The ISM Services Employment index measures the change in the number of employees in the service-providing industries. As the largest sector of the U.S. economy, the services industry's hiring patterns are a major driver of total job growth. This index provides an early look at labor demand before the official government jobs report is released. It is highly correlated with the Non-Manufacturing Employment index and is a vital tool for assessing economic expansion.
Calculated from a survey of over 400 purchasing and supply executives in 60+ service industries. Respondents indicate whether employment at their company is increasing, decreasing, or remaining unchanged.
| Date | Actual | Forecast | Surprise |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 3, 2026 | — | 51.80 | — |
| Aug 5, 2026 | 47.40 | 52.00 | -4.60 |
| Jul 6, 2026 | 51.20 | 48.60 | +2.60 |
| Jun 3, 2026 | 47.90 | 48.10 | -0.20 |
| May 5, 2026 | 48.00 | 45.00 | +3.00 |
| Apr 6, 2026 | 45.20 | 51.70 | -6.50 |
| Mar 4, 2026 | 51.80 | 50.20 | +1.60 |
| Feb 4, 2026 | 50.30 | 52.30 | -2.00 |
| Jan 7, 2026 | 52.00 | 48.70 | +3.30 |
| Dec 3, 2025 | 48.90 | 48.00 | +0.90 |
| Nov 5, 2025 | 48.20 | 47.60 | +0.60 |
| Oct 3, 2025 | 47.20 | 46.60 | +0.60 |
| Sep 4, 2025 | 46.50 | 46.20 | +0.30 |
| Aug 5, 2025 | 46.40 | 48.00 | -1.60 |
| Jul 3, 2025 | 47.20 | 51.10 | -3.90 |
| Jun 4, 2025 | 50.70 | 50.00 | +0.70 |
| May 5, 2025 | 49.00 | 47.00 | +2.00 |
| Apr 3, 2025 | 46.20 | 53.00 | -6.80 |
| Mar 5, 2025 | 53.90 | 52.10 | +1.80 |
| Feb 5, 2025 | 52.30 | 51.30 | +1.00 |
| Jan 7, 2025 | 51.40 | 51.40 | 0.00 |
| Dec 4, 2024 | 51.50 | 53.00 | -1.50 |
| Nov 5, 2024 | 53.00 | 48.00 | +5.00 |
| Oct 3, 2024 | 48.10 | 50.10 | -2.00 |
| Sep 5, 2024 | 50.20 | 50.50 | -0.30 |
| Aug 5, 2024 | 51.10 | 46.50 | +4.60 |
| Jul 3, 2024 | 46.10 | 49.00 | -2.90 |
| Jun 5, 2024 | 47.10 | 47.20 | -0.10 |
| May 3, 2024 | 45.90 | 49.00 | -3.10 |
| Apr 3, 2024 | 48.50 | 48.00 | +0.50 |
| Mar 5, 2024 | 48.00 | 50.40 | -2.40 |
| Feb 5, 2024 | 50.50 | 46.00 | +4.50 |
| Jan 5, 2024 | 43.30 | 50.70 | -7.40 |
| Dec 5, 2023 | 50.70 | 50.10 | +0.60 |
| Nov 3, 2023 | 50.20 | 53.50 | -3.30 |
| Oct 4, 2023 | 53.40 | 54.50 | -1.10 |
| Sep 6, 2023 | 54.70 | 50.50 | +4.20 |
| Aug 3, 2023 | 50.70 | 51.10 | -0.40 |
| Jul 6, 2023 | 53.10 | 49.90 | +3.20 |
| Jun 5, 2023 | 49.20 | 50.80 | -1.60 |
| May 3, 2023 | 50.80 | 51.00 | -0.20 |
