Minnesota lost a small number of jobs in April and the state’s unemployment rate increased slightly as more people joined the labor force, according to data from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).
In April, Minnesota lost 1,300 jobs, effectively flat over then month, with the unemployment rate rising one tenth of a percentage point to 3.2%, compared to 4.2% nationally. Nearly 3,300 people joined the labor force, continuing a trend of steady growth. The state’s labor force participation rate is 68.2%, compared to 62.6% nationally.
Six supersectors added jobs in April, led by Trade, Transportation and Utilities up 1,600 and Leisure and Hospitality also up 1,600 jobs.
Five supersectors lost jobs in April, with larger declines in Education and Health Services down 2,400 jobs and Professional & Business Services down 2,000 jobs. Government lost 500 jobs in April, with federal employment falling by 200 jobs.
Over the year, Minnesota has added 35,480 payroll jobs, 1.2% growth that matches the national rate.
Minnesota wage growth was impressive in April, increasing by 5.6% over the year, more than double the rate of inflation.
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