Wisconsin added 9,700 private sector jobs in May as the state’s unemployment rate dropped to 4.2 percent, its lowest level since March 2001, according to the latest report from the state Department of Workforce Development, which compiles data from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The seasonally adjusted report also marked a rebound from April when the state lost 11,500 jobs.
The state added 29,200 private sector jobs during the first five months of the year, according to the BLS data.
“In a month (May) when the nation added only 38,000 jobs, its lowest monthly increase since 2010, it is encouraging that indicators show Wisconsin’s economy continuing to thrive,” said Ray Allen, Department of Workforce Development secretary.
In May, the state gained 12,500 jobs in private service providing industries, including 4,800 jobs in trade, 1,700 in transportation, warehousing and utilities, and 3,300 in leasure and hospitality.
The goods producing sector was down 2,800 jobs, including a loss of 3,200 in construction.
The state lost 4,200 government jobs, including 2,600 at the local level and 1,500 at the state level.
The unemployment rate of 4.2 percent was down from 4.4 percent in April and below the national rate of 4.7 percent.
The labor force participation rate was 68.7 percent, down slightly from April’s 68.8 percent.
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