Advancements in Minnesota's Workforce
Across Minnesota’s regions, labor market blogs highlight key trends shaping local economies: Central Minnesota’s Transportation & Warehousing sector reached record-high employment, while the Twin Cities Metro continues to diversify with over one-fifth of jobs held by workers identifying as non-white. Meanwhile, other regions spotlight shifting dynamics—ranging from wage growth potential in Northeast, a softer labor market in Northwest, and education-to-career connections in the Southeast and Southwest - underscoring both challenges and opportunities for workers and employers statewide. In addition, the new Job Search Experience Survey shows that it is getting harder for workers to find jobs compared to last year. For more local information on any of these topics, please reach out to your Regional Analyst!
The pandemic laid bare just how dependent our lives are on logistics. Whether it's the movement of goods across the country or the last-mile delivery to your doorstep, the Transportation & Warehousing sector, long operating behind the scenes, has become one of the most visible and critical components of the modern economy. By the end of last year, the Transportation & Warehousing sector hit a new all-time employment high in the region, with just under 10,250 jobs.
The Seven-County Twin Cities Metro Area has a diverse workforce and it is evolving even more with time. According to the Census Bureau's Quarterly Workforce Indicators (QWI) program, the Metro Area had over 1.8 million jobs in 2024. Of these total jobs, more than one-fifth (21.6%) were held by persons reporting as a race other than white. Additionally, 6.6% of the region's total jobs were held by persons reporting Hispanic or Latino origins.
Career advancement potential, tenure and union membership are only a few pieces of the wage distribution puzzle. They tell the story well for some occupational groups, and explain less in others. However, knowing what the typical wage growth potential is within a given field can be a useful piece of information for jobseekers and employers alike.
recent data on jobs and UI continuing claims suggest the Northwest labor market has recently softened more than before the pandemic, reflecting a broader national trend. While unemployment remains historically low, the underlying dynamics have shifted significantly. Job seekers face a more challenging environment with longer search periods and fewer opportunities, even as employers maintain their existing workforce.
It's that time of year again – back to school season! Whether you're in high school thinking about college or your future career, pursuing higher education or considering a return to school after a break, making informed decisions about your education is crucial, as these choices can significantly impact your future career outcomes and earnings.
With another school year about to start, workforce development professionals might be curious about what happens to past students. The Minnesota Statewide Longitudinal Education Data System (SLEDS) links student data from pre-kindergarten through postsecondary education and into the workforce, providing a comprehensive view of how education connects to career outcomes.
Job Search Experience Survey Results:
Most Minnesota workforce development professionals surveyed say it is harder for job seekers to find employment compared to last year
A total of 310 DEED staff, Local Area staff and workforce development partner staff who work directly with job seekers completed the Job Search Experience survey that closed July 31, 2025.
Some highlights: 59% of respondents who have worked with job seekers for at least the past year say it’s harder to find work now than a year ago, 29% say it’s about the same and 12% say it’s easier.
Respondents also say the following about differences in hiring based on occupation:
Considerably harder than a year ago to find work as a:
-
IT and Math Expert (like Software Engineer, IT Support Specialist or Data Analyst)
-
Creative Professional or Media Worker (like Graphic Designer, Writer or Public Relations Specialist)
-
Managers or Leader (like Business Executive, School Principal or Construction Manager)
Considerably easier than a year ago to find work as a:
-
Healthcare Support Worker (like Nursing Assistant or Personal Care Aide)
-
Food Service Worker (like Cook, Server or Bartender)
-
Cleaning and Maintenance Worker (like Janitor, Landscaper and Housekeeper)
September is Workforce Development Month, a time to acknowledge about the professionals who connect people looking for work with the employers who need them throughout Minnesota and across the country.
|
