The number of U.S. temporary help services jobs rose by 14,300 jobs in May for a total of almost 2.9 million jobs, but the year-over-year growth rate has been easing since March, according to seasonally adjusted numbers released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The temp penetration rate remained at a high of 2.065 percent in May. The penetration rate in April was 2.058 percent based on revised numbers released today.

The U.S. unemployment rate was 6.3 percent in May, unchanged from April. The college-level unemployment rate edged down to 3.2 percent in May from 3.3 percent in April. College-level unemployment can serve as a proxy for professional employment.

Total nonfarm employment rose by 217,000 jobs in May to a total of approximately 138.46 million. Employment increased in professional and business services, health care and social assistance, food services and drinking places, and transportation and warehousing.

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