WASHINGTON, DC—The US economy added 321,000 jobs in November, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The unemployment rate remains unchanged at 5.8%. The job gains occurred in most sectors of the economy, led by professional and business services, retail, health care and manufacturing.

A number of trends are behind these numbers, says National Retail Federation Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz. "Solid seasonal demand, reduced prices at the pump, and the high though erratic levels of business and consumer confidence, all are supportive of job gains," he says.

"We remain optimistic that we are gaining traction to a more normal labor market in the near future which should contribute to wage and salary growth."

Indeed, while it is clear that the job market is steadily improving, wage growth remains muted. The Federal Reserve survey of regional economic conditions, or its Beige Book, that was issued this week showed that while economic activity is expanding in most of the country wage growth remains lackluster except in a few sectors.

Still, the Labor Department figures remain good news, especially for the commercial real estate industry where office-using job creation is always a positive.

According to the report:

• Employment in professional and business services increased by 86,000 in November, compared with an average gain of 57,000 per month over the prior 12 months.

• Employment in retail trade rose by 50,000 in November, compared with an average gain of 22,000 per month over the prior 12 months.

• Health care added 29,000 jobs over the month. Over the past 12 months, employment in health care has increased by 261,000.

• Manufacturing added 28,000 jobs. Over the year, manufacturing has added 171,000 jobs, largely in durable goods.

• Financial activities added 20,000 jobs in November. Over the past year, insurance has contributed 70,000 jobs to the overall employment gain of 114,000 in financial activities.

• Transportation and warehousing employment increased by 17,000 in November.