Montana jobless rate down, Hi-Line rate plunges

Montana's unemployment rate fell slightly to at 5.5 percent in April, down by 0.1 percentage points from March.

The national rate decreased by the same amount, but remains much higher than Montana's unemployment at 7.5 percent.

With the advent of warmer weather, the jobless rate on the Hi-Line took a steep decline in April.

"After a slow start in the first quarter, Montana's employment growth is back on the right track this month, adding about 660 jobs," said Labor Commissioner Pam Bucy. "Montana's unemployment rate continues to fall, and is now within the range that economists consider normal unemployment. Further, Montana wage growth last year was strong, suggesting a higher standard of living for Montanans and stronger employment growth in future months."

Total employment estimates suggest a small job gain of 660 jobs, which is slightly less than last year's average monthly job gain, but a marked improvement of the employment losses in the first quarter. Payroll employment estimates were flat for the month with minor Retail job losses offsetting gains in other industries.

Montana's average wage increased by 3.6% during 2012, with payroll employment growth of 1.8 percent, according to preliminary data from the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW). This employment and wage growth are the highest growth since 2007 and similar to the economic growth experienced in the early 2000s. Montana's average annual wage was $37,100 in 2012, up from $35,800 in 2011. Oil and gas extraction, healthcare and accommodation and food services all experienced rapid employment growth in 2012, while Construction employment stabilized.

Along the Hi-Line:

• Hill County's rate declined from 6.2 to 5.7 percent. A total of 488 people were out of work.
• Blaine County's jobless rate fell from 6.6 percent to 5.8 percent.
• There was a decrease in Chouteau County from 4.6 percent to 3.8 percent.
• Liberty County saw a decrease from 5.4 percent to 4.6 percent.