ST. PAUL, Minn. (Northern News Now) – The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has released new data showing the state’s continued job growth.

According to DEED, the state added 6,300 jobs in September.

DEED officials say they are focused on high-growth sectors when it comes to future job production.

While the state‘s unemployment rate slightly increased to 3.4% last month, it is lower than the national average which sits at 4.1%.

Minnesota’s labor force participation rate held on at 67.7%, making it one of the highest in the country.

According to DEED, the state gained 37,566 jobs over the year, which is up 1.3%.

However, that is slightly slower than the national rate of 1.5%.

“This was another strong month for Minnesota’s jobs market,” said DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek. “With ongoing job growth, low unemployment, wages outpacing inflation, and high labor force participation, plus surging exports and record business expansions, the Minnesota economy is robust entering the final quarter of the year – even as we partner with the business community, higher education, nonprofits, and others to address challenges including the ongoing workforce shortage.”

Supersectors That Added Jobs in September:

• Government: 3,600 jobs
• Professional & Business Services: 2,300 jobs
• Education & Health Services: 1,600 jobs
• Trade, Transportation and Utilities: 1,200 jobs

Supersectors That Lost Jobs in September:

• Financial Activities: 700 jobs
• Information: 600 jobs
• Other Services: 600 jobs
• Manufacturing: 500 jobs

Since October is Manufacturing Month and National Disability Employment Awareness Month, the agency is working to strengthen the industry as it is a critical backbone to the state.

DEED projects that there will be more than 93,000 job openings for manufacturing production positions through 2032.

Leaders also hope to increase the number of skilled and work-ready Minnesotans from all communities in the labor force.

DEED officials say that wages have continued to grow significantly faster than inflation.

On average, the private sector hourly wage rose to $38.00 in September.

Over-the-year average hourly earnings increased by $1.79, up 4.9% in the state.

This is more than twice the rate of inflation at 2.4%.

“It’s positive to see ongoing strong wage growth in Minnesota that continues to outpace inflation,” said Labor Market Information Director Angelina Nguyen. “This is critical for our efforts to attract workers to Minnesota and address the ongoing workforce shortage from a variety of angles.”

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