Job orders up in both contract and permanent staffing
Contract job orders are up about 4% this month, significantly better than the 1% average monthly increase seen over the last six months. However, last September was the highest job point of the year for contract pipeline and this year’s job orders are about 8% below that level. Fill rate is also improving this month, but remains below where it was this time last year. Fill rate has had ups and downs since the spring, but not really showing lasting improvement as opposed to 2025 when fill rate steadily climbed through the summer.
Permanent job orders increased more than 9% in September, well ahead of the average 1% per month gains seen over the past six months, and more than compensating for the -6% drop in August. Fill rate also accelerated, putting it very close to where it was this time last year and regaining some of the ground lost since the beginning of the summer. With coverage rates falling, the signs are good that the permanent placement market is improving.
