Non-farm payroll employment rose by 111,000 in January, and the unemployment rate was essentially unchanged at 4.6 percent, according to a report released Friday by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Job growth continued in several service-providing industries over the month, and construction employment also rose, while manufacturing jobs continued to decline.
"Today's report shows payroll employment at 137.3 million, which is about one million more total new jobs than previously reported in December,” in a statement from U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. “This shows that the economy is strong and continues to produce jobs at a steady rate. And the unemployment rate of 4.6 percent is more than a full point lower than the average unemployment rate of the 1990s."
Total payroll employment in January increased by 111,000, to 137.3 million, seasonally adjusted. This increase followed gains in November and December. In January, employment continued to increase in some service-providing industries. Additionally, construction employment was up, while manufacturing employment continued to decrease.
Manufacturing employment continued to trend down over the month. Job losses continued in motor vehicles and parts, furniture and related products, and textile mills. Computer and peripheral equipment lost 6,000 jobs over the month. An increase in plastics and rubber employment reflected the return of workers from a strike.
In the goods-producing sector, construction employment was up by 22,000 in January. Since its peak in February 2006, residential specialty trade contracting has lost 104,000 jobs while its nonresidential counterpart has added 126,000 jobs.
The entire employment situation report can be read by clicking here.
