State Gains 5,300 Jobs in March

Private sector surpasses 2.5 million jobs for the first time in state history.

ST. PAUL – Minnesota employers added 5,300 jobs in March, according to seasonally adjusted figures announced by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). With these gains, Minnesota’s private sector has 2,504,400 jobs, surpassing 2.5 million jobs for the first time in state history. The state exceeded 2 million private sector jobs in July 1995. 

In addition, the agency said February’s job gains were revised from 3,800 jobs gained to 6,200 jobs gained. Over the past year, the state has gained 48,162 jobs, a growth rate of 1.7 percent. U.S. job growth during that period was 1.5 percent. Since January 2011, Minnesota has gained 268,000 jobs. 

Minnesota’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped in March to 3.8 percent. The U.S. unemployment rate was 4.5 percent in March.

“Thanks to the hardworking Minnesotans and businesses who call our state home, our economy continues to improve and outpace the nation,” said Governor Mark Dayton. “This year, I have proposed investments in education and economic opportunity to help ensure our economy works for everyone, everywhere in our state.”

“Surpassing 2.5 million private sector jobs is a wonderful achievement and is a fitting testament to businesses large and small all across the state,” said DEED Commissioner Shawntera Hardy. “Minnesota’s economy continues to move in the right direction, bringing opportunities for prosperity and independence to more Minnesotans.” 

Professional and business services led the gains with a 4,900 job surge, followed by a strong 2,500 job jump in leisure and hospitality. 

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