U.S. employers added more than 5.2 million jobs over the past two years — a solid average of roughly 220,000 a month.
After 5½ years of recovery, the economy has recovered all the 8.7 million jobs that vanished during the Great Recession — and created an additional 2 million. The unemployment rate hit 5.6 percent in December, its lowest level since June 2008.
Economists expect the momentum to continue in 2015. Goldman Sachs estimates that thanks to lower energy prices, extra spending by consumers will lead to 300,000 more jobs this year than if oil prices had remained at their levels of six months ago.
Here are the job gains or losses in each of the past 10 years, along with the average monthly changes:
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More From Star Tribune
More From Business
Business
US opens investigation into Ford crashes involving Blue Cruise partially automated driving system
Two fatal crashes involving Ford's Blue Cruise partially automated driving system have drawn the attention of U.S. auto safety regulators.
Business
Spain's Prime Minister Sánchez says he'll continue in office after days of reflection
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez on Monday ended days of speculation about his future by saying he will continue in office ''with even more strength."
Business
Minneapolis-made app aims to be embedded in car touchscreens
A Q&A with Jazz Hampton, the CEO of Minneapolis-based TurnSignl, an on-demand, real-time app that gives drivers access to live legal representation during traffic stops and accidents.
Business
Tractor-trailers with no one aboard? The future is near for self-driving trucks on US roads
On a three-lane test track along the Monongahela River, an 18-wheel tractor-trailer rounded a curve. No one was on board.
Business
Affluent Americans are driving US economy and likely delaying need for Fed rate cuts
Since retiring two years ago, Joan Harris has upped her travel game.