Temporary and contract jobs grew in the second quarter but at a more moderate pace, according to data released today by the American Staffing Association. US staffing companies employed an average of 3.24 million temporary and contract workers per week in the second quarter of 2015, up 2.9% from the same period in 2014.

“Staffing companies continue to create employment opportunities, even with the slowing of overall job growth,” said ASA President and CEO Richard Wahlquist. “The fact that there are currently nearly six million unfilled job openings in the US is good news for job seekers, whether they are looking for employment flexibility or a permanent position.”

Temporary and contract staffing sales totaled $29.93 billion in the second quarter of 2015, 3.7% higher than in the same period last year.

On a quarter-to-quarter basis, staffing employment was up 3.5% from first quarter to second quarter, while temporary and contract staffing sales increased 6.6%.

The ASA staffing employment and sales survey is conducted on a quarterly basis and covers approximately 10,000 establishments.