Indiana April Employment Report Shows Employment Holding Steady

Indiana’s unemployment rate in April remained unchanged from the previous month, holding steady at 2.2%, according to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD). By comparison, the national unemployment rate in April stood at 3.6%, also remaining stable from March.

In addition, Indiana’s labor force participation rate rose again, from 62.4% in March to 62.6% in April, surpassing the national rate of 62.2%. Indiana’s total labor force, which includes both Hoosiers employed and those seeking employment, stands at 3,347,813—an increase of 15,383 from the previous month.

“We continue to be encouraged by the increasing number of Hoosiers who are re-entering the workforce,” DWD Commissioner Fred Payne said. “With unemployment sitting at its lowest point in a generation, it’s a great time to take advantage of the job opportunities that are available.”

Private sector employment in Indiana decreased by 3,000 jobs over the last month, translating to a gain of 98,500 jobs from this time last year. Total private employment now stands at 2,751,700. Industries that experienced job increases in April included:

• Manufacturing (+1,600)
• Private Educational & Health Services (+1,100)
• Financial Activities (+700)
• Trade, Transportation & Utilities (+300)

Currently, there are 161,513 open job postings throughout the state. The number of people in Indiana that received unemployment benefits during April was 20,917.