Monster Worldwide Inc, an online careers and recruiting firm, said its employment index rose 4 percent to 156 points last month from 147 points in July. The index was also up 6 percent from the same period a year ago.

The index saw annual growth in ۱۸ of ۲۰ industries monitored and ۱۹ of ۲۳ occupational categories compared with August ۲۰۱۱. The number of industries and occupational categories showing growth also improved month - over - month in August.

The agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting industry grew ۱۳ percent year - on - year in August and topped the industry sector rankings with an index reading of ۲۲۸ points. Transportation and warehousing also grew by ۱۳ percent. Manufacturing and wholesale trade recruitment each rose ۱۱ percent, while administrative support rose ۱۰ percent.

Contraction in recruitment occurred in public administration, down ۱۶ percent. Educational services industry recruitment fell ۳ percent.

The report offered another look at the jobs market ahead of the U. S. government ' s non - farm payrolls report due later on Friday.

Washington releases the August employment report on Friday, which economists think will show only modest hiring, with non farm payrolls expected to rise ۱۲۵,۰۰۰. The unemployment rate is seen holding at ۸.۳ percent.

Monster tracks recruitment in ۲۸ metro areas. Houston and Dallas were the areas with the biggest annual recruitment growth rates in August at ۱۵ percent each. Orlando, Chicago and Indianapolis followed close behind with annual growth of ۱۴ percent each.

The Monster Employment index is a monthly analysis based on a selection of corporate career sites and job boards. The margin of error is about plus or minus 1 percent.