UNEMPLOYMENT RATE: 4.1%
The unemployment rate changed little from 4% and nonfarm payroll employment increased by 151,000 jobs in February. Healthcare, financial activities, transportation and warehousing, and social assistance saw increases, while federal government employment declined. The labor force participation rate changed little at 62.4%. Average hourly earnings rose by 10 cents (0.3%) to $35.93. The average workweek was unchanged at 34.1 hours.
According to the American Staffing Association, temporary help employment was 1.59% of total nonfarm employment in February.
MAJOR INDUSTRY EMPLOYMENT:
NOTABLE GAINS AND LOSSES
Healthcare and Social Assistance: +63,100
Financial Activities: +21,000
Construction: +19,000
Transportation and Warehousing: +17,800
Manufacturing: +10,000
Leisure and Hospitality: -16,000
