Nationwide job openings increased for the second consecutive month, up 4.5 percent month-over-month and 16.5 percent year-over-year. Openings were previously up 6.5 percent month-over-month and 17.0 percent year-over-year.
“As expected, job openings continue to remain positive and stable this month due to the start of the fall season,” said Gautam Godhwani, CEO of SimplyHired.com. “We anticipate modest continued job growth through the end of the year from seasonal hiring.”
All major metro areas see positive growth
All 50 major metros experienced job growth again in August. Twenty-four of 50 metro areas posted growth of more than 5.0 percent, with the most substantial increase in Louisville (14.3 percent). Following an increase last month, New York saw a year-over-year decline of -0.6 percent, the only major metro area to see a decline in job openings in August.
Most industries experience increases in hiring
Thirteen industries had increases in job openings in August, including agriculture, which was back up 17.9 percent after last month’s low of -6.1 percent. Only five industries saw decreases this month, including travel (-2.0 percent), legal (-1.9 percent), military (-1.9 percent), real estate (-1.3 percent) and non-profit (-1.0 percent).
Healthcare companies are hiring, albeit slowly
Healthcare companies continued to be top hirers this month, comprising 55 of the 125 hiring organizations. Nineteen of those saw minor decreases in month-over-month hiring; however, such decreases are not likely cause for concern, as the healthcare industry is typically stable in hiring.
