Monster’s U.S. employment index edged down seven points in January following a seven-point drop in December, Monster Worldwide Inc. announced today. The loss, which follows seasonal patterns, leaves the index at 133. On an annual basis, however, the index is up 11 points from a reading of 122 in January 2011.

Top-growing industries on a year-over-year basis include transportation and warehousing, which increased by 45 points to a reading of 188 in January 2012 from a reading of 143 in the year-ago period. Lowest-growth industries include public administration, which edged down 11 points to a reading of 131 compared to a reading of 142 in the year-ago period.

The index is based on a review of online job ads taken from a selection of websites, including Monster.com.