Hires rate in February 2009

The hires rate was 3.3 percent in February, seasonally adjusted. No industry experienced a significant change in the hires rate.

[Chart data—TXT]

Regionally, the rate rose significantly between January and February in the Northeast and fell significantly in the Midwest.

Over the 12 months ending in February, the hires rate (not seasonally adjusted) did not increase significantly in any industry or region. In three of the four regions, the hires rate dropped significantly: Midwest, South, and West.

The hires rate (not seasonally adjusted) decreased significantly over the year for total nonfarm, total private, and several industries, including retail trade; finance and insurance; arts, entertainment, and recreation; accommodation and food services; federal government; and state and local government.

The hires rate is the number of hires as a percent of total employment. Hires are any additions to the payroll during the month.

These data come from the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey. Data for February 2009 are preliminary and subject to revision. Find additional information in "Job Openings and Labor Turnover: February 2009" (PDF) (HTML), news release USDL 09-0361.