May employment trends for 2025 saw Minnesota’s unemployment increase to 3.3% and the labor force participation rate remained steady at 68.2%, compared to the national rate of 62.4%.
“May was another good month for Minnesota’s job market, with employment growth much stronger than the nation as a whole,” said DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek. “We’re grateful to the Governor and Legislature for adopting a new budget that will enable us to drive continued progress, with new flexibility for the Minnesota Forward Fund, the continuation of our Drive for 5 campaign to provide workforce training in high-demand fields and new funding to support Minnesota’s public service workforce.”
May 2025 – Unemployment
Year over year/Month over month comparison
- +0.1% from April 2025
- +0.2% from May 2024
Minnesota’s unemployment rate increased by one-tenth of a percentage point to 3.3%, staying below the national rate of 4.2%, which remained steady. The state’s labor force participation rate also remained steady at 68.2%, compared to the national rate of 62.4%.
*Data from US Bureau of Labor Statistics
May 2025 – Jobs Gained
Gained Jobs & Industries Affected
- 3,800 Education & Health
- 2,500 Trade & Utilities
- 2,100 Hospitality
- 900 Manufacturing
- 500 Other Services
“Overall, May was a good month for Minnesota’s steadily growing job market,” said DEED Labor Market Information Director Angelina Nguyen. “We are pleased to see growth faster than the national average this month as we continue adding workers and jobs.”
Key News & Trends
- Minnesota adds a net 6,600 jobs in May, unemployment rate at 3.3% | Pioneer Press Learn More
- U.S. added 139,000 jobs in May as the labor market steadily cools | NBC News Learn More
- Minnesota WARN Notices and What They Signal for the Job Market in 2025 | Versique Learn More
