Private hiring increased by 534,000 for the month, better than the Dow Jones estimate of 506,000 in a labor market that appears to be getting tighter. The total was a decline from the October growth of 570,000, which was revised lower by 1,000.

Big business led job creation by company size, but it was hospitality and leisure that led in sectors.

The industry that includes bars, restaurants, hotels and similar businesses saw a gain of 136,000, part of the 424,000 positions added in the services sector.

Those also posting strong gains included professional and business services with 110,000, trade transportation and utilities with 78,000, and education and health services, which added 55,000.