The statistics from ADP, ahead of the monthly jobs report due from the Labor Department on Friday, are a positive sign for private payrolls.

Multiple-job holders made up 5.1 percent of the total employed in August--nearly unchanged since mid-2009.

Hiring may settle into a more sustainable pace after a strong run that has pushed the economy closer to full employment.

American wages unexpectedly climbed in August by the most since the recession ended in 2009 and hiring rose by more than forecast.

The gains reinforce the view that the economy is creating jobs at a pace that can absorb any remaining labor-market slack.

Total compensation, which includes wages and benefits, climbed 2.7 percent over past 12 months.