Minnesota’s unemployment rate rose slightly from May to June, while the labor force participation rate dropped, according to DEED. The state lost 3,200 jobs in June, with the private sector down 3,300 jobs. Despite this, Minnesota added jobs in eight of the last 12 months and continues to have one of the highest labor force participation rates in the U.S.
DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek noted job growth is limited by a lack of skilled workers, emphasizing DEED’s initiatives like Drive for 5 and Clean Economy Equitable Workforce to connect job seekers with in-demand skills.
“Minnesota’s job growth is positive year-over-year, and wages are growing faster than inflation,” said DEED’s Labor Market Information Director Angelina Nguyễn.