The U.S. unemployment rate was unchanged in December at 7.8 percent, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today, and the economy added 155,000 jobs.

Employment increased in health care, food services and drinking places, construction, and manufacturing.

The increase of 30,000 jobs in construction was the highest in 15 months. The manufacturing sector added 25,000 jobs, the most in nine months.

Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rates for adult women (7.3 percent) and blacks (14 percent) edged up in December, while the rates for adult men (7.2 percent), teenagers (23.5 percent), whites (6.9 percent), and Hispanics (9.6 percent) showed little or no change.

Average hourly earnings for all employees on private nonfarm payrolls rose by 7 cents to $23.73. Over the year, average hourly earnings have risen by 2.1 percent.

The November unemployment rate, previously reported at 7.7 percent, was revised to 7.8 percent.