Monster Employment Index Climbs Four Points in June

The index generates a monthly report that compiles information from thousands of online job search engines such as its own Monster.com, job boards, corporate career sites and others.

According to Monster, greater online demand for white collar workers such as management, finance and IT occupations drove the increases for the month of June.

The mining industry showed the sharpest demand increase, climbing from 169 to 181. According to the report, the jump in the number of available positions reflects the rapid growth of the energy and natural resources industry, which is experiencing a shortage of qualified workers.

Transportation and warehousing showed the second-highest increase in demand, rising by 10 points, followed by a 6-point increase for whole sale trade and a 4-point jump by the utilities industry.

Eighteen of 23 occupational categories saw greater online job availability last month, with military-specific occupations registering the strongest rate of growth. Other occupations that registered growth last month include management, business and financial operations, computer and mathematical (IT), community and social services and sales and related.

The index showed that 43 states, including the District of Columbia, recorded greater online demand for employees, with Alaska, California, Delaware, Hawaii, Louisiana and Minnesota marking the sharpest gains. In terms of online job availability, Delaware showed the greatest gains, followed by Alaska, Arizona, California and Connecticut.

The index showed increases in all nine of the US Census Bureau regions, with the Pacific region showing the largest increase in online demand, rising 12 points, followed by West North Central, East South Central and New England.

To obtain a full copy of the Monster Employment Index report for June 2006, including all charts and tables, go here .