Oilfield services (OFS) employment in the United States slowed a bit in December versus November, dropping by 941 jobs, according to an analysis of government data by the Energy Workforce & Technology Council.

The trade association represents more than 650,000 U.S. jobs in the energy value chain.

During the month, job availability across the sector decreased by 0.5% from  November.  “While the market continues to recover from the pandemic, adjusted numbers for 2023 indicate that the energy services sector is still on an upward trajectory, with job availability rising compared to 2022,” said Energy Workforce researchers.

On a year/year basis, OFS jobs rose to 648,933 jobs in December from 648,679 jobs in December 2022.   

The group noted that the nationwide unemployment...