New Mexico’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 5.0 percent in May, unchanged from the previous month and up from 4.8 percent in the same month the previous year, state Workforce Solutions reported Friday.
That compares to a national unemployment rate in May of 3.6 percent, unchanged from April and down from 3.8 percent in May 2018.
Total nonagricultural payroll employment in New Mexico increased by 15,900 jobs, or 1.9 percent, between May 2018 and May 2019, with most gains from the private sector, which was up 15,300 jobs, or 2.3 percent.
Mining and construction — which includes the oil and gas industries — checked in with the biggest gains, adding 5,500 jobs, or 7.6 percent.
Other gains included:
— Professional and business services employment up 3,700 jobs, or 3.5 percent.
— Education and health services increased by 3,600 jobs, or 2.6 percent.
— Leisure and hospitality added 3,500 jobs, or 3.5 percent.
— Financial activities showed a gain of 600 jobs, or 1.8 percent.
— Manufacturing employment was up 400 jobs, or 1.4 percent.
Sectors losing jobs included:
— Trade, transportation, and utilities was down 2,100 jobs, or 1.5 percent.
— Employment in information sector was down 300 jobs, or 2.5 percent.
In the public sector, local government employment grew by 800 jobs, or 0.8 percent. All gains came from local government excluding education, which was up 1.6 percent.
Federal government reported a gain of 500 jobs, or 1.7 percent while state government employment decreased by 700 jobs, or 1.3 percent.
