Gallup's Job Creation Index Continues Near Highest Level

Employed Americans' reports of hiring activity where they work were essentially unchanged in April, keeping Gallup's Job Creation Index near its highest level ever recorded. The index averaged plus 30 in April, similar to the nine-year high of plus 32 reached in March, as well as on several other occasions over the past 11 months.

Workers' perceptions of their employers' hiring have been relatively steady over the past couple of years, with index scores at or above plus 27 since May 2014. Upon reaching a new high of plus 32 in May 2015, the index held at this figure for six months straight. It has hovered around that level ever since, and matched the record high yet again in March.

Reports of hiring in nongovernment workplaces ebbed a bit in April, dipping two points to plus 31 (based on 42 percent hiring and 11 percent letting go). The net hiring score among government workers was also down slightly, at plus 24 (based on 39 percent hiring and 15 percent letting go).