Temporary help services jobs in the US rose by 10,300 in December, and the number of temporary jobs added in November was revised upward to 10,500 from the previously reported 8,300, according to seasonally adjusted numbers released today by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. It was the largest percentage year-over-year increase in temp jobs since June.

The temporary penetration rate was 2.06% in December, holding steady from the 2.06% record high posted in November.

Total nonfarm jobs rose by 312,000 in December on a seasonally adjusted basis, above some economists’ expectations of a 180,000 increase. In addition, the number of total jobs added in November was revised upward by 21,000.

The unemployment rate rose to 3.9% in December from 3.7% in November and 3.8% in October. But for workers with a bachelor’s degree or higher, the unemployment rate fell to 2.1% in December from 2.2% in November — the unemployment rate for this group had been 2.0% in October.

“At least through the middle of December (when the employment numbers were collected), there were no signs that employers are slowing down at all,” said Gad Levanon, chief economist, North America, at The Conference Board. “While we do expect some slowdown in the US economy and labor market, this jobs report should boost confidence in the US economy.”

Average hourly earnings for all employees on private, nonfarm payrolls rose 11 cents in December to $27.48. Year over year, earnings rose by 84 cents.

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