The number of employed Utahns for February 2018 grew by an estimated 3.2 percent, adding 45,700 non-farm payroll jobs to the economy since February 2017.Chief Economist Carrie Mayne of the Department of Workforce Services noted nearly all job sectors, including natural resources, were either flat or increased by as much as 7.5 percent.
“So that means all different facets of our economy need workers so, despite whatever your skill set is, you’re likely going to find an opportunity for employment. So that’s good for job seekers,” she said.
Mayne said February's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained unchanged from the prior month at 3.1 percent. She says seeing steady unemployment can be a sign of a growing economy.
“And in fact, our labor force, the number of people participating in work in Utah; either looking or employed, is growing," Mayne said. "So we’re growing it and we’re absorbing those people that are entering the workforce by getting them jobs.”
About 48,600 Utahns were unemployed and/or actively seeking work during the month.