Paychex - IHS Small Business Jobs Index Rises, Signaling Solid Small Business Employment Conditions as 2017 Begins

The Paychex | IHS Small Business Jobs Index continued to increase in January to 100.62, beginning 2017 at the same pace of employment growth it averaged throughout 2016. Up 0.13 percent in January and 0.10 percent in December, the national index increased two months in a row for the first time since last February as employment improved 0.21 percent during the past quarter. All regions increased in January, except for the South Atlantic, which had a slight decrease of 0.09 percent. Four of the top five states decreased in January, while nine of the bottom 10 states improved. At 104.17, Tennessee has the strongest index and growth rates among states. With moderate gains in January and indexes exceeding 102, Atlanta, Seattle, and Dallas top the metro rankings. At 104.73, Other Services remains far ahead among industry sectors, while the high-paying Professional and Business Services, Financial Activities, and Manufacturing industries are below 100 to start the year.

To read the full news release, visit the Paychex | IHS Small Business Jobs Index  website.