Unemployed rate holds steady as new jobs created

Utah’s unemployment rate held steady in April at 3.1 percent with about 49,200 Utahns out looking for jobs. By comparison, the national rate decreased one-tenth of a percentage point to 4.4 percent.

Utah’s nonfarm payroll employment for April 2017 grew by an estimated 3.3 percent from the previous year, adding 46,700 jobs to the economy since April 2016. Utah currently has approximately 1,468,700 people employed.

“Utah’s labor market continues to grow at a healthy pace,” said Carrie Mayne, chief economist at the Department of Workforce Services. “New entrants to the state’s labor force continue to be hired by employers who are adding jobs and expanding their economic footprint.”

Eight of the 10 private sector industry groups measured in the establishment survey posted net job increases in April when compared to last year, while the natural resources and mining industry continued to lose jobs, decreasing by 800 positions. The information industry also shed 300 positions.

The largest private sector employment increases were in trade, transportation and utilities (10,700 jobs); professional and business services (9,200 jobs); and education and health services (7,500 jobs).

The fastest employment growth occurred in professional and business services (4.6 percent); leisure and hospitality services (4.2 percent); and trade, transportation and utilities (4.0 percent).