Montana’s unemployment rate at 4.1 percent
Hey savvy news reader! Thanks for choosing local.
You are now reading
1 of 3 free articles.
News from the Office of the Governor
HELENA – Montana’s unemployment rate rose slightly in August to 4.1 percent, an increase of 0.1 percentage points. The U.S. unemployment rate edged down to 5.1 percent, a 0.2 percentage point decline.
“Montana’s economy continues to show strength after a rapid expansion early in the year,” Governor Steve Bullock said. “Job growth continues to be well above average, with 10,700 more jobs than this time last year.”
“With the unemployment rate around four percent, workers should expect to see wages grow,” said Labor Commissioner, Pam Bucy. “Our workforce education and training systems continue their efforts to provide qualified, hard-working employees for Montana’s economy.”
Both total employment and payroll employment levels showed little change over the month. Payroll employment added 700 jobs over the month, with the strongest job gains within the Leisure and Hospitality industry. Total employment estimates, which include agricultural and self-employed workers along with payroll workers, indicate a statistically insignificant loss of 568 jobs. Employment growth during 2015 remains quite strong, with a 2.2 percent increase in employment over the last year compared to the long-term average of about 1 percent. The labor force expanded slightly by 46 workers over the month.
