The gap between the Nevada and U.S. unemployment rates has narrowed significantly in 2017.
CARSON CITY — Nevada’s unemployment rate fell slightly to a seasonally adjusted 4.7 percent in April, the 67th straight month of year-over-year declines of 1 percent or more.
“I’m very pleased by the Silver State’s strong job figures for April, which represent the second strongest gain during the recovery period,” Governor Brian Sandoval said in a press release. “But I’m even more impressed by the consistent, sustainable, and diversified job growth that has unfolded across the state of Nevada. For instance, through the first four months of the year, jobs are up in excess of 40,000 relative to a year ago, across all industries.”
Nevada was expected to add 5,700 jobs in April, based upon historical trends, but actually added 17,000 to payrolls, resulting in the seasonally-adjusted gain of 11,300 over the month and 46,200 over the year, said Bill Anderson, chief economist for Nevada’s Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation.
“April brought more positive news as all indicators point to continued success in Nevada’s economy,” Anderson said. “Employers are showing confidence by adding jobs across all sectors. As previously reported, we are confident that the next few years will continue to show strong growth in Nevada’s labor market.”
KEY POINTS
• Employment in the professional and business services sector is projected to grow by 44,300 or 29 percent by 2024.
• 14,700 jobs were created by new (opening) establishments in the third quarter of 2016, the highest number since the end of 2004.
• Nevada has seen a 56 percent decline in the number of initial claims for unemployment benefits since 2010, compared to a 48 percent decline nationwide.
