The closely watched report showed the U.S. economy created 216,000 jobs in March -- easily topping forecasts -- and the unemployment rate dipped to 8.8%.
At the preliminary close, the Dow Jones industrial average (INDU) climbed 56 points, or 0.5%, to 12376; the S&P 500 (SPX) added 6.5 points, or 0.5%, to 1332; and the Nasdaq Composite (COMP) rose 8.5 points, or 0.3%, to 2790.
Friday's gains were broad, with 23 out of the Dow's 30 members ending higher on the day. The Dow now stands near its 52-week high, a sign of how well this market continues to perform despite the problems abroad, investors said.
"These mildly positive economic reports are going to keep the market moving higher, despite high oil prices and ongoing geopolitical issues," said Stephen Carl, head equity trader with Williams Capital.
Friday's jobs numbers are the latest economic data to show that the U.S. economy remains in a slow, but steady, period of economic recovery. While still elevated, the unemployment rate now sits at its lowest level in two years.
"We are doing modestly better than what most had expected, but the economy is far from perfect," said Bruce McCain, chief investment strategist at Key Private Bank.
The dollar rose against the euro, the Japanese yen and the British pound.
Oil for May delivery rose $1.40 to $108.12 a barrel.
Gold futures for June delivery slipped $11.20 to $1,428.10 an ounce.
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