(KNSI) – Minnesota kicked off the new year with fireworks in the labor market.
The state’s Department of Employment and Economic Development says job growth in the Land of 10,000 Lakes was three times as fast as the national average for January. Payrolls surged by 0.3%, or about 9,600 hirings.
Another bright spot is the labor force participation rate increase, which bumped up one-tenth of a percent to 68.1%. That is nearly six percent higher than the national average.
Eight of 11 sectors logged gains, including education and health services, professional and business services, and construction. Manufacturing and government shed between 100 and 300 positions.
Officials warn that the economy has likely cooled off in the past couple of months due to public sector firings and concerns over tariffs. DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek says, “As we all confront an economic outlook that is much more uncertain, we are fortunate do so from a foundation of strength. At DEED will continue to work hard to grow our labor force, connect workers to good jobs and help businesses take root and grow here in Minnesota.”
Over the past year, St. Cloud has added 1,200 jobs on a nonseasonally adjusted basis, a change of 1.1%. That’s slightly higher than the Twin Cities and Duluth metro areas. It trails Rochester, where the Mayo Clinic is expanding and redesigning its main campus.
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