The service sector grew for the ninth straight month in September. The service-sector index rose from 51.5 to 53.2 in September. Anything above 50 is growth, with higher numbers meaning quicker growth. The new orders index, a measure of future growth also grew more quickly in September. Employers were also more willing to hire employees for vacant positions. the manufacturing sector is still expanding a faster rate than the service sector, which accounts for around 80% of employment in the United States.
See "Service sector growth accelerates in September", Los Angeles Times, October 4, 2010