Rochester, MN – Recent employment data highlights a moderate slowdown in job growth within the Rochester area, although it continues to outperform other regions in Minnesota significantly. According to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, Rochester has gained over 5,750 jobs in the past year, leading to an annual growth rate of 4.5%. This compares to a slightly higher growth rate of around 5% from the previous month, following the addition of nearly 6,400 jobs over the preceding year.
In contrast, other Minnesota metro areas are experiencing much lower job growth rates. The Twin Cities reported an addition of nearly 15,900 jobs, resulting in a growth rate of just 0.8% for the same period. Meanwhile, Mankato, St. Cloud, and Duluth registered even smaller increments, with growth rates of 0.4%, 0.3%, and 0.1%, respectively.
On a broader scale, Minnesota witnessed an annual statewide job growth rate of 1.3%, equating to approximately 40,200 new jobs over the past year. Comparatively, the national job growth rate stood at 1.1%. Additionally, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Minnesota saw a slight increase of a tenth of a point from April to May, despite a net job gain of around 6,600 positions. Notably, the state’s labor force grew by about 2,300 individuals, with a stable labor force participation rate maintained at 68.2%.
This ongoing job growth in Rochester signals a resilient local economy, even as other areas face challenges. The community continues to thrive and adapt in the current job market, fostering a hopeful environment for job seekers and businesses alike.