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SALT LAKE CITY — The Beehive State's job market continues to be among the best in the country, according to new data.
The state Department of Workforce Services reported Friday that Utah’s nonfarm payroll employment for September 2017 grew by an estimated 2.4 percent over the past 12 months, adding 35,100 jobs to the economy year over year. Statewide, nearly 1.5 million Utahns are considered gainfully employed.
The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate declined one-tenth of a percent from the month before to register at 3.4 percent. For the period, approximately 53,800 Utahns were considered unemployed and actively seeking work. Nationally, the jobless rate dropped two-tenths of a percent from August to register at 4.2 percent.
Private sector employment in Utah rose 2.6 percent year over year, adding 31,000 new jobs. All but two of 10 private sector industry groups measured in the establishment survey reported net employment gains for September compared to the same period last year. While natural resources and mining lost 500 positions and the information industry shed 1,700 positions, the largest private sector job gains were in professional and business services — adding 8,800 jobs; trade, transportation and utilities — which added new 6,400 positions; and construction — increasing by 4,700 jobs.
The greatest job growth was reported in construction — up 5 percent; professional and business services — up 4.3 percent; and other services — up 4 percent.
“Utah’s labor market continues to expand, despite losing some momentum in the latter half of the year,” said DWS chief economist Carrie Mayne. “Employers continue to add to their payrolls, with monthly expansion averaging 43,700 thus far in 2017.” Email: jlee@deseretnews.com Twitter: JasenLee1
