September's jobs picture is expected to look a lot like August's — a gradual slowdown in hiring and a modest increase in wages. Markets will be watching the report closely for indications as to whether the Fed will be able to loosen policy and lower interest rates in a gradual manner.

Follow live coverage and analysis of the September jobs report, including the latest hiring figures and unemployment rate, released today at 8:30 AM Eastern time.

With the average Wall Street forecast at 150,000 for jobs growth, it's worth looking at the most optimistic and pessimistic takes. Down at the bottom, Citi's economics team says the Labor Department will report a 70,000 increase, and they expect the unemployment rate to reach 4.3% and possibly 4.4%.