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Ohio's unemployment rate was 5.2 percent in April, up from 5.1 percent in March.
(Associated Press file photo)
CLEVELAND, Ohio - Ohio's unemployment rate increased to 5.2 percent in April, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services reported Friday.
The state gained 6,400 jobs in April. The unemployment rate in March was 5.1 percent, but the state gained fewer jobs that month. The increase in the unemployment rate could reflect more people looking for jobs because they believe they have a better chance of landing employment.
Despite stronger job gains than in March, when Ohio increased employment by 2,200, George Zeller of Cleveland, an economic research analyst, said there still is reason for concern. The March figure represents an upward revision from the 1,500-job gain ODJFS initially reported last month. Numbers are routinely updated as more information becomes available.
"Ohio's job growth rate between April 2014 and April 2015 was 1.25 percent," he said. "The growth rate for the United States was 2.23 percent. That is the 30th month in a row when Ohio's job growth has been below the national average."
The sectors gaining employment included: manufacturing, up by 5,200 jobs; professional and business services, up by 4,700 and (private) educational and health services, up by 2,700 jobs.
The sectors losing employment, included: local government, down by 3,200 jobs; trade, transportation, and utilities, down by 1,800 jobs and leisure and hospitality, down by 1,300 jobs.
Ohio's jobs report for April - as is customary -- was released two weeks after the national jobs report.
The U.S. had a strong jobs report in April. The unemployment rate was 5.4 percent, and the nation gained 223,000 jobs.
Other highlights from the U.S. report included:
- Professional and business services had the largest gains, adding 62,000 jobs.
- Average hourly earnings rose by 3 cents to $24.87.
- Asians had the lowest unemployment rate at 4.4 percent. Blacks had the highest unemployment rate at 9.6 percent. The jobless rate for whites was 4.7 percent and 6.9 percent for Hispanics.
Ohio's jobs report, like those of most states, doesn't contain such detailed demographic and wage information.
Also see: Ohio's unemployment rate up to 5.2 percent: 5 things you need to know