Chart 1-7. Nonfarm payroll employment has risen by 4.6
million since its recent low in August 2003
Employment in thousands
140,000
130,000
120,000
110,000
100,000
90,000
80,000
70,000
60,000
1970 1972 1974 1976 1978 1980 1982 1984 1986 1988 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004
NOTE: Shaded areas represent recessions. Data are seasonally adjusted.
SOURCE: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Chart 1-7. Nonfarm payroll employment has risen by 4.6
million since its recent low in August 2003
• Nonfarm payroll employment fell by about 2.7 million from the beginning of
the recession in March 2001 to August 2003.
• Between August 2003 and December 2005, payroll employment increased by
about 4.6 million, with large gains in construction, professional and business
services, health care, and leisure and hospitality.
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