February’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained unchanged from January’s rate of 3.4 percent. Approximately 50,100 Utahns were unemployed in the month and actively seeking work. The national unemployment rate also remained unchanged from January at 4.9 percent.
“The labor market in our state continues to grow and support economic prosperity,” said Carrie Mayne, chief economist at DWS. “With the addition of more than 44,000 jobs, Utah’s businesses continue to provide opportunity for job seekers who have the skills needed in today’s labor markets.”
Eight of the 10 private sector industry groups measured in the establishment survey posted net job increases in February as compared to last year, while the natural resources and mining industry lost 1,600 positions and other services lost 700 jobs.
The largest private sector employment increases were in education and health services (9.700 jobs); trade, transportation and utilities (8,700 jobs); and leisure and hospitality (8,300 jobs). The fastest employment growth occurred in leisure and hospitality (6.4 percent), financial activities (5.9 percent) and construction (5.8 percent).
