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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, September 7, 2018
CONTACT: DWD Communications, 608-266-2722
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BLS Data: Quarterly Jobs Report Reinforces Strong Wisconsin Economy as Total Wages Grow Across All Industry Sectors

Data shows WI ranks 10th in the nation for number of manufacturing jobs added year over year

MADISON – Today, Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Secretary Ray Allen released the following statement on the United States Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) release of Quarterly Census of Employment and Wage data for the first quarter of 2018. The data showed strong total wage growth across all industry sectors, that Wisconsin ranks in the top half of states in the number of private sector jobs added from March 2017 to March 2018, 8th in construction employment growth nationally and 12th nationally in percent growth of private sector average weekly wage year over year.

"With an economy at near-full employment, Wisconsin continues to add jobs and is experiencing wage growth across all industry sectors in terms of total wages," Secretary Allen said. "Our family supporting industry sectors such as construction and manufacturing continue to perform well compared to other states, and with mega-projects on the horizon, these industries are poised to grow and continue to provide additional employment opportunities to individuals across the state. The most recent quarterly job report shows a strong Wisconsin economy, having added private sector jobs for the 29th straight quarter year over year under Governor Walker."

Other highlights of the BLS release include:

• Wisconsin ranked 8th nationally in percent job growth in jobs in the construction sector year over year (March 2017-March 2018)
• Wisconsin ranked 10th nationally in the number of manufacturing jobs added year over year
• Wisconsin ranked 12th nationally in percent increase in average weekly wage or the private sector year over year
• Wisconsin ranked 24th in number of private sector jobs added year over year
• Wisconsin ranked 20th nationally in year over year job growth in the Education and Health sector
• Total wages in Wisconsin's private sector grew by 5.4 percent, 9 percent in the construction sector, and 3 percent in the manufacturing sector
• Wisconsin ranked 15th nationally in the number of jobs added on the construction sector year over year

Additionally, the most recent monthly (July 2018) state by state rankings showed Wisconsin ranked in the top 10 among states in numerous measurements:

• Wisconsin ranked 6th nationally percent growth in the states manufacturing industry over the last three months
• Wisconsin ranked 9th nationally in percent growth in the state's manufacturing industry over the last six months
• Wisconsin ranked 5th nationally in percent growth in the state's manufacturing industry from July 2017 through July 2018, and 2nd in the Midwest
• Wisconsin ranked 5th nationally in percent growth in the state's manufacturing industry in 2018
• Wisconsin's addition of 2,500 manufacturing jobs in July ranked 3rd nationally, and 2nd in the Midwest
• Wisconsin's manufacturing job gains over the last three months ranked 2nd nationally
• Wisconsin's manufacturing job gains over the last six months ranked 2nd nationally
• Wisconsin's addition of 21,300 manufacturing jobs from July 2017 through July 2018 ranked 2nd nationally, and 1st in the Midwest
• Wisconsin's addition of 15,700 manufacturing jobs in 2018 ranked 2nd nationally
• Wisconsin's addition of 9,100 private-sector jobs in July ranked 8th nationally, and 1st in the Midwest
• Wisconsin's percent growth in private sector jobs in July ranked 7th nationally, and 1st in the Midwest
• Wisconsin's July unemployment rate of 2.9 percent tied for 7th lowest nationally
• Wisconsin's labor force participation rate of 68.9 percent tied for 5th highest nationally

Other indicators of the state of Wisconsin's economy include:

• Initial UI claims ended 2017 at their lowest level in the last 30 years.
• Continuing unemployment claims ended 2017 at their lowest level since 1973.
• Moody's Investor Service recently upgraded the state's credit rating, noting that "(T)he stable outlook reflects the expectation that the state will experience moderate economic growth and will continue its prudent fiscal management practices."

Data can be accessed on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website.