September's 41,000 new healthcare jobs were 22% below the average 53,000 jobs the sector created over the past 12 months.
Healthcare added 41,000 jobs in September and represented more than 12% of the 336,000 jobs created in the overall economy for the month, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
While the healthcare sector continues to be a powerhouse job creator, September's 41,000 new healthcare jobs were 22% below the average 53,000 jobs the sector created over the past 12 months, BLS says.
More than half (24,000) of the new jobs were created in ambulatory services, while hospitals and the residential and nursing care sector each accounted for 8,000 new jobs, BLS says.
September's 336,000 new jobs are 25% higher than the average monthly gain of 267,000 jobs over the past 12 months.
Despite the robust job growth in the overall economy, the unemployment rate remains unchanged at 3.8%, with 6.4 million people reporting as unemployed, unchanged from August. Big job gains were seen in leisure and hospitality (96,000), government (73,000), social assistance (25,000) and professional and technical services (29,000).
In September, average hourly earnings for all employees on private nonfarm payrolls rose by 7 cents, or 0.2%, to $33.88. Over the past 12 months, average hourly earnings have increased by 4.2%. The average hourly earnings of private-sector production and nonsupervisory employees rose by 6 cents, or 0.2%, to $29.06.
The September statistics published by BLS are preliminary and subject to revision. Revised July and August employment numbers recorded 119,000 new jobs.
John Commins is a content specialist and online news editor for HealthLeaders, a Simplify Compliance brand.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
More than half (24,000) of the new healthcare jobs were created in ambulatory services, while hospitals and the residential and nursing care sector each accounted for 8,000 new jobs.
September's 336,000 new jobs in the overall economy are 25% higher than the average monthly gain of 267,000 jobs over the past 12 months.
Despite the robust job growth in the overall economy, the unemployment rate remains unchanged at 3.8%, with 6.4 million people reporting as unemployed, also unchanged from August.