October 07, 2003 (The Editor’s Desk is updated each business day.)

Payroll employment in September 2003

Total nonfarm payroll employment was little changed in September at 129.9 million, compared to 129.8 million in August.

[Chart data—TXT]

Over the month, manufacturing job losses continued, although at a slower pace. Although small declines occurred throughout most of the sector, September's loss (-29,000) was below the average for the prior 12 months (-54,000).

Professional and business services added jobs, as temporary help employment increased for the fifth consecutive month. Since April, temporary help has added 147,000 jobs.

These data are products of the Current Employment Statistics program. The above data are seasonally adjusted. Data for August and September 2003 are preliminary and subject to revision. For more information, see news release USDL 03-523, The Employment Situation: September 2003 (PDF) (TXT).