(The Center Square) — Employment in Louisiana has not only shown a monthly rise but a yearly rise as the state enters its 47 consecutive months of employment growth.
Seasonally adjusted data for Shreveport shows 169,600 jobs total with the city adding 200 jobs since January. Shreveport has gained 2,300 jobs since February of last year.
Reported data shows seasonally adjusted non-farm employment in the state as of February is 1.9 million jobs, a 2,900 increase from January. When looking at employment from February of last year, non-farm employment increased by 19,600 jobs.
“Louisiana’s job growth continues to demonstrate the strength of our workforce and economy,” LWC Secretary Susana Schowen said in a news release. “With 47 consecutive months of over-the-year gains in nonfarm employment, we are seeing steady progress that reflects the commitment of our employers and workers. We remain focused on expanding opportunities and ensuring that all Louisianans have access to quality jobs that support their success and our state’s growth.”
Private sector seasonally adjusted employment is sitting a bit lower, but not by much at 1.6 million as of February. Total jobs increased by 2,700 since January and by 16,200 since February of last year.
The total seasonally adjusted employed individuals for February is 1.9 million, a slight decrease since January.
Three industries that showed the largest yearly employment gain were private education and health services, leisure and hospitality, and manufacturing. Private education gained 7,400 in the past year. The leisure and hospitality industry saw a gain of 4,100 and manufacturing gained 3,700 jobs.
While the state is continuously gaining employment, records also indicate urban employment growth in Louisiana. Baton Rouge gained 4,500 jobs since February last year. Shreveport gained 2,300 jobs, and New Orleans gained 7,600 jobs. Many cities showed significant changes, while some, like Alexandria, showed no change since last year however they did lose 200 jobs from January. Houma also lost jobs — 200 in January and 500 since February of last year.
Unemployment numbers are slightly decreasing, as recent reports show unemployment decreased by 1,966 since January. However, when looking at the past year, seasonally adjusted unemployment increased by 5,315.
