The Department of Employment and Economic Development is reporting that Minnesota experienced significant job growth and growth to the labor force in January.

The labor force grew by 4,800 people in January which is the biggest monthly gain sinch March of 2024. Despite the growth labor force numbers are still down from pre-pandemic by

St. Paul, MN – Minnesota employers added 9,600 jobs in January, the largest monthly gain since March 2024, and the labor force grew by 4,800 people, according to data released today by the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).

Minnesota’s 0.3% job growth in January was three times faster than the nation as a whole. The state’s unemployment rate is 3.0%, which is steady following revisions to the monthly rate from late 2024. The national unemployment rate is 4.0%. Minnesota has added jobs for six straight months and nine months out of the last 12.

Minnesota’s labor force participation rate increased one-tenth of a percentage point to 68.1% in January, compared to 62.2% nationally.