Construction, manufacturing, services powered robust US job growth in January
A broad range of industries propelled U.S. job growth in January, an encouraging sign that the improving economy is permeating nearly all sectors of the economy.
Education and health-related employers added 46,000 jobs, professional services 39,000. Over the past 12 months, those two sectors have combined for more than 1.2 million jobs.
Goods-producing industries also posted strong numbers. Construction added 39,000 jobs, manufacturing 22,000.
Two sectors recorded declines in January: Government, along with transportation and warehousing.
Here's a look at the jobs added or lost in each major industry category:
Industry | Jan. 2015 | Dec. 2014 | Past 12 months |
Construction | 39,000 | 44,000 | 308,000 |
Manufacturing | 22,000 | 26,000 | 228,000 |
Retail | 45,900 | 7,200 | 293,300 |
Transportation, warehousing | -8,600 | 33,800 | 155,800 |
Information (Telecom, publishing) | 6,000 | 4,000 | 47,000 |
Financial services | 26,000 | 9,000 | 159,000 |
Professional services (Accounting, temp work) | 39,000 | 80,000 | 715,000 |
Education and health | 46,000 | 48,000 | 509,000 |
Hotels, restaurants, entertainment | 37,000 | 47,000 | 482,000 |
Government | -10,000 | 9,000 | 80,000 |
Source: Labor Department |