The Free Press, Mankato, MN

Local News

July 21, 2011

Mankato area job numbers grew 1.4 in a year

By Tim Krohn The Free Press

MANKATO — Greater Mankato job numbers grew 1.4 percent over a year earlier, even as the local government sector shed nearly 4 percent of its workforce.

Blue Earth and Nicollet counties had 53,262 non-farm jobs in June compared to 52,506 a year earlier. Jobs increased 2.5 percent from May to June of this year.

The government sector had 350 fewer jobs compared to last year.

The private sector saw the most job growth in the goods-producing area with less growth in the service-providing arena.

Despite job growth, workers are on average being paid less and working fewer hours than a year ago.

Average earnings in June were $22.63 per hour, down from $23.21 a year earlier. Average hours worked were 32.76 hours a week in June compared to 35 hours a year ago.

The St. Cloud area saw 1.2 percent year-over-year job growth in June, while Rochester increased 2.7 percent.

More detailed data, including the local unemployment rates, will be released later by the Department of Employment and Economic Development.

DEED did release Minnesota’s unemployment rate, which remained relatively steady again in June after adding 13,200 jobs.

State labor officials say the jobless rate rose 0.1 percent to 6.7 percent, better than the national rate of 9.2 percent. Officials say the gain in jobs is very good news, but that it will take long-term, sustained job growth to impact the state’s unemployment rate.

Leisure and hospitality led all sectors in job growth, adding 8,000 jobs. Other big gains occurred in trade, transportation, utilities, education, health services and government.

The biggest June job losses occurred in construction (down 2,200) followed by professional and business services (1,200).

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