Private-sector employment rose again in March, when the nation’s job gains were strong across most industries, with the exception of professional services, where hiring fell. Employment rose by 184,000 jobs last month and annual pay was up 5.1%, according to the most recent ADP National Employment Report, released Wednesday.
“March was surprising not just for the pay gains, but the sectors that recorded them. The three biggest increases for job-changers were in construction, financial services and manufacturing,” Nela Richardson, chief economist, ADP, said. “Inflation has been cooling, but our data shows pay is heating up in both goods and services.”
When looking at where the jobs surfaced, the service-providing sector experienced the most, with leisure and hospitality leading the additions at 63,000 jobs and trade/transportation/utilities adding 29,000. Meanwhile, the goods-producing sector saw gains in construction (33,000) and in natural resources (8,000).
Medium-sized establishments, those with 50-500 employees, experienced the largest bump in additions, with 93,000 jobs added. Large establishments of 500-plus employees followed closely, adding 87,000 positions.