The healthcare industry continues to drive job growth in the United States, contributing 39,000 of the 287,000 total jobs employers added to the economy in June, the Department of Labor announced Friday.
The June numbers are the latest in what's been consistent growth for the sector for several months. In May, healthcare businesses added 46,000 jobs to the economy, and in April the industry contributed 44,000 jobs.
Health care employment increased by 39,000 over the month, with gains in ambulatory healthcare services of 19,000 and hospitals adding 15,000 jobs. This growth falls in line with average monthly gains over the last year in each industry, according to data from the Department of Labor.
The unemployment rate increased slightly to 4.9 percent in June from 4.7 percent in May, and the number of unemployed persons increased by 347,000 to 7.8 million, the DOL said.
The Bureau also adjusted job numbers for the months of April and May. The change in total nonfarm payroll employment for April was revised from 123,000 to 144,000, and the numbers for May were revised from 38,000 to 11,000. With these changes, the economy netted 6,000 fewer jobs in April and May than previously reported.
Twitter: @BethJSanborn
