JACKSONVILLE, Fla.–Employment growth among U.S. small businesses resumed last month after breaking a three-month streak of gains in May, according to the Paychex HIS Small Business Jobs Index.
The company reported its Index advanced 0.21% to 100.81 in June from the previous month, marking the best reading yet this year. A measurement above 100 indicates growth.
The index increased 0.44% in the first six months of the year, despite a one-month dip in the second quarter. Small business job growth slipped 0.18% in May. The index is now up 0.18% year over year after trending flat to negative for the last 18 months.
The South Atlantic region, which stretches from Delaware to Florida, led all other U.S. Census Bureau divisions with a record reading of 101.96.
Among states, Washington extended its reign as the top performer to a sixth month. Seattle topped the list of metro areas once again in June, falling just short of last month's record 105 index reading.
At the sector level, services excluding public administration led the rankings. Construction saw its strongest gains in three years.
The Paychex IHS index measures same-store, year-over-year changes in worker count to determine trends in employment. Paychex is an outsourcing solutions firm, and IHS provides information and analysis.