Utah’s nonfarm payroll employment for January 2019 grew by an estimated 3.2 percent, adding 47,600 jobs to the economy since January 2018. Utah’s current employment level registers 1,526,600. December’s job growth rate was revised downward three-tenths to 2.8 percent.
January’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate declined one-tenth of a percentage point from the prior month to 3.1 percent. Approximately 49,400 Utahns were unemployed during the month and actively seeking work. The national unemployment rate increased one-tenth of a percentage point from last month to 4.0 percent.
Our state has started 2019 on solid economic footing with job growth remaining in line with our long run average,” reported Carrie Mayne, Chief Economist at the Department of Workforce Services. “Job seekers are also faring well, with unemployment holding at a low level.”
Utah’s private sector employment grew by 3.5 percent year-over with the addition of 43,600 positions. All 10 of the private sector industry groups measured in the establishment survey posted net job increases in January. The largest private sector employment increases were in Leisure and Hospitality (11,300 jobs); Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (9,100 jobs); and Education and Health Services (5,600 jobs). The fastest employment growth occurred in Information (9.7 percent); Leisure and Hospitality (7.9 percent); and Natural Resources (5.5 percent).
