Minnesota employers added 7,200 jobs in June, according to figures released by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development...the first monthly gain in four months.
                     
The state unemployment rate was a seasonally adjusted 5.6 percent for the third straight month, remaining well below the U.S. unemployment rate of 8.2 percent in June.

DEED spokesman Monte Hanson said Minnesota continues to produce jobs at a steady pace, despite a labor market that has been somewhat uneven in recent months. Hanson said the state is outperforming the country in several key sectors, including construction.

Hanson said last month's gains ended a streak of three consecutive months of job losses in the state, including May, which was revised from 900 jobs lost to 4,700 jobs lost.

Over the past year, however, the state has gained 35,000 jobs, a growth rate of 1.3 percent, which matches the U.S. rate during that period.