Bureau of Labor Statistics
Current Employment Statistics
Highlights
April 2012
Bureau of Labor Statistics
May 4, 2012
Employment in total nonfarm
January 2000–April 2012
Seasonally adjusted, in thousands
140,000
138,000
136,000
134,000
132,000
130,000
128,000
126,000
April 2012
Level: 132,989
Change: 115
124,000
122,000
120,000
Jan-00
Jan-02
Jan-04
Jan-06
Jan-08
Jan-10
Jan-12
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Current Employment Statistics survey, May 04, 2012.
Note: Shaded areas represent recessions as determined by the National Bureau of Economic Research. Most recent 2
months of data are preliminary.
Employment in total nonfarm
Over-the-month change, January 2008–April 2012
Seasonally adjusted, in thousands
800
220
246
251
54
84
96
85
121
120
110
41
200
220
189
239
400
202
112
157
223
275
259
154
115
516
600
-40
-35
-58
-51
-27
-167
-231
-199
-202
-339
-361
-803
-800
-1,000
Jan-08
Jul-08
-818
-724
-799
-692
-661
-600
-482
-432
-489
-400
-171
-84
-95
-208
-190
-198
-210
-274
-200
-42
0
Jan-09
Jul-09
Jan-10
Jul-10
Jan-11
Jul-11
Jan-12
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Current Employment Statistics survey, May 04, 2012.
Most recent 2 months of data are preliminary.

Total nonfarm employment rose by 115,000 in April, after a gain of 154,000 in
March. Employment growth averaged 252,000 from December 2011 through
February 2012.

Since a recent employment low in February 2010, nonfarm payrolls have
expanded by 3.7 million jobs, reflecting a 42-percent recovery of the 8.8 million
net jobs lost between January 2008 and February 2010.
1 Employment in total nonfarm
Total nonfarm:
115
Over-the-month change, April 2012
Seasonally adjusted, in thousands
Mining and logging
0
Construction
-2
Manufacturing
16
Wholesale trade
7
Retail trade
29
Transportation and warehousing
-17
Utilities
1
Information
-2
Financial activities
1
Professional and business services
62
Education and health services
23
Leisure and hospitality
12
Other services
-2
Government
-15
-40
-20
0
20
40
60
80
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Current Employment Statistics survey, May 04, 2012.
Note: Data are preliminary.
Employment in total nonfarm
Feb 2010–April 2012 net change
Total nonfarm:
Total nonfarm:
3,745
115
Total private: 4,247
Seasonally adjusted, in thousands
Mining and logging
162
Construction
29
Manufacturing
485
Wholesale trade
157
Retail trade
356
Transportation and warehousing
195
Utilities
8
Information
-106
Financial activities
59
1318 Professional and business services
856
Other services
41
Government
-502
-1000
-500
Education and health services
Leisure and hospitality
688
0
500
1000
1500
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Current Employment Statistics survey, May 04, 2012.
Note: Data are preliminary.

In April, employment rose in retail trade, professional and business services, and
health care. Transportation and warehousing employment declined in April.

Since an employment trough in February 2010, all private-sector industries,
except information, have added jobs.

Service-providing industries have accounted for 84 percent of the 4.2 million jobs
added to private payrolls since February 2010. Government employment has
declined by one-half million jobs in that same timeframe.
2 Average weekly hours, total private
January 2000–April 2012
Seasonally adjusted
35.0
All employees
Level: 34.5
Change: 0.0
34.5
34.0
33.5
Production employees
Level: 33.8
Change: 0.0
33.0
32.5
32.0
Jan-00
Jan-02
Jan-04
Jan-06
Jan-08
Jan-10
Jan-12
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Current Employment Statistics survey, May 04, 2012.
Note: Shaded areas represent recessions as determined by the National Bureau of Economic Research. Most
recent 2 months of data are preliminary.

Average weekly hours for all employees on private nonfarm payrolls were
unchanged at 34.5 hours in April. Average weekly hours for production and
nonsupervisory employees also remained unchanged at 33.8 hours.
3 Average hourly earnings, all employees, and CPI–U*
March 2007–April 2012
Seasonally adjusted
6.0
April 2012 Earnings: 1.8
March 2012 CPI-U: 2.6
Over-the-year percent change
5.0
4.0
3.0
2.0
1.0
0.0
-1.0
-2.0
Total private earnings
-3.0
Mar-07
Sep-07
Mar-08
Sep-08
CPI–U
Mar-09
Sep-09
Mar-10
Sep-10
Mar-11
Sep-11
Mar-12
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Current Employment Statistics survey, May 04, 2012.
Most recent 2 months of data are preliminary.
* 1982–84=100

Average hourly earnings for all employees on private nonfarm payrolls rose by 1
cent to $23.38 in April.

Over the past 12 months, average hourly earnings have increased by 1.8 percent.
In March, the CPI-U had an over-the-year increase of 2.6 percent; growth in
prices has recently been outpacing growth in earnings.
4 Employment in mining and logging
Over-the-month change, January 2008–April 2012
Seasonally adjusted, in thousands
15
20
8
8
8
4
5
6
6
6
6
7
7
7
8
3
3
0
0
0
2
2
2
3
4
4
5
4
5
5
6
6
7
7
8
9
10
9
9
9
12
15
-6
-9
-8
-8
-6
-6
-4
-3
-2
-1
0
-5
-10
-18
-16
-15
-15
-21
-20
-25
Jan-08
Jul-08
Jan-09
Jul-09
Jan-10
Jul-10
Jan-11
Jul-11
Jan-12
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Current Employment Statistics survey, May 04, 2012.
Most recent 2 months of data are preliminary.
Employment in construction
Over-the-month change, January 2008–April 2012
Seasonally adjusted, in thousands
-58
18
26
30
13
-1
-3
-2
1
-3
-10
-11
-11
-21
-19
-41
-153
-144
-105
-147
-155
-150
-110
-100
-61
-64
-30
-33
-73
-77
-87
-82
-79
-71
-57
-55
-46
-66
-49
-34
-46
-70
-50
-11
-16
-9
-1
0
-9
7
3
7
7
20
23
33
50
-200
Jan-08
Jul-08
Jan-09
Jul-09
Jan-10
Jul-10
Jan-11
Jul-11
Jan-12
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Current Employment Statistics survey, May 04, 2012.
Most recent 2 months of data are preliminary.

For the second consecutive month, mining and logging employment was flat.

Employment in mining and logging has increased by 177,000 since a trough in
October 2009, with all of that gain coming from mining.

Construction employment was flat in April. Job losses in construction of buildings
and specialty trade contractors were offset by modest gains in heavy and civil
engineering construction.

Although essentially unchanged over the last 3 months, employment in
construction has increased by 102,000 since a trough in January 2011, with over
half of the gain coming from specialty trade contractors.
5 Employment in manufacturing
Over-the-month change, January 2008–April 2012
Seasonally adjusted, in thousands
-41
-44
-49
-34
-30
-200
52
30
41
16
28
30
9
3
-3
3
8
12
37
26
28
-61
-179
-150
-166
-172
-179
-167
-143
-130
-114
-100
-20
-28
-39
-56
-31
-59
-75
-79
-84
-8
0
-50
-17
4
8
32
34
10
20
50
2
0
9
15
52
100
-250
-297
-300
-350
Jan-08
Jul-08
Jan-09
Jul-09
Jan-10
Jul-10
Jan-11
Jul-11
Jan-12
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Current Employment Statistics survey, May 04, 2012.
Most recent 2 months of data are preliminary.
Average weekly hours, manufacturing
January 2000–April 2012
Seasonally adjusted
42.5
Production employees
Level: 41.8
Change: 0.1
42.0
41.5
41.0
40.5
40.0
39.5
All employees
Level: 40.8
Change: 0.1
39.0
38.5
38.0
Jan-00
Jan-02
Jan-04
Jan-06
Jan-08
Jan-10
Jan-12
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Current Employment Statistics survey, May 04, 2012.
Note: Shaded areas represent recessions as determined by the National Bureau of Economic Research. Most
recent 2 months of data are preliminary.

Manufacturing experienced moderate job growth (+16,000) in April, preceded by
41,000 and 30,000 jobs added in March and February, respectively.

Since a trough in January 2010, employment in the industry has risen by 489,000,
with durable goods accounting for most of the net gain.

The 1-month diffusion index of manufacturing employment fell from 69.8 in
March to 59.9 in April. This indicates a narrower dispersion of job growth across
manufacturing industries from March to April.

The manufacturing workweek for all employees edged up by 0.1 hour in April to
40.8 hours. Average weekly overtime for all employees rose by 0.1 hour to 3.4
hours.
6 Employment in durable goods
Durable goods:
15
Over-the-month change, April 2012
Seasonally adjusted, in thousands
Wood products
-1.3
Nonmetallic mineral products
-0.3
Primary metals
0.3
Fabricated metal products
5.7
Machinery
4.9
Computer and electronic products
-0.1
Electrical equipment and appliances
0.0
Transportation equipment
2.3
Furniture and related products
2.5
Miscellaneous manufacturing
1.3
-2
0
2
4
6
8
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Current Employment Statistics survey, May 04, 2012.
Note: Data are preliminary.
Employment in transportation equipment
Over-the-month change, January 2008–April 2012
Seasonally adjusted, in thousands
2
12
4
9
5
-3
6
6
4
1
5
-1
-1
-1
-1
-11
-6
-10
9
10
7
13
18
16
6
11
-1
0
-43
-36
-36
-26
-28
-17
-15
-35
-40
-21
-20
-23
-19
-8
-4
-3
-2
-1
0
0
3
6
9
20
12
16
19
40
-60
-80
-100
-100
-120
Jan-08
Jul-08
Jan-09
Jul-09
Jan-10
Jul-10
Jan-11
Jul-11
Jan-12
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Current Employment Statistics survey, May 04, 2012.
Most recent 2 months of data are preliminary.

Durable goods manufacturing employment increased by 15,000 in April and has
expanded by 481,000 since a recent low in January 2010.

In April, several durable goods manufacturing industries experienced modest job
growth. The majority of the gains, however, were split between fabricated metal
products and machinery.

Since an employment trough in December 2009, manufacturers of transportation
equipment have added 137,000 jobs, representing a recovery of approximately 36
percent of jobs lost in the industry’s most recent downturn.
7 Employment in retail trade
Over-the-month change, January 2008–April 2012
Seasonally adjusted, in thousands
29
34
25
-15
-21
-4
-5
7
5
8
14
12
16
27
37
20
13
3
14
5
3
-11
-11
-46
-35
-27
-23
-61
-94
-132
-99
-99
-100
-71
-71
-45
-52
-47
-43
-60
-68
-52
-23
-43
-50
-12
-8
1
0
12
25
10
32
50
37
67
100
-150
Jan-08
Jul-08
Jan-09
Jul-09
Jan-10
Jul-10
Jan-11
Jul-11
Jan-12
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Current Employment Statistics survey, May 04, 2012.
Most recent 2 months of data are preliminary.

Retail trade employment grew by 29,000 in April.

The majority of the increase in April came from general merchandise stores
(+21,000). In recent months this industry has shown little discernible trend.

Building material and garden supply stores added 5,000 jobs in April.

Since reaching an employment trough in December 2009, retail trade has added
398,000 jobs.
8 Employment in transportation
Over-the-month change, January 2008–April 2012
Seasonally adjusted, in thousands
10
7
10
8
8
11
15
2
5
2
3
1
3
4
1
3
5
9
8
9
9
10
12
13
15
15
20
17
14
25
30
-33
-17
-26
-42
-40
-4
-21
-18
-24
-30
-34
-30
-9
-12
-11
-13
-18
-24
-20
-15
-14
-10
-8
-10
-7
-8
-3
0
-52
-50
-60
Jan-08
Jul-08
Jan-09
Jul-09
Jan-10
Jul-10
Jan-11
Jul-11
Jan-12
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Current Employment Statistics survey, May 04, 2012.
Most recent 2 months of data are preliminary.

Transportation and warehousing employment fell by 17,000 in April.

The majority of the decline in April came from transit and ground passenger
transportation (-11,000) and couriers and messengers (-7,000).

Since reaching an employment trough in February 2010, transportation and
warehousing has added 195,000 jobs.
9 Employment in professional and business services
Over-the-month change, January 2008–April 2012
Seasonally adjusted, in thousands
37
62
72
79
89
41
39
39
40
59
88
50
56
5
-64
-100
-144
-184
-184
-200
-133
-148
-116
-120
-150
-3
-1
-31
-22
-41
-61
-71
-70
-100
-68
-40
-63
-50
46
49
23
8
8
1
0
0
55
45
79
14
29
32
56
44
50
67
100
79
82
150
-250
Jan-08
Jul-08
Jan-09
Jul-09
Jan-10
Jul-10
Jan-11
Jul-11
Jan-12
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Current Employment Statistics survey, May 04, 2012.
Most recent 2 months of data are preliminary.

Employment in professional and business services rose by 62,000 in April.

Employment in professional and business services has grown by 1.5 million since
a recent low in September 2009.
10 Employment in selected professional and business services
Over-the-month change, April 2012
Seasonally adjusted, in thousands
Professional and
business services:
62
Professional and technical˚
27.5
- Accounting and bookkeeping
0.2
7.4
- Architectural and engineering
7.4
- Computer systems design
- Management and technical consulting
6.4
Management of companies
2.0
Administrative and waste services˚
32.3
- Employment services
27.8
- Services to buildings
2.0
0
10
20
30
40
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Current Employment Statistics survey, May 04, 2012.
Note: Data are preliminary.
˚Includes additional component industries not shown separately.
Employment in temporary help services
January 2000–April 2012
Seasonally adjusted, in thousands
2,700
2,600
2,500
2,400
2,300
2,200
2,100
2,000
April 2012
Level: 2,494
Change: 21
1,900
1,800
1,700
Jan-00
Jan-02
Jan-04
Jan-06
Jan-08
Jan-10
Jan-12
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Current Employment Statistics survey, May 04, 2012.
Note: Shaded areas represent recessions as determined by the National Bureau of Economic Research. Most recent 2
months of data are preliminary.

Architectural and engineering services and computer systems design and related
services both gained 7,000 in April.

Employment in temporary help services, a component of employment services,
edged up by 21,000 in April.

Since the most recent low in August 2009, temporary help services has added
744,000 jobs, accounting for more than half of the employment gain within
professional and business services.
11 Employment in health care
Over-the-month change, January 2008–April 2012
Seasonally adjusted, in thousands
46
50
36
36
32
32
30
31
33
34
35
25
19
23
24
26
18
20
16
19
19
22
10
10
11
10
12
15
11
20
16
15
15
14
15
23
22
22
23
22
19
18
19
20
18
21
23
25
24
26
28
28
30
29
30
35
37
40
38
45
4
5
0
Jan-08
Jul-08
Jan-09
Jul-09
Jan-10
Jul-10
Jan-11
Jul-11
Jan-12
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Current Employment Statistics survey, May 04, 2012.
Most recent 2 months of data are preliminary.

Employment in health care continued to expand in April, rising by 19,000. The
majority of the gain was in ambulatory health care services (+15,000), which
includes home health care and offices of physicians.

Health care has added an average of 28,000 jobs per month over the prior 12
months.
12 Employment in food services and drinking places
Over-the-month change, January 2008–April 2012
Seasonally adjusted, in thousands
35
36
20
25
26
24
7
1
1
2
5
6
7
11
20
16
13
15
19
20
25
28
30
40
33
38
42
38
53
54
60
-1
-11
-8
-24
-28
-24
-38
-36
-30
-22
-25
-24
-24
-28
-26
-18
-12
-25
-40
-9
-3
-4
-5
-9
-20
0
0
-60
Jan-08
Jul-08
Jan-09
Jul-09
Jan-10
Jul-10
Jan-11
Jul-11
Jan-12
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Current Employment Statistics survey, May 04, 2012.
Most recent 2 months of data are preliminary.

Food services and drinking places employment rose by 20,000 in April.

Since a recent low in February 2010, the food services industry has added
576,000 jobs, averaging 22,000 jobs added per month.
13 Employment in government
Over-the-month change, January 2008–April 2012
432
Seasonally adjusted, in thousands
450
350
250
33
-150
-179
-142
-14
-27
-21
-11
-2
-13
-20
-9
-37
-15
-13
-54
-18
-79
-8
-150
-12
-15
5
24
48
46
30
0
0
-51
-49
-56
-43
-12
-15
-7
-9
-6
-3
-50
-12
1
21
52
17
7
26
33
49
20
0
50
110
150
-259
-250
-350
Jan-08
Jul-08
Jan-09
Jul-09
Jan-10
Jul-10
Jan-11
Jul-11
Jan-12
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Current Employment Statistics survey, May 04, 2012.
Most recent 2 months of data are preliminary.
Employment in selected government
Over-the-month change, April 2012
Government:
-15
Seasonally adjusted, in thousands
Federal, except U.S. Postal Service
-4.8
U.S. Postal Service
0.8
State government education
5.5
State government, excluding education
-5.1
Local government education
-10.7
Local government, excluding education
-1.7
-15
-10
-5
0
5
10
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Current Employment Statistics survey, May 04, 2012.
Note: Data are preliminary.

Government employment has changed little in April and thus far in 2012. This
represents a moderation of the job losses government experienced in 2011,
when employment declined by an average of 22,000 per month.

Both State and local government reached employment peaks in August 2008.
Since that time, local government has lost 528,000 and State government has
lost 136,000. 14