Chart 1-7. Nonfarm payroll employment has risen by 4.6

Chart 1-7. Nonfarm payroll employment has risen by 4.6 million since its recent low in August 2003 Employment in thousands 140,000 130,000 120,000 110,000 100,000 90,000 80,000 70,000 60,000 1970 1972 1974 1976 1978 1980 1982 1984 1986 1988 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 NOTE: Shaded areas represent recessions. Data are seasonally adjusted. SOURCE: Bureau of Labor Statistics Chart 1-7. Nonfarm payroll employment has risen by 4.6 million since its recent low in August 2003 • Nonfarm payroll employment fell by about 2.7 million from the beginning of the recession in March 2001 to August 2003. • Between August 2003 and December 2005, payroll employment increased by about 4.6 million, with large gains in construction, professional and business services, health care, and leisure and hospitality.