SAINT PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota’s unemployment rate dipped to 4.4% in May, down one-tenth of a percentage point from April, while the state added 5,400 jobs, according to new figures released by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).
The state’s job growth of 0.2% outpaced the national rate of 0.1% for the second consecutive month. Private-sector employers added 5,900 jobs during the month.
Leisure and Hospitality led job gains with 2,400 new positions, followed by Construction with 2,100 jobs. Financial Activities posted the largest decline, losing 2,400 jobs.
Over the past year, Minnesota added nearly 19,700 jobs, an increase of 0.6%, compared with 0.3% job growth nationally. Education and Health Services saw the largest annual gain, adding more than 16,700 jobs, while Construction added more than 7,600 jobs.
DEED Deputy Commissioner Kevin McKinnon said the latest report shows encouraging progress despite ongoing economic challenges. Labor Market Information Director Angelina Nguyen said it was positive to see improvements in unemployment and job growth, though wage growth and labor force participation remain concerns.
Minnesota’s labor force participation rate fell two-tenths of a percentage point to 67.2% in May but remained well above the national rate of 61.8%.
