US private sector employment rose by approximately 201,000 jobs in May when compared to April, according to the ADP national employment report produced by Automatic Data Processing Inc. (NASD: ADP) in collaboration with Moody’s Analytics. May’s job gains exceeded the 165,000 additions in April —a downward revision from a previously reported increase of 169,000 jobs — and surpassed the 200,000 jobs added mark, considered a bellwether number for healthy employment growth.

“The job market posted a solid gain in May,” said Mark Zandi, chief economist of Moody’s Analytics. “Employment growth remains near the average of the past couple of years. At the current pace of job growth the economy will be back to full employment by this time next year. The only blemishes are the decline in mining jobs due to the collapse in oil prices and the decline in manufacturing due to the strong dollar.”

The median forecast of 46 economists surveyed by Bloomberg called for a gain of 200,000 jobs.

Small businesses added 122,000 jobs in May, and medium-sized businesses added 75,000 jobs, according to the report.

Large businesses with more than 1,000 employees added 16,000 jobs; however, those with 500 to 999 employees lost 3,000 jobs.

By sector, the service-providing sector added approximately 192,000 jobs. Trade/transportation/utilities grew by 56,000, up from 41,000 in April. The 12,000 new jobs added in financial activities is double last month’s 6,000.

The goods-producing sector gained approximately 9,000 jobs. The construction industry had another good month in May, adding 27,000 jobs compared to 24,000 last month. Meanwhile, manufacturing lost 5,000 jobs in May after losing 8,000 in April.