The total labor force grew by 418,000, possibly accounting for the relatively modest net level of job growth compared to the total employed. The labor force participation rate, which reflects those working as well as looking for work, edged higher to 63.6 percent but remained around 30-year lows.

"You have to be careful, particularly about components of the household numbers that are highly volatile," said Liz Ann Sonders, chief investment strategist at Charles Schwab in San Francisco. "It's been our view that we would see a slow but consistent improvement in the jobs picture. I'm not sure this changes that view much at all."

Economists were expecting 113,000 more jobs and the rate to rise to 8.2 percent. Last month saw 142,000 new jobs as the rate dropped from 8.3 percent in July.

However, those numbers were revised higher, with the Labor Department putting July's number at 181,000 from the previously reported 141,000 and August up from an originally reported 96,000.

The level of part-time workers reported the largest jump for the month, gaining 582,000.

Jack Welch, the former CEO of General Electric , caused a stir after the numbers were released, tweeting "Unbelievable jobs numbers...these Chicago guys will do anything...can't debate so change numbers."

The administration rejected the charge that it was manipulating data.

"I have the highest regard for our professionals that do the calculations at the" Bureau of Labor Statistics, Labor Secretary Hilda Solis told CNBC. "They are highly skilled economists, trained in this area."

Still Solis acknowledged that "we still need to do more" in terms of job creation.

The U-6 unemployment number, which accounts for the underemployed and those who have given up looking for jobs, held steady at 14.7 percent.

"With a gain of 114,000 jobs in September and an upward revision for August, this economy remains on a slow but not slowing growth path," said Kathy Bostjancic, director of macroeconomic analysis at The Conference Board. "Right now, slow job and income growth is about all the economy is capable of generating as businesses remain focused on cutting costs."

With President Obamatrying to stave off a challenge from Republican Mitt Romney, the state of the economy remains the critical point. Friday's report underscored how slowly the jobs market is recovering from the depths of the 2008 financial crisis and likely will stoke increased debate amid the halting gains the latest numbers indicate.