WASHINGTON—The U.S. economy added 223,000 new jobs in April, a return to solid growth likely to ease fears of a significant spring slowdown. The jobless rate dropped to 5.4 percent, the lowest level since May 2008.

WASHINGTON—The U.S. economy added a robust 288,000 new jobs last month—the fifth straight month in which the United States has added more than 200,000 jobs. The unemployment rate now stands at 6.1 percent, the lowest since September 2008.

WASHINGTON—Since early 2010, U.S. manufacturers have created 489,000 jobs and are struggling to fill nearly a quarter million more. Their output last year topped $1.84 trillion, 8 percent higher than the pre-recession peak.