More than 321,000 people were hired in November, the biggest monthly gain in the past three years in the U.S. Although the unemployment rate remained at 5.8 percent, the Labor Department reported last week that a total of 2.65 million new jobs were added in 2014. Gains averaged 224,000 per month over the last 12 months.
The jobless rate for military veterans remained at 4.5 percent, but the rate of unemployment for post-9/11 veterans dropped to 5.7 percent.
Nearly every industry was hiring in November, led by health care, manufacturing, professional and business services, construction and retail. Here’s a look at the five hottest industries:
Professional and business services led the pack by hiring 86,000 in November, including 16,000 jobs in accounting and bookkeeping services. This industry has averaged 57,000 per month over the prior 12 months.
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Retail was next with 50,000 hired in November in advance of the holiday season. That compares with an average of 22,000 per month over the last 12 months. Job gains included 11,000 at motor vehicle and parts dealers; 11,000 at clothing and accessories stores; 9,000 at sporting goods, hobby, book and music stores; and 6,000 at non-store retailers.
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Health care added 29,000 jobs over the month, including 7,000 at offices of physicians, 5,000 in home health care services, 4,000 at outpatient care centers, and 4,000 at hospitals. Over the past 12 months, employment in health care has increased by 261,000.
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Manufacturing increased by 28,000 jobs, with durable goods manufacturers accounting for 17,000 of the increase.
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Construction employment also continued to trend up in November with 20,000 new jobs. Employment with specialty trade contractors rose by 21,000, mostly in residential construction. Over the past 12 months, construction has added 213,000 jobs.
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Other industries worth a mention include financial activities, which added 20,000 jobs in November and 114,000 over the past year – including 70,000 at insurance carriers; and transportation and warehousing with 17,000 in November and 143,000 jobs over the past 12 months. Employment in food services and drinking establishments added 27,000 jobs in November and 321,000 over the year.
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