The number of U.S. information technology jobs increased for the 26th consecutive month in October, but the rate of growth continued to slow, according to the TechServe Alliance’s IT employment index.

The number of IT jobs rose 0.04 percent from September to about 4.51 million. On a year-over-year basis, IT employment has grown by 5.5 percent since October 2012, adding 236,200 IT workers.

Engineering jobs also increased again in October, up 0.12 percent from September to about 2.47 million. On a year-over-year basis, engineering employment has grown by 1.5 percent since October 2012, adding 36,600 engineering workers.

“While demand for IT professionals and engineers remains relatively robust, the rate of employment growth for both groups has continued to slow,” said TechServe Alliance CEO Mark Roberts. “The deceleration is no doubt attributable at least in part to the government shutdown for more than half of the month of October which precipitated an atmosphere of uncertainty within the business community.”

TechServe Alliance is a collaboration of IT staffing firms, solutions firms, clients, consultants and suppliers.