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US temp jobs total climbs in April

May 03, 2013

U.S. temporary help services jobs rose by 30,800 in April, continuing an upward trend that began in October, according to seasonally adjusted numbers released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The temp penetration rate was 1.97 percent in April compared to 1.95 percent in the previous month.

On a year-over-year basis, temporary jobs were up 184,200 in April. In addition, the previously released March temp job number was revised upward by 9,300 for a gain in March of 20,300 temp jobs.

Total U.S. nonfarm employment rose by 165,000 jobs in April. Over the prior 12 months, employment growth averaged 169,000 per month.

The U.S. unemployment rate declined to 7.5 percent in April from 7.6 percent in March.

The college-level unemployment rate inched up to 3.9 percent in April from 3.8 percent in both March and February. The college-level unemployment rate can serve as a proxy for professional employment.

Notable industries in today’s report included “food services and drinking places,” which added 38,000 jobs in April. In addition, “retail trade” added 29,000 jobs, and healthcare gained 19,000 jobs.

Click on charts below to enlarge.