SALT LAKE CITY — Utah’s economy continued its steady climb in May with a year-over-year job growth rate of 2.5%, adding an estimated 42,900 nonfarm payroll jobs since May 2024. But the state’s unemployment rate inched up to 3.2%—up from 3.1% the month before, according to the Department of Workforce Services.
Chief Economist Ben Crabb said Utah’s private sector is driving most of the employment gains.
“While the unemployment rate saw a slight increase, the state’s economy remains robust,” Crabb said in Friday’s report.
Private sector job growth was up 2.3% year-over-year, accounting for 33,400 new jobs. The biggest gains came from education and health services (up 18,000 jobs), construction (up 7,800), and manufacturing (up 3,200). The trade, transportation and utilities sector lost 3,100 jobs, and other services dropped by 1,200.
The statewide job total now stands at approximately 1,786,000.
County-level data released by the Department of Workforce Services showed relatively modest job growth in Northern Utah. Cache County reported a 0.6% increase in employment over the past year, adding just over 400 jobs. Box Elder County saw a slight dip of 0.2%, while Weber County posted a 2.3% gain.
The national unemployment rate held steady in May at 4.2%, meaning Utah continues to outperform the country in both employment growth and joblessness.
Full county-by-county job numbers are expected to be posted by June 23.