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Friday, June 17, 2016
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BLS Data: Wisconsin Has Nation's Second-Fastest Rate of Private Sector Job Growth in May 2016

Wisconsin's 12-month growth in total non-farm jobs is statistically significant

MADISON – Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Secretary Ray Allen released the following statement in response to new U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) preliminary data showing Wisconsin had the second-fastest rate of private-sector job growth in the nation from April to May 2016:

"Today's report showing Wisconsin outpaced almost every state in the country in the rate of private-sector job growth helps further illustrate that Wisconsin's economy is growing and adding jobs, and that our continued focus must be on developing the workforce to fill employers' need for skilled talent," Secretary Allen said. "Today's ranking, while based on preliminary data, adds to the many indicators showing Wisconsin's economy is headed in the right direction under Governor Walker's leadership."

Highlights of today's BLS release of state-by-state employment and unemployment data for May 2016 include:

• Wisconsin had the nation's second-highest rate of private-sector job growth over the month.
• Wisconsin had the nation's fourth-highest increase in private-sector jobs over the month, which was also statistically significant.
• Wisconsin outpaced all neighboring states in the rate of manufacturing job growth over the month.
• Wisconsin had a statistically significant 12-month increase in total nonfarm jobs.

Other indicators of the state of Wisconsin's economy include:

• Wisconsin had the nation's sixth-highest rate of growth in average weekly private sector wages from December 2014 to December 2015, according to Quarterly Census of Employment & Wages data.
• More people are employed in Wisconsin than ever before in state history.
• The state unemployment rate of 4.2% is a half percentage point below the national rate of 4.7% and is at its lowest point since March 2001.
• Our state's labor force participation rate outpaces the nation's by 6.1 percentage points.
• Year 2016 initial Unemployment Insurance claims are at their lowest levels since 1989.
• Wisconsin was one of only 10 states with an annual average unemployment rate in 2015 lower than 2007, the year that the Great Recession began.
• Today's JobCenterofWisconsin.com count has over 89,000 job postings.

Today's BLS report is available online.