U.S. online job ads fell by 44,400 in February for a total of more than 5.0 million, according to The Conference Board’s report on online jobs ads released today. The decline follows strong gains of 215,000 in December and 126,000 in January.

Online job ads dipped in 40 of the 50 states in February, but 44 states are above February 2012 levels.

Twelve of the 22 major occupational groups were up in February. Office and administrative support occupations increased by 20,100 while sales and related occupations posted a 23,700 decline.