traders reduce position size, use a broker with fast execution, or wait for the market to settle.