Economists were expecting November’s job growth to be about average, right around 220,000. Instead, the U.S. Department of Labor said employers added 321,000 jobs last month, the most in almost three years.
To add to the robust report, the government adjusted upward its initial numbers for September and October by 44,000 jobs.
Together with November, the U.S. economy has averaged 241,000 new jobs each month this year. In 2013 the average for the 11 months was 204,000 and in 2012 it was 184,000.
The unemployment rate was unchanged at 5.8 percent. A year ago the rate was 7 percent.
“Generally good conditions nationwide”
In another surprise, the Labor Department’s report said hourly wages increased by 9 cents, about twice the expectation. However, the year’s average wage increase of 2.1 percent is little changed since 2009, a special concern because slow wage growth limits spending and has the potential for slowing overall economic improvement.
Earlier this week, the Federal Reserve released its periodic “Beige Book.” This compilation of informal economic conditions in each of the Fed’s 12 districts reported generally good conditions nationwide, including increases in hiring and planned hiring. Healthier consumer spending was also reported.
The Labor Department’s report said the average work week on private, nonfarm payrolls rose 34.6 hours. Workers in manufacturing jobs, where 28,000 jobs were added, saw their work week increase to 41.1 hours, with overtime averaging 3.5 hours.
The work week increases, coupled with other reports showing a tightening of labor supply in the months ahead, suggest employers may finally have to begin to raise wages more rapidly. That’s been happening for some time in the high-tech field and for specific types of other jobs.
Health care shows strong job growth
Health care, one of the fastest growing sectors for several years, added 37,200 jobs in November. Most of those (24,300) were in ambulatory health care.
The hospitality industry added 32,000 jobs. Bars and restaurants, typically low wage jobs, grew by 26,500.
Retailers increased their hiring by 50,200 workers, many of those jobs are likely to be seasonal. Clothing stores accounted for 11,300 of those jobs. However, in a sign of the strength of auto sales, auto dealers added 10,500 workers.
Temp services added 22,700 jobs.