Minnesota posts third straight month of job growth
Minnesota added 13,200 jobs in June 2026, marking the state's third straight month of job growth, state officials reported.[1]
The statewide unemployment rate held at 4.4% in June, compared with a 4.2% national rate.[1] Educational and health services added 7,800 jobs while professional and business services added 3,500 and manufacturing added 2,800.[1] Leisure and hospitality added 2,700 jobs, while trade, transportation and utilities lost 2,000 and government lost 1,400.[1] Department of Employment and Economic Development officials say labor-force participation and wage growth remain in decline despite the new hires.[1] Gov. Tim Walz called the numbers evidence of Minnesota's broader economic recovery and credited state investments in workforce and small businesses.[1]
The state reported job gains in the two months before June, giving Minnesota a three-month streak of hiring that officials say reflects recent policy choices.[1] Officials warn, however, that falling labor-force participation and slow wage growth could limit how broadly those gains are felt across the economy.[1]
State leaders said they will keep monitoring payrolls, participation and wages to determine whether the uptick turns into sustained growth for Minnesota workers.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- Minnesota added 13,200 jobs in June 2026, the third straight month of growth.
- The statewide unemployment rate held at 4.4% in June, compared with a 4.2% national rate.
- Educational and health services added 7,800 jobs, professional and business services 3,500, manufacturing 2,800, and leisure and hospitality 2,700, while trade/transportation/utilities lost 2,000 and government lost 1,400 jobs.
- DEED officials say labor-force participation and wage growth are still declining despite the job gains.
- Gov. Tim Walz framed the results as evidence of Minnesota’s broader economic recovery and state-level investments in workforce and small businesses.
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