When Is NFP Next? 2025 Key Dates Every Trader Must Know

The U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS) publishes the monthly Employment Situation (the "NFP" or jobs report) at 8:30 AM ET on the first Friday of each month (unless a holiday changes the date).

In 2025, the BLS schedule put the Employment Situation releases on (reference-month → release date, all times ET). For example, the next NFP release: October (for Sep) → Oct 3, 2025, 08:30 AM.

Official 2025 NFP Release Calendar

Note: The Employment Situation release covers the previous month's employment data (e.g., the Sep 5 release reports August payrolls). The highlighted dates are the remaining NFP releases in 2025.

Always double-check the BLS calendar close to the date because official schedules can change for unscheduled reasons (holidays, agency decisions). [1]

Why Traders Always Ask When Is NFP?

Think of NFP like the economy's monthly heartbeat slowing down or speeding up, and traders react immediately. The NFP headline figure (change in nonfarm payroll employment), along with the unemployment rate and average hourly earnings, collectively shape expectations regarding consumer spending, inflation, and ultimately the Federal Reserve's policies.

In short: NFP moves currencies, Treasuries, equities and volatility, often within minutes. Market makers refer to the immediate moments following the release as "the NFP window" for a reason.

The BLS publishes the Employment Situation on a fixed schedule (monthly at 8:30 AM ET). That consistency makes NFP a predictable, yet highly impactful, event in every trader's routine. 

If you trade USD pairs, rates, or U.S. equities, knowing the exact NFP schedule for 2025 is a basic requirement.

The Latest NFP Data So Far (2025)

The U.S. labour market in 2025 has been like a marathon runner losing steam after a strong start. It is still moving forward, but at a slower pace. Traders are watching closely because even small changes in job growth can swing expectations for the Fed and ripple across markets.

Takeaway: Revisions matter. What looks "good" or "bad" on release day can shift weeks later when the BLS updates prior months. Traders who ignore revisions risk trading the wrong narrative.

Additionally, sometimes wages and participation speak louder than payroll. For example, even with weak August payrolls, steady wage growth could keep the Fed cautious on cutting too aggressively. Markets care about the mix: weak jobs with strong wages = tricky inflation puzzle.

How to Avoid Common Mistakes Traders Make During NFP Release

1) Chasing the Headline in the First Seconds

Liquidity is worst in the immediate spike; market orders can be toxic. 

Solution: wait for the first structural move (10–30 minutes).

2) Ignoring Revisions

A massive downward revision in prior months can change the trend story. 

Solution: Always read the PDF or release note for revisions and survey comments.

3) Looking Only at Payrolls

If payrolls are weak but wages accelerate, inflationary worries can strengthen the USD, making the reaction counterintuitive.

4) Over-Leverage Based on a Single Print

NFP is only one input. Don't let it dictate your whole portfolio unless you have a clear thesis and hedges.

What Traders Should Monitor After the NFP Print?

1. Fed Reaction & Dot-Plot Adjustments

A series of disappointing NFP reports can lead markets to anticipate rate reductions; positive reports have the reverse effect. Watch upcoming Fed speeches and fund-rate futures after NFP. 

2. Yield Curve Moves

The 2s/10s spread reacts strongly to growth and inflation outlooks; unexpected NFP results can quickly shift the curve.

3. Commodity Flows

Energy and base-metal prices may move as demand expectations shift; commodity exporters and EM FX respond.

4. Equity Sector Rotation

Banks, cyclicals, and industrials typically prefer hot jobs; consumer staples and REITs prefer stability. Tech is rate-sensitive.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When Is the Next NFP Release in 2025?

The upcoming NFP release is scheduled for Oct 3, 2025, at 08:30 AM.

2. Can NFP Be Leaked Early?

No credible leaks are allowed as BLS controls release access tightly. Any leak would be a major scandal.

3. Why Does the NFP Report Matter to Forex Traders?

Because it directly affects the U.S. dollar (USD), interest rate expectations, and volatility in major currency pairs such as the EUR/USD, GBP/USD, and USD/JPY.

4. Does NFP Always Come Out on the First Friday of the Month?

Yes, but if there's a U.S. holiday, the release can shift to the second Friday.

5. What Was the Weakest NFP Report in 2025 So Far?

As of August 2025, the weakest report came in with just +22,000 jobs added, marking a sharp slowdown in U.S. hiring.

6. Can NFP Data Impact Gold Prices?

Yes. Gold often rallies if NFP is weak because traders expect lower interest rates and a weaker dollar. Strong NFP can push gold lower as yields rise.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP) report remains one of the most powerful market-moving events in global trading in 2025.

Currently, each release has gained additional significance as investors assess the deceleration of U.S. job growth alongside persistent wage pressures and changing Fed policy outlooks.

However, by following the schedule, tracking revisions, and watching related indicators, traders can turn the NFP from a source of surprise into a strategic trading opportunity.

Disclaimer: This material is for general information purposes only and is not intended as (and should not be considered to be) financial, investment or other advice on which reliance should be placed. No opinion given in the material constitutes a recommendation by EBC or the author that any particular investment, security, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person.

Sources

[1] https://www.bls.gov/schedule/news_release/empsit.htm