St. Paul, MN – 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 the 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.

"Overall, Minnesota's jobs market continued to show strength in April, with a favorable unemployment rate and an active and growing labor force," said DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek. "We continue to compare well to the U.S. as a whole, even as our economy has been unsettled by unpredictable policy changes from the federal government."

Six supersectors added jobs in April, led by Trade, Transportation and Utilities (up 1,600 jobs, or 0.3%) and Leisure and Hospitality (up 1,600 jobs, or 0.6%). Five supersectors lost jobs in April, with larger declines in Education and Health Services (down 2,400 jobs, or 0.4%) and Professional & Business Services (down 2,000 jobs, down 0.5%). Government employers lost 500 jobs in April, with federal employment falling by 200 jobs.

Mass layoff announcements from the federal government or other employers are not reflected in this data because a job decline will not appear until employees are actually off payroll. If a mass layoff is planned but workers are still on payroll, that is not included here.

Over the year, Minnesota has added 35,480 payroll jobs, 1.2% growth that matches the national rate. The private sector gained 26,477 jobs, up 1.0% and slightly slower than the national average.
Minnesota wage growth was impressive in April, increasing by 5.6% over the year, more than double the rate of inflation.

"Minnesota's labor market is staying steady," said Angelina Nguyen, DEED Labor Market Information Director. "We still see a low and ideal unemployment rate as well as healthy labor force participation."

Visit the DEED website to view full state and national employment statistics, monthly jobs numbers and further analysis of this month's data and a breakdown of the 2024 revisions. 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.