Michigan adds 27,000 jobs in Fiscal Year 2024
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer attributed the job growth to the hard work of Michiganders and her administration’s focus on economic development.
Michigan added 27,000 jobs in Fiscal Year 2024, according to data released Wednesday by Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s office. The growth highlights the strength of the state’s economy, bolstered by gains in the construction and manufacturing sectors.
The construction sector led the way with a 6.6% increase in jobs, adding 13,000 new positions. This brings the total number of Michiganders employed in construction to over 200,000, a level not seen in more than two decades.
Whitmer attributed the job growth to the hard work of Michiganders and her administration’s focus on economic development.
“Michiganders are rolling up their sleeves to build more homes, fix the damn roads, and drive our economy forward,” she said.
The state’s unemployment rate remains low at 4.5%, and the labor force participation rate has risen to 62%, its highest level since 2009. This indicates that more Michiganders are entering the workforce and contributing to the state’s economic growth.
Wages are also on the rise, with average hourly wages for manufacturing workers increasing by 5% since last September, double the rate of inflation.
Governor Whitmer highlighted several key initiatives her administration has undertaken to bolster the economy, including:
* Focusing on attracting supply chains in key sectors like cars, chips, and clean energy.
* Securing funding for the Make it in Michigan Fund to attract advanced manufacturing projects.
* Establishing the Growing Michigan Together Council to develop a plan for population growth.
* Investing in Michigan’s economy, including infrastructure, workforce development, and clean energy.
The governor expressed confidence in the state’s future economic prospects.
“Together, we will continue helping entrepreneurs invest and expand in Michigan, lower costs on the kitchen-table priorities for working families, and help our workers get the education and skills they need to get even better-paying jobs. Let’s keep our foot on the accelerator and build a brighter future,” she said.
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