Monster Index Shows Widespread Employment Gains; 1st Positive Annual Growth Since 2007

"The Monster Employment Index rose by ten points in February, as employers resumed hiring activity after January’s seasonal lull. The long-term growth rate turned positive, with the Index up 2% year-on-year, for the first time since December 2007 suggesting some improvement in the underlying demand for labor (see chart above)." Other highlights for February include:

1. All 50 states and DC increased online job opportunities led by Nebraska, while Oregon experienced the mildest rise. Mississippi led all states in terms of year-over-year growth, followed by Michigan and Indiana.

2. Online hiring demand rose in 19 of the 23 occupational categories. Architecture and engineering; life, physical, and social sciences; computer and mathematical; and legal posted large monthly gains as reflected by the rise in the professional, scientific, and technical services industry as a whole.

3. Online recruitment activity rose in all major metropolitan markets, with Detroit registering the sharpest gain. Online job demand also increased in San Diego and Houston mainly driven by heightened demand for management; and office and administrative support occupations.