Local jobs picture gets boost from manufacturing, construction in May

Unemployment in Cedar Rapids dropped to 5.6 percent in May, as manufacturing gained 500 jobs and constuction gained nearly 600 jobs.

The May unemployment rate was a significant reduction from April's unemployment rate of 6 percent. Total employment in the Cedar Rapids metro area was up by 2,400 fro April to 140,800. The number of unemployed workers fell to 8,500 from 9,000.

The monthly statistics are not seasonally adjusted.

Manufacturing employment in Cedar Rapids is now up 600 jobs from a year ago, but has not gained as much in the Cedar Rapids job market as the strongest sector - trade and transportation. That sector has gained 1,300 jobs year-over-year.

The Iowa City jobless rate fell slightly to 4.2 percent from April's 4.3 percent, according to Iowa Workforce Development. The biggest job gains for the month were 600 each in the goods-producing sector and service-providing sector.

The key government employment sector in the Iowa City job market was up 400 from one year ago. Professional and business services had the highest year-over-year improvement of 600, while leisure and hospitality lost 100 jobs.