The U.S. added 266,000 jobs in November, the Labor Department reported Friday, blowing past expectations as the American economy continues to push through a global slump.

The unemployment rate remained steady during November, while the labor force participation also stayed even at 63.2 percent. The October jobs gain was also revised up by 28,000 jobs to 156,000, while the September jobs gain was revised up 18,000 jobs to 193,000.

The report brings the average monthly job gain over the past three months to 205,000. 

Economists had projected the U.S. to add roughly 180,000 jobs in November, including a boost of roughly 40,000 General Motors workers that returned to work after a 35-day strike. But strong expansion in the health care, professional and technical services sectors helped power the U.S. economy through lags in manufacturing and trade activity. Read more at The Hill