Utah unemployment stays steady, veteran rate among country's best

While Utah’s unemployment rate remained unchanged — and still among the lowest in the nation — in February at 3.1 percent, new figures released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), showed that the state’s 2017 veteran unemployment rate was 2.9 percent, ranking Utah as one of only 12 states to be below 3 percent.

The number of people employed in Utah has grown by an estimated 3.2 percent in the past year, adding 45,700 jobs to the economy since February 2017. Utah’s current employment level sits at 1,487,800. 

The jobless Utah rate translates to approximately 48,600 Utahns being unemployed during February and actively seeking work. The national unemployment rate remained unchanged from January to February at 4.1 percent.

“Utah has experienced another month of healthy growth with the addition of more than 45,000 jobs by our state’s employers,” said Carrie Mayne, chief economist at the Department of Workforce Services (DWS). “Unemployment continues to hold steady with fewer than 50,000 individuals looking for work during the month of February.”

Utah’s private sector employment grew by 3.5 percent year-over-year with the addition of 42,100 positions. Nine of the 10 private sector industry groups measured in the establishment survey posted net job increases in February, while natural resources and mining remained unchanged from one year ago.

The largest private sector employment increases were in trade, transportation and utilities (10,200 jobs); leisure and hospitality (8,400 jobs); and education and health services (7,000 jobs). The fastest employment growth occurred in construction (7.5 percent); leisure and hospitality (6 percent); and trade, transportation and utilities (3.8 percent).

Veterans labor force statistics are generated from BLS’s monthly Current Population Survey, which reports that the national veteran unemployment rate is 3.7 percent.

“Focusing on veterans has always been a top priority for our department,” said Jon Pierpont, executive director of DWS. “We proudly serve those who have served in the military with several key programs to help them transition into their next job and find a fulfilling career.”

“Our men and women who return home from service are some of the best and brightest in the country. They bring so much to the table with skills, commitment and honor,” said Gary Harter, executive director of the Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs. “Match that with employers who participate in our Utah Patriot Partnership program who understand the value of employing veterans and it is no surprise that we continue to have a low veterans’ unemployment rate.”

DWS works closely with the Department of Veterans and Military Affairs to ensure supportive services are available to all veterans in Utah. These services include specialized workshops, programs that help connect military training skills to private sector occupations and proactive efforts to reach veterans who are currently receiving unemployment insurance.

“Utah’s economy is one of the strongest in the country. People who have skills are definitely capitalizing on our strong economic situation. This is true with our veterans, as well,” said Mayne.