More good news: Utah tops nation for job growth

Utah’s employment statistics continue to make news — good news.

When April’s numbers came in, the state ranked No. 1 in the nation for job growth at 3.4 percent. Nevada and Idaho tied for second place at 3.1 percent. Utah also ranked first in private-sector job growth at 3.7 percent, ahead of 3.4 percent in Texas.

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“Utah’s monthly labor market indicators continue to impress. The state’s economic strength reflects not only an expansionary national economic climate, but also foundational state policy decisions designed to harness the power of market forces,” said Phil Dean, chief economist of the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget. “Maintaining a competitive tax and regulatory environment while focusing on efficiently providing key services, such as educating our workforce and maintaining infrastructure, will allow the private sector to continue to flourish for decades to come.”

Utah’s unemployment rate remained at 3.1 percent, unchanged from March and ranked 11th in the nation. The Department of Workforce Services said that 48,600 Utahns are still actively looking for a job. The national unemployment rate decreased slightly to 3.9 percent in April.

Job growth in the Beehive State sits at 49,400 new jobs since last April, meaning 1,510,800 people are holding down jobs. 

“Healthy expansion continues to be the theme driving Utah’s economy,” said Carrie Mayne, chief economist at DWS. “The sustained combination of strong job growth and low unemployment indicates Utah’s labor market is operating at an optimal level.”

Utah’s private-sector employment grew by 3.7 percent year-over-year with the addition of 45,300 positions. Eight of the 10 private-sector industry groups measured in the establishment survey posted net job increases in April, while natural resources and mining lost 200 jobs and other services lost 600 jobs. 

The largest private-sector employment increases were in trade, transportation, and utilities (11,600 jobs); professional and business services (9,100 jobs); and construction (7,100 jobs). The fastest employment growth occurred in construction (7.5 percent), leisure and hospitality (4.8 percent) and professional and business services (4.5 percent).{/mprestriction}