Minnesota Jobs, Labor Force Remain Steady in February

St. Paul, MN – Minnesota jobs remained stable in February and the labor force grew by 3,800 people, according to data released today by the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).

Minnesota lost 700 jobs in February, effectively flat over the month. The state’s unemployment rate stayed at 3.0% for the fifth month in a row, with the national unemployment rate at 4.1%. Minnesota’s labor force participation rate also stayed steady at 68.1% in February, compared to 62.4% nationally.

“Overall Minnesota continues to have a strong labor market with jobs numbers remaining stable in February,” said DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek. “And over the year job growth is solid at 1.4% in Minnesota, outpacing the national rate of 1.3%. This is good news both for employers and our labor force.”

Five of the 11 supersectors gained jobs in February, led by strong months for Education & Health Services (up 2,100 jobs), Professional & Business Services (1,900 jobs) and Manufacturing (600 jobs).

Five supersectors lost jobs, with Leisure and Hospitality (2,900), and Trade, Transportation & Utilities (1,600) posting the highest decreases. Government lost 400 jobs over the month.

Over the year, Minnesota employers added 40,600 jobs – job growth that was faster than the nation in terms of total non-farm employment as well as private sector employment. Six supersectors gained jobs in Minnesota over the year, including Education & Health Services (up 25,300, with the Health Care & Social Assistance subsector up 5.0%); Government (up 11,900); and Other Services (up 4,475).

Wages in Minnesota continued to be very strong in February, rising more than double the rate of inflation.

“Overall, Minnesota’s labor picture in February is positive, with steady employment, a growing labor force and consistently robust wage growth,” said Angelina Nguyễn, director of DEED’s Labor Market Information Office.

Visit the DEED website to access full state and national employment statistics, monthly jobs numbers and further analysis of this month’s data. You can also find alternative measures of unemployment. In addition, find related articles about job growth and labor market changes in the latest issue of Minnesota Employment Trends. Access resources to help Minnesotans prepare for and find employment now at CareerForceMN.

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