Minnesota’s unemployment rate ticked up one-tenth of a percentage point to 4.5% in September 2026, and the labor force participation dropped by one-tenth of a percentage point to 66.7%, compared to the national rate of 61.8%.
“The biggest jobs gain was seen in manufacturing, a notable highlight since October is Manufacturing Month,” said DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek. “Manufacturing is a critical sector in Minnesota and contributed $61 billion to the state economy last year. With more than 92,000 projected job openings through 2034, manufacturing remains a reliable pathway to family-sustaining careers in Minnesota.”
September 2026 – Unemployment
Year-over-year/Month-over-month comparison
- +0.1% from August 2026
- +0.4% from September 2025
Minnesota’s unemployment rate ticked up one-tenth of a percentage point to 4.5% in September 2026, and the labor force participation dropped by one-tenth of a percentage point to 66.7%, compared to the national rate of 61.8%.
*Data from US Bureau of Labor Statistics
September 2026 – Jobs Gained
Jobs Gained & Industries Affected
- 1,600 Manufacturing
- 1,100 Construction
- 1,000 Leisure & Hospitality
- 400 Government
- 300 Financial Activities
“Each month we analyze labor market indicators from both an over-the-month and over-the-year perspective to help paint a picture of how Minnesota’s economy is doing,” said Angelina Nguyen, DEED Labor Market Information Director. “If we look at over-the-year numbers, Minnesota continues to outperform national trends. This is the ninth month in a row we’re seeing an unemployment rate higher than the national one. We will keep an eye on this metric, especially at annual data revision in early 2027.”
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